Great Britain’s Lucy Garner admitted it was mission accomplished after she won the Best British Rider jersey in the inaugural Women’s Tour.
The 19-year-old double junior world champion has enjoyed an impressive few days in the saddle, finishing third in a sprint finish in stage four to move up to seventh overall ahead of Sunday’s final stage.
And with Olympic road race silver medallist and leader of the Best British Rider classification Lizzie Armitstead forced to withdraw due to illness, Garner made sure shed picked up the baton on the final stage, finishing 12th to end up seventh overall.
Dutch world champion Marianne Vos won the final stage – her third successive victory – and with that came the general classification win, but Great Britain Cycling Team rider Garner could not wipe the smile off her face.
“I really wanted to be wearing this so once I knew (Liz) wasn’t doing it that was an aim and to just try and stay where I was in the GC,” she said.
“My aim was to get a top three in a stage so it was nice to get that yesterday. It was just nice to get that opportunity.
“It’s been amazing, every day has been incredible. Going on the podium and everyone is cheering you, it’s such a nice feeling that they are backing you and supporting us.”
Hannah Barnes finished in eighth overall, one place behind Garner with double Olympic champion Dani King in 28th while Sharon Laws won the Queen of the Mountain jersey - awarded for attaining points during designated ‘climb’ sections during each stage of the event.
Laura Trott, who had a heavy crash on stage three, ended 55th overall and crossed the finish line alongside her sister Emma, who is retiring.
© Sportsbeat 2014