Lizzie Armitstead may have fallen short in her quest for a second Olympic medal but the road racer admitted only a miracle could have helped her claim gold on the Copacabana.
The race followed on from the drama of the men’s edition on day one with American Mara Abbott caught within 100m of the line to be pushed into fourth as the Netherlands’ Anna van der Breggen claimed gold.
Emma Johannson of Sweden took silver with Italy’s Elisa Longo Borghini in bronze medal position while Armitstead’s consolation prize of winning the bunch sprint of the chase group was enough for fifth.
“It wasn’t entirely unexpected to be honest,” said the 27-year-old from Otley.
“I knew I would need a near miracle to come away with gold medal on this course so I’m happy. I came up short on the climb. It’s something I’ve been working hard on but that’s sport and what it’s about.
“It’s been a hard time but once I get a number on my back I’m an entirely different person and I was totally focused on doing what I do best."
The London 2012 silver medallist suffered an early mechanical failure but was in contention to challenge for a medal on the final climb before fading behind the lead group. Armitstead’s support group of Emma Pooley and Nikki Harris battled throughout to help their teammate as both faded towards to close.
“I had a puncture right at the foot of the first climb which was unfortunate. But again it’s part of sport and one of those things that happens,” added Armitstead.
“I’m really grateful to the girls. They did a great job and Nikki in particular was a bit of a psychologist on the way.
“It’s the Olympic Games and I’m a sports fan. Team GB are going to have some extraordinary performances and I hope that the nation gets behind the team.”