Amanda Spratt has admitted it could be hard to keep her feet on the ground after claiming the Santos Women’s Tour.
The Orica-Scott rider from Penrith secured the title following Tuesday night’s fourth and final stage – a criterium race in Adelaide’s Victoria Park.
Spratt took control of the event after stage one when she grabbed a 19 second advantage over her rivals with a superb solo victory.
And the 29-year-old never gave up the leaders’ jersey, coming home safely in the pack as Kirsten Wild took the stage win after a sprint finish.
Spratt, who was second to team-mate Katrin Garfoot in the recent Australian National Road Race Championships, says she is slightly stunned to have finished on the top step of the podium.
“It’s great to get a tour win, I must say it’s a little bit stressful the general classification business,” she revealed.
“It took a while to get used to it and it is been an interesting experience. Normally I am the one helping the GC leader and try and calm them down, so I have a new appreciation being in this position now.”
Orica sporting director Gene Bates was delighted to have delivered an Australian winner for home fans after the likes of Valentina Scandolara (Italy), Loes Gunnewijk (Netherlands) and Judith Arndt (Germany) had claimed the title in recent years.
“For an Australian team you want to put your best foot forward, it is good for sponsors and the riders are always super motivated to perform well in their home country,” Bates said.