Australian climber Amanda Spratt rode out of her skin on today’s short 17.8km individual time trial stage at the Simac Ladies Tour to take a special third place finish, her first WorldTour podium finish since 2020.
 
Despite the course being short and predominately flat with more than 20 tight corners, not a typical course or disciplne to suit the 34-year-old’s strengths, Spratt went fastest through the first intermediate time check and then into the hot seat.
 
It was then a waiting game with Spratt unable to believe the result as the final rider, race leader Lorena Wiebes (DSM), crossed the line for fifth place leaving Spratt to secure a podium finish.
 
The performance today also bodes well for the overall, with Spratt moving up to ninth place on the general classification with teammate Ruby Roseman-Gannon into fifth place, after also enjoying a strong performance on the stage for sixth.
 
With tomorrow’s stage a hilly 150km, the classification is still all to play for with the two Team BikeExchange-Jayco riders ready for a hard stage and the opportunity to ride onto the overall podium.
 
Amanda Spratt – Third place
“It is definitely a bit of a shock, it is my first WorldTour podium since my comeback and in the last couple of years, I definitely didn’t think it would be in a time trial. I am shocked but I am very happy, a flat time trial over a short distance with so many corners are not my biggest strength normally but I have been working a lot on my punch and just trying to get that speed back and it showed today.
 
I had really great support from the car and just tried to give it my all and put the power down wherever I could. It gives me confidence and it is nice to see the form building. We’ve had a few stressful, flat days of racing, so to be able to do this at the end of the tour is really promising.”
 
2022 Simac Ladies Tour Results – Stage 5:
1. Audrey Cordon-Ragot 25:15
2. Riejanne Markus +0:04
3. Amanda Spratt +0:11
6. Ruby Roseman-Gannon +0:36

Photo: Getty Images