“No matter the outcome, it’s always an honour to wear the green and gold.”
This was the reaction of Lauretta Hanson after representing Australia in the gruelling women’s world road race championship in Belgium at the weekend.
The 26-year-old Hanson, a professional cyclist who grew up on a farm at Fern Hill and attended Sacred Heart College in Kyneton, always had a burning ambition to represent her country.
She was one of seven Australians in the race over 157.7 kilometres on a tough course at Flanders.
“This was my first time in Europe, and even though a very poorly timed mechanical took me out of the race, it’s an experience I’ll never forget.
“Thank-you to everyone in Australia for your support and to everyone here in Belgium for creating such an incredible atmosphere, “ Hanson posted on Facebook.
“Fortunately, the season isn’t over yet and the fire is burning for one more fight.”
Italian 23-year-old Elisa Balsano became the world champion by holding off highly rated Netherlands rider Marianne Vos in the sprint finish.
After her mechanical setback, Hanson soldiered on and finished in 92nd place, just over nine and a half minutes behind the leading bunch.
