Lisa Brennauer wins Stage 4 of the Aviva Women’s Tour as spectators show their support in the Royston area
Lisa Brennauer celebrates her Stage 4 win of the Aviva Women's Tour after crossing the finish line in Stevenage. - Credit: Archant
People across the Royston area braved the wet weather to watch Stage 4 of the 2015 Aviva Women’s Tour come through North Herts today, with Lisa Brennauer taking the victory and overall lead.
The chasing pack head up Barkway Road in Royston during the fourth stage of the Aviva Women's Tour. Picture: David Hatton. - Credit: Archant
The German just pipped Swede Emma Johnasson as the pair crossed the line at about 12.50pm in Stevenage High Street, having made their way through Barkway, Barley and Royston, as well as tackling Therfield Heath.
The 103.8km route started in Waltham Cross, but the first major action took place in Barkway where points for the first sprint section were decided – Audrey Cordon came through in first, Elise Delzenne was second and Malgorzata Jasinska bagged third.
The peleton make the turn outside The Boars Head pub in Royston during the Aviva Women's Tour. Picture: David Hatton. - Credit: Archant
The second sprint section was in Royston, where overall leader Brennauer showed her class to take the top points, with Jolien D’Hoore in second and Emma Johansson coming third.
The riders then climbed Therfield Heath – the highest point of the course – for Queen of the Mountains points, with Elise Delzenne coming out on top.
Riders head through Royston on Stage 4 of the Aviva Women's Tour 2015. - Credit: Archant
She was followed by Melissa Hoskins, who now holds the QoM polka dot jersey, and Longo Borghini – who soon after made a breakaway with Sabrina Stultiens.
The pair had led through Walkern and into Stevenage, but both riders had to settle for top 10 finishes after being caught with less than 1km to go.
Royston spectactors get in the spirit while waiting to see the cyclists from the Aviva Women's Tour 2015. - Credit: Archant
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Lotta Lepesto claimed third at the Stevenage finish, former leader Christine Majerus took fourth, and Great Britain’s Hannah Barnes was delighted with fifth – where she now features in the overall standings.
Many spectators gathered at The Boars Head pub in Royston to watch the race, and manager Matthew Brazier was pleased to see so many line the streets.
The chasing pack head up Barkway Street in Royston during the fourth stage of the Aviva Women's Tour. Picture: Suzie Strange. - Credit: Archant
He said: “It’s nice to get a bit of a buzz in the town!”
You can watch the action again tonight, with highlights on ITV4 from 8pm.
Crowds gather near to The Boars Head in Royston to watch the Aviva Women's Tour - Credit: Archant
The tour concludes tomorrow when riders head from Marlow to Hemel Hempstead, with Brennauer currently in the lead by nine seconds from the chasing pack.
• Send in your pictures of the tour to news@royston-crow.co.uk.
The Boars Head pub manager Matthew Brazier said he was pleased to see the event create a buzz in Royston. - Credit: Archant
