Hospitalized Aussie Cycling Star Allows 19-Year-Old Dutch Talent to Clinch Triumph at Cadel Evans Race

Every race promises unpredictability in the pulsating realm of cycling. Following a very similar track, the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race brought forward an unexpected tale full of twists and youthful triumphs. The most anticipated athlete for the season was unfortunately forced to watch a 19-year-old cycling prodigy seize the spotlight in the peloton in her absence.

Australian cycling sensation, Amanda Spratt has been recently admitted to the hospital. Her absence was attributed to a kidney stone. And such a sudden unexpected scenario changed the narratives for the young Dutch cyclist, as she became the youngest participant to have ever won the prestigious event of Cadel Evans race.

Amanda Spratt’s absence opens the door for 19-year-old Dutch sensation, Rosita Reijnhout

As Spratt was unable to participate, all she could manage was to witness the race lying on her hospital bed. However, much to her surprise, the 36-year-old witnessed the rise of a teenage prodigy. Rosita Reijnhout looked determined right from the start of the race. She seemed determined to make herself stand out from the rest. However, her domination was not quite visible until the fag end of the race. 

While the race was coming to its business end, Reijnhout, along with Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig from FDJ Suez and Dominika Wlodarczyk from UAE Team ADQ, steered past the others. As the race went on, the gap became wider between the Team Visma rider and others. With merely 4km remaining in the 143 km race, Reijnhout unleashed her solo attack. However, both Ludwig and Wlodarczyk followed her in hot pursuit, until the time ran out. 

The race was so closely fought that no one was sure about who clinched the victory. Reijnhout had to inquire at the finishing line and only after being assured by the officials did she break into a jubilation of her triumph. Speaking of her remarkable success, the teenager stated, “I just went for it… If you don’t try, you don’t know. I don’t believe it.” Reijnhout also revealed that she was highly impressed and drew inspiration from her Olympic champion teammate, Marianne Vos. 

However, even amidst the sonorous cheers of the triumphant, the memory of weather playing spoilsport will still haunt the participants. 

From weather’s whims to Dutch triumph, Cadel Evans Race unveils surprises 

Cadel Evans was indeed dominated by strong contenders this season. But it seems the weather conditions worked in favor of the Dutch cyclist who is accustomed to dealing with strong and unpredictable winds at her coastal home. 

Grace Brown, the teammate of Uttrup Ludwig was the first Australian home to secure a position. She ended the race in 5th position. Another Australian athlete, Lauretta Hanson unfortunately had to retire from the race because of illness. This turned out to be a threat for the Lidl Trek team as they had to let go of Spratt already.

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Amanda Spratt shared on her social media handles that she was indeed disheartened and “disappointed” to miss the race. She stated, “Kidney stone last night kept me very down and out and found myself watching the race from hospital instead of in it”.

Spratt won the race back in 2016 and in 2022 she emerged as the runner-up in the Cadel Evans. Spratt also shared that she is slowly recovering and is already gearing up for the next milestone. “Good thing is I am ok, recovering well and will look ahead to the Euro season now”, said Spratt.

The men’s race is scheduled to be held on Sunday. We would hope for Amanda’s speediest recovery as fans are awaiting her return in the peloton.

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