Gracie Elvin first Australian woman cyclist to podium at the Tour of Flanders

AUSTRALIAN cyclist Gracie Elvin has created history with an explosive sprint propelling her onto the podium at the Tour of Flanders.

Australian Gracie Elvin contesting the Olympic road race in Rio.

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RIO Olympic cyclist Gracie Elvin has created history with an explosive sprint propelling her onto the podium at the Tour of Flanders.

The former national road champion was just pipped for the win in the famed one-day classic.

ORICA-SCOTT rider Elvin is the first Australian woman to make the podium in 14 editions of the race.

Corn Rivera (Team-Sunweb) took the race honours from Elvin.

US Coryn Rivera of Team Sunweb celebrates after finishing ahead of Gracie Elvin.

Gracie Elvin riding the 2015 world championship team time trial with Aussie teammates.

Her teammate and former winner, Annemiek Van Vleuten, finished fourth.

“The win would’ve have been amazing, but I was so close today,” Elvin said.

“My best place in previous editions was not even in the front group, so to come here and be in the mix and try to go for the win is amazing.

“It just goes to show all the hard work I’ve put in this season is paying off and how great the team was today.’’

Belgian cyclist Philippe Gilbert of Quick-Step Floors gets off his bike to cross the finish line and win the 101st edition of the Ronde van Vlaanderen, Tour of Flanders.

Originally published as Gracie Elvin first Australian woman cyclist to podium at the Tour of Flanders