Sophia Bertizzolo (UAE Team ADQ) sprinted early in the Geelong Classic to win the mid-week criterium leading into Saturday's Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race women's World Tour.

Georgia Baker made a valiant attempt to catch her, but the rider from Liv Aroula-Jacot stayed on the second step of the podium for the third time, even though the season has only been underway for a few weeks. Francesca Barrale (dsm-Filmenig Post NL) took third place. 'I could feel the peloton coming in super fast and I was in the gutter near the fence, so it was a close finish. I was ready to start the sprint," said Bertizzolo, who finished on the podium. I wasn't ready to start the sprint, but I knew someone was going to pass me, so I did a super long sprint."

Blue skies greeted the competitors as they raced 25 laps on a 2km circuit around Geelong's Eastern Gardens. The rolling course overlooking Corio Bay opened the women's race in Geelong.

There were many attacks on the opening lap, one of which was by Australian Criterium Champion Ruby Roseman Gannon (Rib Aroura Jayco), who moved ahead with 20 laps to go, but Women's Tour Down Under winner Sarah Gigante (AG Insurance Soudal) was in hot pursuit.

Attacks were then repeated, solo, trio, and in large groups, but each time they were quickly pulled back.

For the final five laps, Gigante maintained a high pace at the front, undoubtedly aware of teammate Allie Wollaston, the winner of the first stage of the Tour Down Under. Lidl-Trek also kept Brody Chapman at the front of the pack, and with two laps to go, Vimalise-a-Bike took the lead.

The battle for position continued as the bell sounded for the final lap, but a crash occurred on the last lap. Bertizzolo, however, was able to get to the finish line early and fast in order to hold off the other sprinters.