By Ian Gordon in Ilkley
Dani Rowe produced another stunning ride to finish second overall at the Tour de Yorkshire.
The Cardiff-based rider followed up her bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games road race in Australia in April with a gutsy display.
Rowe finished third on the second stage from Barnsley to Ilkley and the summit finish at the famous Cow and Calf.
But the four seconds time bonus she picked up on Thursday’s stage from Beverley to Doncaster saw her take second overall.
The 27-year-old finished 17 secs off American Megan Guarnier who had attacked on the 1.8km climb to triumph on her 33rd birthday.
Rowe said: “The Cow and Calf was really, really hard. On Tuesday I rode the last half of the stage so I knew how long it was and how much it ramped up in the last 250 metres.
“I was trying to stay within myself. At one point I got gapped but I didn’t panic.
“I knew it was probably going to come back together – if they could keep it up fair play to them – but I reeled them back slowly and I’m so happy to get third on the stage and second overall.
“This race was a big aim of mine. A lot of people have a break after the Commonwealth Games but I had my sights set on this race.
“I went back to my team, WAOW deals, and rode Liege and had good legs there, and thought ‘Oh actually, maybe I can do something in Yorkshire.’
“I did a recce of the stage which I’m really glad I did. The team were great. I had a really young team riding for Great Britain but they all really stepped up and it was really nice to ride with them.
“I can have a break now and I’m really happy.”
Hampshire-born Rowe admitted she relished racing on the Yorkshire roads with the women’s event increased to two days this year.
And she insisted there is no reason why the women’s Tour de Yorkshire cannot grow even more in future years and match the men’s race which is four days this year.
The 2012 Olympic Team Pursuit champ added: “I love it because obviously I’m used to riding on these roads.
“I don’t live abroad, I live in South Wales and it’s always tough roads and heavy roads. It was a really good course actually.
“Thursday was more of a flat stage but today was up and down all day and finishing on an iconic climb is brilliant for women’s cycling. Its been one of my favourites races in my career so far.
“I think it’s very realistic that it can grow. I feel proud that the UK have got a race like this with full TV coverage and a great sponsor like ASDA and it’s now a two-day race.
“I don’t see why it can’t become a WorldTour race and replicate the men’s race in the number of stages.
“I think we’ve proven how exciting our racing is really is and I think it’s looking really positive for women’s cycling in the future.”
Guarnier’s attack from an elite group of 14 riders saw her finish 14 seconds ahead of Alena Amialusik with Rowe three secs further back.