VALLEYFIELD cyclist Eileen Roe admitted to suffering mixed emotions on the finish line after narrowly missing out on a podium finish during a world-class Prudential RideLondon Women’s Grand Prix last weekend.

The 24-year-old was part of a 100-strong field for the Women’s Grand Prix – a 1.3-mile circuit around St James’ Park and up The Mall as part of the second edition of RideLondon.

Roe found herself pipped at the line by Commonwealth Games road race champion Lizzie Armistead, who finished third behind Marianne Vos and winner Giorgia Bronzini.

The 45-minute race was the biggest women’s criterium ever to be staged in the UK and Roe tried not to be too disappointed with fourth place after battling it out in a star-studded race.

And, with the TV cameras rolling throughout, Roe believes, most importantly, the peloton put on a show to remember as they sped past some of the capital’s most iconic landmarks.

“It was an absolutely brilliant race, I hope it looked as good and was as good to watch as it was to ride because it really was great,” she said.

“It was so great that they had the calibre of riders that they did. Racing against just the British riders and getting up there with them was great.

“I was absolutely gutted because it was a fourth-place finish but it was a really good finish and the riders in front of me were amazing.

“I couldn’t have tried any harder in that sprint against Lizzie. I think I chucked my bike as far as I could. I hope it was close as I think it was because I wasn’t sure who got it and Lizzie wasn’t either.” The event built on the success of last year’s Women’s Grand Prix won by Olympic champion Laura Trott, and Roe believes the talent on show was testament to the strength of female cycling.

And, while the thousands of spectators who lined the streets took in the sights, Roe says she missed them all but is determined to savour every moment next time around.

“The annoying thing is that I’ve never done it before and I never got to enjoy any of the sights whatsoever because I was looking at the ground the whole way around,” she added.

“So I’m quite sad that I didn’t get to enjoy the sights but hopefully I’ll get to watch it back on TV and then I’ll enjoy it. There were some great teams and it’s brilliant to be a part of women’s cycling at the moment.

“There is so much talent around and to be involved in races like RideLondon is incredible and hopefully it will inspire people to get involved in the sport.

“It was a fantastic race to be involved in and a great advert for the sport and now I just want to go and lie on my bed.” Prudential RideLondon took place last weekend.

To find out more visit www.prudential ridelondon.co.uk.