Amanda Spratt out of women’s Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race

Amanda Spratt, one of the key race favourites, has withdrawn from the Women’s Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race after being unwell overnight.

The Australian Lidl-Trek rider has long delivered powerful performances at the event, winning in 2016 and also stepping onto the podium in the past three editions, so was expected to be among the key cards for the team. Spratt’s climbing prowess has often proven a powerful asset when the race inevitably splits on the climb of Challambra.

“Unfortunately [Amanda Spratt] has been forced to withdraw from today’s [Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race] after experiencing some abdominal pain during the night Get well soon, Spratty,” said the team in a statement released on social media.

While Spratt may have been a strong card for the team, it has a number of others. Brodie Chapman has often laid down a powerful performance at the race, finishing in or close to the top ten and her aggressive style suits the parcours. Then Lauretta Hanson is also among the options, clearly having come into the Australian summer in powerful form – her results including a second place at the Australian National Championships road race – and her turn of speed could be just what is required should the race come down to a small bunch sprint.