Lizzie Deignan seizes thrilling Paris-Roubaix victory to create history in first women’s event

An epic solo ride saw the Briton pull away from the peloton around half-way as rain impacted the iconic race

Lizzie Deignan celebrates as she crosses the finish line to win the first edition of the women elite race of the 'Paris-Roubaix' cycling event

(Getty)

Britain’s Lizzie Deignan created history by winning the first edition of the women’s Paris-Roubaix after a thrilling breakaway.

The Trek-Segafredo rider, 32, made her move with 80km remaining, emerging from the peloton as rain impacted the course.

The legendary race on the cobblestones returned this weekend after Covid saw the 2020 race postponed, with the men’s race set to take place on Sunday.

And Deignan snatched her moment with a bold and decisive move at the half-way point before the riders tackled the cobbled sections, known as the ‘hell of the north’.

After guarding a lead that swelled to around two minutes 30 seconds, there was to be late pressure form Marianne Vos.

The Jumbo-Visma star slashed that advantage in half with just 10km remaining, but Deignan would not be denied, holding on for a memorable win.

Deignan crossed the line in 2:56:07, with the Netherlands’ Vos second more than a minute later (2:524:07).

Italy's Elisa Long Borghini came third ahead of Germany's Lisa Brennauer.

While the dangerous cobblestones led to several casualties, including Ellen Van Dijk.

Deignan has further bolstered her legacy by adding the prestigious cobblestone trophy to her road world championships, Tour of Flanders and the one-day women’s Tour de France.