Deignan makes history at Paris Roubaix

Britain’s Lizzie Deignan rode to a landmark victory in the inaugural Paris Roubaix Femmes as rain, mud and crashes made it a memorable debut for the world’s best female riders over the infamous cobbled course yesterday.

The former world champion produced a dominant ride over the 115.6km course and held off a powerful late surge by Dutch great Marianne Vos to win by one minute and 17 seconds.

“I feel incredibly proud,” Deignan, who adds the maiden Paris Roubaix to her other notable triumphs including last year’s Liege-Bastogne-Liege, said.

“Women’s cycling is at this turning point, and today is part of history.”