Coryn Rivera powered through the rain to edge out a world-class field in the world’s richest women’s one-day cycle race.
And the 24-year-old sprinter got her tactics spot on as the field came together for a bunch finish, with conditions making a tight and technical course around London’s postcard landmarks even more treacherous.
Her victory secured a 25,000 euros pay cheque, equal to Sunday’s men’s race, and Rivera urged more race organisers to take notice.
“I wish it wasn’t such a big story to have the same prize money as the men – it shouldn’t be unusual,” she said.
“We are both racing, both putting 100 percent and the same people want to watch us race too. I just really respect and appreciate this race for treating us as equals.
“The conditions were challenging, but the goal was to get myself into that sprint. I wasn’t fazed by the conditions, it’s the same for everyone.
“You can only go so fast in the rain and it made us a little more cautious. This is a real highlight of the season but the team is having a good year too, which makes this more special.”
UCI president Brian Cookson also hopes the example set by RideLondon organisers will be followed by other events around the world.
“I’m so pleased with the way RideLondon organisers treat the women’s race and give it equal prize money and prominence,” he said.
“We are seeing across all sports an equalising in the rewards for women athletes. It might take some time and while some sports are further ahead than others, I believe cycling has made huge progress in recent years.
“At events under our control, such as the World Championships, the prize money for men and women is the same and I want to encourage and promote other organisers to follow that lead.”
Team SunWeb rider Rivera, who finished second at the Tour de Yorkshire earlier this year, came home ahead of Finland’s Lotta Lepisto and Germany’s Lisa Brennauer.
Marianne Vos continued her recovery from a broken collarbone, sustained at the recent Tour of Britain, as the 2012 Olympic champion finished fourth ahead of defending champion and fellow Dutch rider Kirsten Wild.
Hannah Barnes was again the top British finisher but failed to make the most of a well-drilled lead-out by her Canyon Sram Racing team, with team-mate Brennauer instead taking advantage.
