 Nicole Cooke has won her first Giro d'Italia title |
Nicole Cooke has won the women's Giro d'Italia at her first attempt. Cooke, 21, served notice of her ability to win a medal at the Olympic Games, by prevailing in the penultimate stage.
And she held on to the overall lead on Sunday's ceremonial last stage to win the "Giro Donne", which is one of the toughest races on the female circuit.
The Welsh cyclist only returned to action at the British Road Race Championships following keyhole surgery on a knee injury two months ago.
"It's incredible, I can hardly believe it. I'm in pink!", said Cooke.
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
The defining images
