\u201cNo matter the outcome, it\u2019s always an honour to wear the green and gold.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This was the reaction of Lauretta Hanson after representing Australia in the gruelling women\u2019s world road race championship in Belgium at the weekend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The 26-year-old Hanson, a professional cyclist who grew up on a farm at Fern Hill and attended Sacred Heart College in Kyneton, always had a burning ambition to represent her country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She was one of seven Australians in the race over 157.7 kilometres on a tough course at Flanders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis was my first time in Europe, and even though a very poorly timed mechanical took me out of the race, it\u2019s an experience I\u2019ll never forget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank-you to everyone in Australia for your support and to everyone here in Belgium for creating such an incredible atmosphere, \u201c Hanson posted on Facebook.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFortunately, the season isn\u2019t over yet and the fire is burning for one more fight.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Italian 23-year-old Elisa Balsano became the world champion by holding off highly rated Netherlands rider Marianne Vos in the sprint finish.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After her mechanical setback, Hanson soldiered on and finished in 92nd place, just over nine and a half minutes behind the leading bunch.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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