Alyssa Polites has finished off a clinical Australian performance in the women’s elimination, winning gold ahead of Georgia Baker in Glasgow this morning (AEST).
The two Australians survived with Canada’s Maggie Coles-Lyster to be the last three riders in the race. Polites then attacked clear, riding the last laps solo to bring home her first individual Commonwealth Games medal.
After a moment’s pause, Baker also gapped the Canadian to seal the silver medal and an Australian one-two.
Polites leads Baker and Edwards in a golden train.
It was an emotional result for a tearful Polites, the 23-year-old from Melbourne, who names Baker as one of her cycling heroes.
“I didn’t even think it was a possibility,” Polites told Channel 7 about winning today. “Such a stacked field, and when you’ve got idols in your team like G, I can’t believe it.
“It means so much. I’m probably going to be thinking about this for the rest of my life and career.”
Polites (right) sharing the podium with one of her 'idols'.
Baker, 31, said her young teammate had earned the victory.
“She keeps thanking me, but she deserves it so much,” Baker said.
“She had really good legs, you could see it out there. She was really smart and made the perfect move when we had to.”
The riders gave credit to fellow teammate Sophie Edwards, who finished ninth.
(L-R) Edwards, Polites and Baker celebrate the victory.
“We knew we just had to look after each other, and I think we did a really good job of it out there,” Baker said.
“We had control for a lot of the race. At the end there we wanted to finish with Soph up there too, and she did a great job early on. To finish with both on the podium was just perfect.”
For Polites, today’s win marks a high point after a difficult time in the sport. The Victorian raced professionally in Europe for the 2023 season before returning to Australia without a pro contract.
“I just didn’t really feel like a bike rider anymore for a little bit,” she told journalists. “I took some time away and focussed on myself in Australia last year, and this year, just to find the love for it again. It was these girls here that really got me through those tough times, and I am super grateful for them.
“It’s been a real slog, not going to lie, but it’s all worth it in the end. When you have moments like these you really cherish them,” she said.
Earlier in the program, Polites and Baker was part of Australia’s winning team pursuit squad. They also teamed up to deliver Baker to a scratch race gold medal.
To add to her accolades, Baker has been named as Australia’s flag bearer for the Commonwealth Games closing ceremony.
Photos: SWpix.com