Nguyen Thi That celebrates after crossing the finish line of the Grand Prix de Fourmies. — Courtesy Photo of Nguyen Thi That

The top female Vietnamese cyclist of the Lotto Soudal team of Belgium finished first with a time of 3hr 08.17min in the 118km race.

The one-stage race had almost no hills, which aided skilled sprinter That.

She left behind Kaat Hannes (Jos Feron Lady Force) and Pascale Jeuland Tranchant (Doltcini Van Eyck Sport Women Cycling), two powerful European athletes, at the finish line.

The victory brought That, the Asian champion, 40 points to push her berth in the world rankings. Thật is currently No 89. It also strengthens her bid to win a slot to compete at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.

Grand Prix de Fourmies is one of tournaments under the International Cycling Union's professional system. — VNS