Grace Brown (FDJ Suez) came so close to winning her first Women's World Tour GC in 2022, but was ultimately thwarted by one second. Having lined up to host the Women's Santos Tour Down Under in her home country, she was not going to let a close victory slip away.

"I mean, I was really disappointed to lose the Women's Tour of Britain, especially by one second, but I learned a lesson from that as well," said Brown, who dominated stage three and the overall win.

"I was able to put myself in front a little bit, like riding the first stage for the sprint bonus, and I'm really proud of myself for that.

"You never know what's going to happen on the last stage today. I think it was wise." [Brown was prepared for the possibilities he faced in the last few kilometers. After all, former teammate Amanda Spratt (Trek-Segafredo) was leading the race, and it was no surprise when she launched a scorching attack on the final climb of the Corkscrew.

It was also no surprise that Brown was in hot pursuit, and she had set up her gear for a chase to the line to win a three-stage race in her first year in the Women's World Tour.

"I literally had to push, I had to keep pushing, and at first I couldn't see her because there were so many corners, but then I saw the heats and I knew she must be in front of it," Brown said happily of her first Women's World Tour GC win.

"I think it was the last three kilometers. When I first saw Spratty, I thought, yeah, I can catch her now, but I thought maybe I should back off a little bit so I can catch her by surprise at the finish. I ended up catching her in the last kilometer.

She then outpaced her, and Grace Brown entered the stage with a six-second advantage over Spratt overall.

"After the national championships, I was convinced I was in good shape and believed I had a chance to win here this week. After the second stage, I wasn't feeling good yesterday and I was a little worried, but when we started today I thought, 'I think I can have a good race today.'"

"It's so great to have everyone in this crowd watching me here in Adelaide, in my home country," said Brown, whose husband, family, and friends were cheering her on the sidelines. 'It feels so special.'