Lotte Kopecký won the bronze medal in the women's road race, but could not hide her disappointment after recovering to the front in the final kilometers.

Kopecký, from Belgium, was caught up in a crash involving Chloe Dygert (USA) and others with 48km to go and had to chase the race on the rolling Montmartre circuit.

Kopecky eventually caught race leaders Marianne Vos (Netherlands) and Blanka Vas (Hungary) in a 2-up fightback with Kristen Faulkner (USA). However, she was unable to react when an American rider broke away with a few kilometers to go.

"It was the worst final for me," Kopecky admitted immediately after the race.

"Before Montmartre, I was already a little behind. I had to work hard or I wouldn't be able to get back in the race. Then there were attacks and gambles

"When Marianne and Blanca were at the front of the race I knew it would be really hard to get them back. I managed to get back but she went and the three of us looked at each other."

When Faulkner closed the gap, Kopecky showed her guts, but she knew she had to change her mind and fight for a medal.

"I'm really glad I didn't come in fourth like I did three years ago; I'm really glad I didn't come in fourth like I did three years ago. So I feel like I was able to win a bronze medal," Kopecky said.

She began her sprint at the Pont Diener Bridge. Vos came up along the barrier and vas to her left. A photo shoot was required to determine the medals, with Vos taking the silver medal and Kopecky the bronze.

"On paper, Voss was the fastest.

"Faulkner was in front and I knew I would never catch her.

"I knew it would be very hard to win this race, so I came for the medal. I am very proud to have won the bronze medal."

"I am very proud of myself.

Kopecky, who fell in the time trial and finished sixth, will now race on the track and his last chance at gold will be the four-event omnium on Sunday, August 11.

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