Dani Rowe Powers To Bronze For Wales In Road Race

Dani Rowe produced a blistering sprint finish to bag a bronze medal in the women’s road race.

The 2012 Olympic team pursuit champ clenched her fist in celebration as she crossed the line at Currumbin Beachfront.

Rowe was backed by a strong Welsh team and set-up for the sprint at the end of the 112.3km race by Elinor Barker who was seventh.

The 27-year-old – married to Welsh cyclist Matt – switched allegiance from England for these Games and the move paid off.

Cardiff-based Rowe said: “I feel like I’ve been waiting a long time for a bit of success. I’ve been working hard on the road for a few years now.

“Every single girl was absolutely amazing, really committed to their job on the road. So it’s not just my medal – it’s all of the girls’.”

“I feel like an honorary Welsh girl. I’ve been living there for over five years now. It’s been absolutely incredible. 

“It means so much to fly the flag for Wales so I hope they’ll all welcome me back when I get back to Cardiff!”

Rowe, formerly King, came home behind Australia’s Chloe Hosking with New Zealand’s Georgia Williams taking silver.

She added: “I thought it was going to be more aggressive, but that’s okay.

“The Aussies started to lead out so I committed and gave it everything I had.

“Under my left arm I saw someone coming and I thought, ‘I’m not getting fourth’ so I gave it everything I had.

“I can relax now that I’ve got bronze. It’s not a win, but I’ll take it. Having a Commonwealth Games bronze is incredible, absolutely incredible.

“We’re a super young team. They’re going a long way, they’re super talented.

“Every single girl was absolutely amazing, really committed to their job on the road. So it’s not just my medal – it’s all of the girls’.”

Rowe was also backed by Megan Barker (27th), Jessica Roberts, Manon Lloyd and Hayley Jones.