Shani Bloch rode into the history books as she completed the tough 137km Olympic Road Race.

Always with most of the leading contenders and occasionally forcing the pace from the front, Bloch was without the backing of team riders enjoyed by many others.

A steep and long climb with a highly dangerous descent a few kilometres from the finish, took out the leading rider in a
high speed crash, leaving her with multiple fractures, and drastically changed the outcome of the race.

Bloch clocked 4:02:59, ahead of many strong competitors, including former world champion Emma Pooley of GB, Christine Armstrong (USA), and 1:26 behind Bronzini (Italy) and Worrack (Germany).

The Israeli rode a very controlled race and showed clean signs of delight at the finish line, waving her hand in the air.