Deignan Makes History by Winning First Women’s Paris Roubaix

British cyclist Lizzie Armitstead-Deignan talks with her husband Sky rider Philip Deignan before the start of the 7th stage of Paris Nice cycling race, in Nice, France, on March 11, 2017. Eric Gaillard/Reuters

Britain’s Lizzie Deignan rode to a landmark victory in the inaugural Paris Roubaix Femmes as rain, mud and crashes made it a memorable debut for the world’s best female riders over the infamous cobbled course on Saturday.

The former world champion produced a dominant ride over the 115.6km (around 72 miles) course and held off a powerful late surge by Dutch great Marianne Vos to win by one minute and 17 seconds.