An 8 lap race, with each 15km circuit featuring two major climbs, this was a race for the toughest, and despite many attacks, it was the one on the final climb from Nicole that was decisive.

Raleigh-Lifeforce team mate Karin Thüring was in the first, two more Raleigh riders made the second - Priska Doppman and Sarah Düster - and they stayed away until hard work from rival teams brought them back on the first climb of the final lap.

Nicole instantly attacked and got away only to be brought back on the flat, at which point Sarah Düster went off the front again to keep the pressure on the other teams.

Fabiana Luperini was the first of the major players to show her hand on the final climb, taking Nicole and also Nicole Brändli with her, and at the moment that the trio reached Sarah, Nicole counter attacked and dropped her rivals to win by 42 seconds.

"I could hardly have hoped for a better start to the season, with one tour and 3 one day victories by the 1st of April. But as you know road racing is very complex and tactical. It's nearly impossible to win as a lone rider against other teams, so my wins are victories for the Raleigh-Lifeforce team."

"This was an outstanding performance from the whole team and I'm just delighted that I can reward their efforts with the win. Throughout the race they set things up perfectly, forcing all the other teams to have to counter our moves whilst I was able to wait for the final stages of the race. I cannot praise them enough."

"We have some new riders this year including two Brits Tanja Slater and Anneliese Hurd who are learning about road racing. They have settled in very well and I am very impressed with both of them. They are applying themselves as proper professionals and living the life correctly."