Despite an accident midway through the race when she dropped her chain and crashed in the last 20km, Leah Thomas (open in new tab) (Ekip Pole Ka (open in new tab)) rallied to secure a podium finish in the Strade Bianche Women (open in new tab).

Thomas nearly crashed for the second time on the final climb to Piazza del Campo, but was able to finish third in her first World Tour race since the season resumed.

"To be on the podium in my first World Tour race after coming back from an unknown condition is very special.

"We had the numbers and a big part of the plan was to get into every sector safely.

The result was the Swiss team's first podium under its new team colors after rebranding as Equipe Paule Ka in the summer.

"I am very happy. I think it's a great start for a new team," she said.

Tomas was part of an 11-man group that broke away from the peloton with about 50km to go when Mavi Garcia (Yale BTC Ljubljana) launched a long solo attack.

Looking stronger than the rest on the climb, she attacked with less than 17km to go and chased down Garcia, but her chain came off in a gravel section. After replacing the chain, fans along the roadside tried to help her, but her front wheel slipped and she hit the deck, losing even more time.

Although initially passed by Carole-Anne Canuel (Boels-Dolmans), Thomas recovered her position in the following group. Thomas' efforts caused several riders to drop out, but the group gained one more thanks to a great chase by Annemiek van Fruten (Mitchelton-Scott), who was delayed by an attack at the 50km mark. Annemiek van Fluten (Mitchelton-Scott) chased Garcia, his next target.

"Annemiek approached me on the bridge and I tried to stay with her on the last gravel section, but my legs were not enough," Thomas said.

Thomas may not have been able to hold onto the steering wheel of the world champion, but he was able to pull away from his rivals and hold off some strong competitors chasing from behind. A wobble on the final climb and a glimpse of the barriers over her shoulder nearly ended her podium hopes. But she crossed the finish line in third place.

"It's really special," she said. I'm really happy to represent the team in this way."