A decade of dedication pays off for Jutatip
After 10 years of trying, cyclist Jutatip Maneephan finally claimed individual honours at the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s Cup Women’s Tour of Thailand in Chiang Mai on Wednesday.
The 30-year-old former Asian Games champion accelerated in the last 300m to edge past arch-rival Teniel Campbell of Trinidad and Tobago, the second-stage winner, to win the 84km third and last stage.
She timed 1:57:49 hours to win the stage and her total of 5:46:34 hours also saw her take individual honours to earn the honorary Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn trophy and the pink jersey.
“When I realised that Campbell was catching up, I had to go as fast as I could,” said Jutatip from Roi Et province. “The finish line seemed so far at that point but I crossed it first. Big relief,” she said.
“It’s not easy to compete against foreign riders as they are physically tougher due to more experience in tough competitions but I finally won after I started competing in this tournament at 21. I’m so tired but the hard work paid off.”
Campbell finished second (5:46.34 hours) and third went to Japanese Yumi Kajihara (5:46:43).
Jutatip also won the green and blue jerseys for victories in the sprint and best Asean rider categories.
Jutatip will have no time to relax, however – she has to continue training for the Asian Championship in Uzbekistan, as well as two other events, in China and in Trat province.
“I really miss my family but I cannot go home yet as there are upcoming tournaments that I need to concentrate on. But I always keep in touch with my parents on the phone and they understand me well,” Jutatip added.
