Greco the great: Young star sprints to bronze on final day of para-cycling at Tokyo Paralympics

Paige Greco (SA) has won her third medal of Tokyo 2020 in the Women’s C1-3 road race on the final day of para-cycling competition at this year’s Paralympic Games.

Greco, 24, was a constant threat in the hotly contested Women’s C1-3 road race, which was raced in wet but improved conditions than the day prior.

The three-lap 39.6km battle around the foothills of Mount Fuji and Fuji International Speedway eventually came down to a tussle between the four strongest women in the race as the final climb to the finish line approached.

A late attack from Japan’s Keiko Sugiura proved to be the decisive gold medal-winning move in the race as China’s Xiaomei Wang fought to hold the wheel on the ascent.

Wang would eventually drop back to the group containing Australia’s Greco, leaving Sugiura on her lonesome to win gold.

In a photo finish for the minor placings, it was Sweden’s Anna Beck who claimed silver ahead of Greco in third for bronze and Wang in fourth.

“I knew one girl was behind me, I didn’t realise two of them were but … yeah, it just pushed me to the finish. I didn’t realise how close it was,” Greco said of the closing stages of the race.

“It was a good race – it was gutsy.

“Would have been great with silver but that’s ok, I’m still happy to be on the podium, that’s pretty cool for my first Paralympics, so, I'll get them next time.

“I’ve just got to work on my finish, but the girls did really well - I’m really happy for everyone

“I’ve had such an amazing time, it’s kind of sad all my races are over now but I’m very happy – I learnt a lot.

“Looking forward to Paris.”