GNC-FNIX Girl Power Cycling's Valeriya Zakharkina took the overall yellow jersey after she won the opening stage of the Prince Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's Cup Women's Tour of Thailand in Nong Khai on Tuesday.
Zakharkina crossed the finish line in 2:31.46 hours to win the 105.70km first stage, starting from HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's 60th Birthday Anniversary Plaza and finishing at Nong Khai Main Stadium.
Chinese cyclist Zhu Shimeng of Li-Ning Star Ladies came second with the same timing, while Vietnam national team rider Nguyen Thi That took the third place in 2:32.04 hours.
Australia's Belinda Bailey of Bikewheels.com.au Cycling Team and Ayustina Delia Priatna of Indonesia national team completed the top five.
Nguyen Thi That also won the Best Asean Rider award and took the purple jersey.
National team cyclist Rungnapha Kuson was the best Thai rider of the first stage, finishing in 17th place with a time of 2:32.04 hours.
Defending champion Jutatip Maneephan of Thailand Women's Cycling Team was optimistic despite finishing the first day's race in 24th place.
"Today's result was beyond my expectation because I am not 100 percent fit. Everyone in the team did their best. Our opponents are also very strong so we're quite pleased with the result today," said Jutatip.
"We still have time to prepare for the second stage. Everyone will try to collect the IS [Intermediate Sprint] points, and the important thing is we will try to win at least one stage," she added.
Li Ning Star Ladies lead the overall team standings with a total time of 7:35.54 hours, followed by GNC-FNIX Girl Power Cycling and Indonesia.
Today's second stage will begin at Phon Phisai district and finish in Nong Khai, covering a distance of 109.50km.