Marianne Vos has praised Britain, and in particular the Friends Life Women’s Tour, for its role in promoting women’s cycling during an interview.

Speaking to skysports.com, Vos, who won the inaugural edition of the race this May, praised the huge roadside crowds and said that they demonstrated the potential of women's cycling, especially as it was a standalone event, rather than acting as a support to a men's race.

“The Tour of Britain [sic] was fantastic – and what was even better was it was an event on its own,” Vos told Sky Sports.

“In other parts of the world we have to link with the men’s races to get people there, get the media there and get the sponsors involved. Britain is ahead of the rest of the world in terms of women’s cycling. The crowds were amazing.”

You can read the full interview with Marianne on the Sky Sports website.

The 2015 Friends Life Women's Tour will take place from Wednesday 17 to Sunday 21 June, with first details of the venues and stages to be announced over the coming weeks.  

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Above – Marianne Vos in the Friends Life Yellow Jersey takes centre stage on the final podium in Bury St Edmunds