Aussie Elvin scores repeat cycling win

Gracie Elvin has joined fellow Australian road cyclist Rachel Neylan in showing timely form as Rio Olympics selection looms.

Elvin has successfully defended her title at the Gooik-Geraardsbergen-Gooik race in Belgium.

It came a day after Neylan won the GP Plumelec race in France.

The two Orica-AIS riders are among seven Australians understood to be vying for selection in the Rio women's road team.

This week, cycling officials will confirm Australia is one of a handful of nations to have have the maximum team of four riders in the women's road race at the Rio Games.

Katrin Garfoot is a lock for the team, given she is a genuine medal contender in the road time trial.

That leaves riders such as Elvin and Neylan vying for the other three spots in the road race, which will be held on a hilly and technical course.

On Sunday, Elvin benefited from strong teamwork to take out the 136.2km race in wet, harsh conditions.

Elvin's Dutch teammate Annemiek Van Vleuten joined the main break in the race along with Wiggle-High5 rider Emma Johansson.

It was a perfect scenario for Elvin, the two-time Australian road champion, as she could save her legs in the main chase group for the final sprint.

The two leaders were caught a couple of kilometres from the finish and Elvin's Orica-AIS teammate Amanda Spratt, another Rio hopeful, counter-attacked.

Van Vleuten set up Elvin for the final sprint, while Sarah Roy from Orica-AIS also finished fourth.

"We were really in control the whole race today," said Elvin after her victory. "It was great for us to have so many cards to play and then actually finish it off."