Neylan returns to cycling form for Aust

Australian cyclist Rachel Neylan has had a timely return to form ahead of the Rio Olympics with two strong rides in Europe.

The 34-year-old made the most of strong support from the national development team to win the GP de Plumelec-Morbihan in France, two days after finishing fifth at La Classique Morbihan.

They are the first top-five individual results for the Olympics hopeful since the Australian domestic season in January.

Apart from boosting Neylan's Rio selection chances, the ranking points from her two results are also important.

Those points will help Australian hopes of fielding a full team of four women at the Olympics road race.

The GP de Plumelec was also the last race in the High5 development team's European trip.

"It's an Olympic year and we want to qualify four spots for Australia, said coach Donna Rae-Szalinski.

"If these development girls can contribute, it's an honour for them - and they have made a contribution.

"It's shown how far the team has progressed."

Neylan broke clear just over a kilometre from the finish at the 109km GP de Plumelec after teammates Jessica Allen and Shannon Malsfeed helped set her up.

"I came here with a clear and simple objective in mind and the way my teammates were riding around me inspired me until the last moment," said Neylan.

"I knew I had the legs. I know that kind of power climb suits me. It was just a matter of backing myself and trusting my instinct.

"It was a very long and painful kilometre and I'm so happy I could finish off the work my teammates had done for me all day.

Nation quotas for the Rio women's road race are likely to be announced in the next few days.

Cycling selectors will settle on the Rio team at the end of next month.