Tears flow as Hoskins wins 25km epic

West Australia's Melissa Hoskins has ended seven years of heartache by claiming her maiden national title in the women's point race.

Hoskins out-muscled reigning points race world champion Amy Cure to win the gruelling 25km event in Melbourne. "I burst into tears when I crossed the line," said an emotional Hoskins."I have ridden the Olympics, I have ridden the Commonwealth Games, and World Championships, but there is a special place in my heart for this one."I think I have won seven team pursuit national titles and never been able to crack the individual race."Hoskins aided WA to six straight team pursuit titles between 2008-2013. In the 100 lap race, Hoskins managed to lap the field at the halfway mark with Cure and Manly, before clinching intermediate sprint points to take the lead. Subsequent attacks from Elissa Wundersitz (WA) and Rebecca Wiasak (ACT) took their toll as the field was reduced to just seven riders with 20 laps remaining.Flying in her rainbow jersey, Cure tried everything to take a late lap, but it was in vain as Hoskins held her nerve. "This was a long time coming. I had a shocking individual pursuit yesterday, and I am still getting healthy from the start of week," said Hoskins. "My coach said to me you have to dare to lose it to win it."It was a world class field and there is a reason Amy wears those rainbows, she threw everything at me including the kitchen sink I reckon, full credit to her."Hoskins (40 points) took the win over Cure (TAS / 33 points) who edged Alexandra Manly (SA / 33 points) to complete the podium.