The race over 45 kilometres - three laps of a flat course at Pontal.
There was little to choose between the six-strong field for much of this contest.
Jennette Jansen, of the Netherlands, one of those going well.
The lead changed hands several times - the pace moderate. All reluctant to get left behind,
sensing that the medals would probably be decided by a sprint finish.
And that is how it turned out. Eskau made a decisive break with under three kilometres
to go, chased by the Dutch pair Jansen and Laura de Vaan.
Eskau couldn't be caught and took the gold medal with de Vaan winning the battle for
silver and Jansen third. 15 seconds separated the field. Oksana Masters of the
USA just missing out on a medal. It would be a successful day for German cyclists.
Next the Women's Road Race H1 to 4 category over the same distance.
15 competitors. Jeon Mikyoung, of Korea, went off quickly although the move backfired and
she lost speed in the latter stages and finished well down the field.
Hand cycling can be precarious at times. Karen Darke, of Great Britain, had won a gold
medal in the time trial at these Games but this would not be her day.
The race turned into a four-way fight - the question was who'd get the medals....
Christiane Reppe, of Germany, Korea's Lee Doyeon, Italian Francesca Porcellato and Alicia
Dana, of the USA were battling it out. It was Reppe who broke away near the end to
claim the gold medal. Lee Doyeon was second ....Porcellato third.
Reppe claiming her first Paralympic victory, justifying her switch from swimming in which
she competed in London 2012. The two men's events were both over 60 kilometres.
A field of 12 cyclists for the H4 Road race. This would be a keenly fought event and once
again the outcome wasn't decided until the closing stages.
Hand cycling a gruelling challenge and the best competitors in the world were on the
roads of Rio vying for Paralympic glory. Poland's Rafal Wilk, in red, held a narrow
lead after two of the three laps. A procession behind him ready to pounce.
Notably Vico Merklein, of Germany, who was never far away.
After waiting patiently he took his chance and was in front by the time the field entered
the last turn, crossing the line to give Germany their third gold medal of the day.
Wilk came home second with Joel Jeannot, of France, taking bronze ahead of team mate Mathieu
Bosredon. The Atlantic providing a beautiful backdrop
for top class cycling. The H3 Road Race containing a strong field. Four laps of the
Pontal course. A tough examination for these riders facing
the serious business of trying to win medals. Declan Slevin, of Ireland, providing a little
light relief for his supporters. Jean-Francois Deberg, of Belgium, led in the
early stages. It was hard, though, to predict a winner,
even as the race reached its climax. Italian Paolo Cecchetto went in front, anxious
not to get stuck in the pack. He was under severe pressure as the leaders
headed for home. But Cecchetto was defiant and could afford
to celebrate his victory even before he crossed the finishing line.
Maximillian Weber of Germany took the silver medal and Charles Moreau, of Canada, claimed
the bronze.