CYCLING: Australian star and Rio 2016 hopeful Rohan Dennis has won cycling's USA Pro Challenge seven-day race.

The 25-year-old Dennis finished in the main pack on the final stage from Golden to Denver in Colorado to take the overall title by 40 seconds ahead American teammate Brent Bookwalter.

"I initially came here to support Brent," said Dennis, who won the opening time trial stage of the Tour de France in July in the fastest time in race history. "But I found my legs."

Dennis won two Pro Challenge stages while also finishing second in another two with his consistency eventually reaping rewards. 

He assumed the race lead he never lost with his stage four win from Aspen to Breckenridge.

Canadian Rob Britton of was third overall while John Murphy won the final stage.

It has been a successful season already for Dennis. Along with his stunning opening stage time trial win on the Tour he was also a part of the team time trial victory in the with BMC Racing.

Having won silver on the track at the London 2012 Olympic Games, he will no doubt be a strong chance of a medal on the roads of Rio midway through next year. 

AP