The 2016 Cycling Australia Road National Championships heat up on Thursday with the race against the clock as riders tear up the Buninyong course.
SCHEDULE
U23 Men 29.3km - 10:30am
U23 & Elite Women 29.3km - 12:30pm
Elite Men 40.9km - 2:15pm
COURSE
The Time Trial course is based in Buninyong, and is an ‘out-and-back’ style time trial along Buninyong-Mt Mercer Road.
The Under 23 men’s and women’s turnaround point is at Flemings Road, while the Elite Men’s turnaround point is on Dereel-Mount Mercer Road.
WHO’S RIDING?
In the women’s field it’s hard to look past Shara Gillow as the Queenslander attempts to take time trial title number five. Gillow won’t have it all her own way though, with the likes of Katrin Garfoot, fourth place finisher at the UCI Road World Championships, former winner Bridie O’Donnell and last years under 23 champion Rebecca Mackey for competition.
It should be an exciting race in the under 23 category with junior world championship bronze medallist Anna-Leeza Hull hoping to add to her junior national title. Ellen Skerritt and Jenelle Crooks who finished on the podium last year will also be chasing gold with Ainslie Bakker and Kate Perry other names to watch.
On the men's side we are set for a titanic battle between teammates, with defending champion Richie Porte and former Hour Record holder Rohan Dennis both looking to add green and gold to their BMC Racing skin suits. Last years bronze medallist Jack Bobridge could spoil the party in his first outing for Trek-Segafredo. While former under 23 world champion Damien Howson, Benjamin Dyball and Jordan Kerby will also fancy their chances.
Miles Scotson will be hoping to claim consecutive under 23 national titles but he will have strong competition from Oscar Stevenson who finished just four seconds behind him last year. Oceania junior champion Michael Storer will be looking for a strong result in his first under 23 race. Para-cycling time trial world silver medallist Alistair Donohoe will be looking to add to his trophy cabinet along with Tom Kaesler, Daniel Fitter and Rohan Wight.
Cycling Australia
