Rohan Dennis stormed to victory in the Australian National Road Championships time trial ahead of defending champion and new BMC teammate Richie Porte on Thursday, beating the former Sky man by 38 seconds on the 44km course in Buninyong, Victoria.
It's Dennis's first gold medal in the event, having taken two silvers in the past, including last year behind Porte. The 25-year-old held the quickest time through the half-way point of the race, and only increased his advantage into the finish.
Sean Lake (Avanti) rounded off the podium with a time 1-34 off the winner's time of 51:13.
“It’s always a dream to win the Aussie nationals," Dennis said after the race. "I’ve won the Under 23’s and now I’ve got a senior medal.
"To be able to wear the green and gold in every time trial this year is a true honour. We can have a bit of a celebration tonight and say job well-done for Thursday. I put a lot of pressure on myself to be the best at whatever I aim to be at, so the time trial at Rio is my big goal for this year.”
Watch: Tour Down Under essential guide
The TT was Porte's first competitive outing in BMC colours since joining from Sky at the end of 2015, and despite not being able to hold on to his green and gold colours, the 30-year-old said he was happy with his performance and to see the title taken by a teammate.
“It was more of a relaxed start to the year but I’m happy to be on the podium to be honest and I’m not surprised that Rohan has taken this win," Porte said.
"He deserves it, he’s hungry and I know how much he’s wanted that national jersey. We’re teammates now so I’m thrilled to see him win.
"I’ve been waiting to put the (BMC Racing Team) colours on and I’m happy. It’s a great team and I’m really looking forward to 2016. To be a month into the season and to finish second to a class time trialist like Rohan is a great way to start the season.”
Both riders will continue their seasons in the home country, gunning for the national road race title on Sunday on the 183.6km course before heading to the Tour Down Under, where Dennis will ride as defending overall champion.
Results
1. Rohan Dennis - 51:13.30
2. Richie Porte- +38.7
3. Sean Lake - +1:34.9
4. Damien Howson - +1:51.5
5. Ben Dyball - +1:56.0
6. Nick Bensley - +3:11.4
7. Matthew Clark - +3:19.5
8. Rhys Gillett - +3:55.5
9. Nicholas Squillari - +4:12.0
10. Jack Bobridge - +4:20.5
Richard is digital editor of Cycling Weekly. Joining the team in 2013, Richard became editor of the website in 2014 and coordinates site content and strategy, leading the news team in coverage of the world's biggest races and working with the tech editor to deliver comprehensive buying guides, reviews, and the latest product news.
An occasional racer, Richard spends most of his time preparing for long-distance touring rides these days, or getting out to the Surrey Hills on the weekend on his Specialized Tarmac SL6 (with an obligatory pub stop of course).
-
-
'Well, I'm getting off here': Miguel Ángel López's final moments with Movistar seen in snippet of latest documentary season
The Colombian responds to the release of the trailer, making light of the incident
-
Anti-sailing and knob-induced drag: Swiss Side delves into gravel tyre aerodynamics
Aero experts test Continental, Panaracer, Schwalbe, Vittoria and WTB tyres using its newest carbon gravel wheelset, the Gravon 420
-
Rohan Dennis says he moved to Jumbo-Visma because Ineos Grenadiers were copying 'a lot of stuff' from Dutch team
Australian time-trialist will be part of Jumbo-Visma's Tour de France squad
-
Grace Brown and Rohan Dennis win Australian time trial titles
Dennis wins fourth title, Brown wins second, both in new team colours
-
Richie Porte targets Giro d'Italia one more time
Australian says Ineos Grenadiers want him to enjoy his last professional season
-
Five of the biggest transfer rumours in the men's peloton
Some big names could be in different kit for the 2022 season
-
Five talking points from the Tokyo 2020 Olympic time trials
Van Vleuten and Roglič decimate their fields, as some of the favourites slip back - don’t miss these moments
-
Dutch pro suffers brain haemorrhage after being hit by scooter
Maurits Lammertink was rushed to hospital with serious injuries and underwent brain surgery that night
-
Rohan Dennis to join Jumbo-Visma from Ineos Grenadiers, reports suggest
The Australian joined the British team two years ago but it looks like he is on his way out
-
Rohan Dennis appears to break lockdown rules, deletes social media
The Australian posted on Instagram: 'Covid-19 can suck my ass and so can quarantine'
