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.”
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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.
Richie Porte in the 2016 Australian Criterium Championship
“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
