Jack Bobridge won the Australian Championships today in Buninyong after a solo attack. He defended himself to arrive a half-minute ahead of Matt Goss and Simon Gerrans.
The 21-year-old from Adelaide put on the green and gold national jersey over his normal Garmin-Cervélo top after the race. He has the honour of wearing it throughout the coming year.
"Just to be able to wear the colours this year in the pro' peloton is fantastic," said Bobridge. "And it's great to keep it in the team once again after Travis [Meyer] held it for the team last year."
He will have his first chance to show off his new prize at home in Adelaide. He is part of Garmin-Cervélo's seven-man team that is taking place in the Tour Down Under stage race, January 16 to 23.
The national championship win adds to growing list for Bobridge. Over a year ago, he won the Under 23 time trial world title in Mendrisio, Switzerland. On the track, he has helped Australia win gold medals at the Commonwealth Games and World Championships.
A road race is more of a gamble, though.
"You can come here saying you want to do well but to actually do it is another story," added Bobridge. "It's just fantastic."
Bobridge broke free early in the race with six others. Hearing word that team Sky was lifting the pace behind for Simon Gerrans, he attacked from his group with Jai Crawford. Bobridge then began his solo bid just after the start of the third lap of the 16-lap race, totalling 163.2 kilometres.
The group, led by Gerrans' Sky team and Goss' HTC team, caught everyone behind Bobridge. In front of htem, Bobridge used his time trial skills to survive.
"I rode to my threshold," said Bobridge. "Luckily enough I was obviously well and fit enough to hold that position,"
1. Jack Bobridge (Garmin-Cervélo)
2. Matthew Goss (HTC-Highroad)
3. Simon Gerrans (Sky)