| |
Rohan Dennis returns looking to
go back to back but the BMC star will have tough competition
from Orica-Scott duo Luke Durbridge and Michael Hepburn who
are both former winners. With winners from four of the last
give years lining up expect a strong battle for not just the
green and gold jersey but all three podium spots.
2016 Results
1 Rohan DENNIS
2 Richie PORTE +39
3 Sean LAKE +1:35
4 Damien HOWSON +1:51
5 Benjamin DYBALL +1:56
6 Nick BENSLEY +3:11
7 Matthew CLARK +3:19
8 Simon GILLETT +3:55
9 Nicholas SQUILLARI +4:12
10 Jack BOBRIDGE +4:20
Past Winners
2016 Rohan Dennis
2015 Richie Porte
2014 Michael Hepburn
2013 Luke Durbridge
2012 Luke Durbridge
2011 Cameron Meyer
2010 Cameron Meyer
2009 Michael Rogers
2008 Adam Hansen
2007 Nathan O'Neill
2006 Nathan O'Neill
2005 Nathan O'Neill
2004 Nathan O'Neill
2003 Ben Day
2002 Nathan O'Neill
2001 Kristjan Snorrarson
2000 Darren Rolfe
The Route
The same course as the last two with not even a metre of flat
will make for a difficult early season test. The out and back
40.9km course has only two or three turns including the
turning point beneath a wind farm.
The Contenders
Full start list and start order available
here.
Rohan Dennis
After two silver medals in 2013 and 2015 Dennis finally snared
the green and gold jersey in a dominant display last year.
While Dennis missed the Olympic medal he had been chasing with
a mechanical expect the disappointment to only fire him on
more in 2017. Tasted success against the clock at the Tour of
California and Eneco Tour last year and while the 26-year-old
is focusing on developing in to a Grand Tour rider in 2017
expect Dennis to come out of the block looking to win another
national title.
Luke Durbridge
Durbridge won back-to-back titles in 2012 and 2013 and is keen
to get the crown back. In the four times he has ridden the
elite race at nationals he has never finished worse than
fourth with three podium appearances. With a under 23 world
title to his name Durbridge's credentials are well
established. Despite placing less of a focus on the discipline
in recent years don't discount Durbridge for snaring a third
title.
Michael Hepburn
The multiple track world champion was something of an
unexpected winner in 2014 and has only improved on the road
since then. A result that often gets lots among his track
success is Hepburn claimed bronze in the under 23 time trial
at the World Championships in 2011. Spent 2016 focused on the
track where he claimed the team pursuit world title and
Olympic bronze. Back on the road in 2017 and a strong result
here will set him up for the year ahead.
Sean Lake
Former rower Sean Lake finished 29th in his first appearance
in 2015 but broke through for bronze last year beating out a
number of more favoured names and two months later Lake went
on to claim the Oceania title. After spending time in Europe
last year Lake will be looking to continue his rapid rise in
the sport as he hunts another podium appearance.
Miles Scotson
The last two years have seen two BMC riders on the podium and
Scotston will be hoping to find the podium along with Rohan
Dennis. Scotson claimed the under 23 title in 2015 and the
silver medal last year before becoming the latest Australian
in a long list to medal at the World Championships. Scotson
steps up to the elite ranks for the first time and will have a
challenge on his hands.
Other names to watch: Ben Dyball an always consistent
performer and under 23 bronze medallist Ben O'Connor who had a
break through season in 2016. |
|