Grace Brown (FDJ-Suez) won the elite women's time trial title at the Federation University Australian Road National Championships on Thursday, defending the title she also won in 2023, 2022 and 2019.
Brown set a time of 40:51.30, with Brodie Chapman (Lidl-Trek) just seven seconds slower to take the silver medal and move up a step on the podium from last year despite some gear issues while out on course. Georgie Howe (Liv-AlUla-Jayco) came third in the 28.6km event in Ballarat.
"It’s always nerve-racking coming and doing the time trial straight up, not really knowing exactly where my form sits compared to everyone else," Brown said after the event. "It was probably not my best time out on this course. It was quite tough, but I feel like I paced myself really well for where I’m at.”
It did, however, at some stages look like Chapman had a good shot at threatening Brown’s domination of the Mount Helen circuit near Ballarat.
"I think Brodie was closing in on me a bit on the second lap," said Brown.
"I died a bit but I was able to keep fairly steady so given where I’m at I think I did a good race.”
Brown said some injury issues had hampered her preparations, but in year with key goals further down the track, including the Paris Olympic Games, peaking too early was never really an option.
"It’s the start of a big year. I’ve got some big goals and we’re still building up towards those so it’s nice to have this one behind me," she said.
Further down the field, it wasn't the start Sarah Gigante had hoped for as she returned to the event after a two year absence in the colours of her new team, AG Insurance - Soudal.
An early mechanical for the only rider who has managed to interrupt Brown's time trial winning streak since 2019 forced a quick bike change and restart. Gigante ended up in 11th spot.
"Pretty heartbroken after an unlucky start line mechanical today, but I’m grateful for the support and proud of myself for my hard work (60 hours on the TT bike in 1 month!) and for still getting out there & racing on a road bike, even if I was 3 min down on worthy winner Grace," said Gigante in a social media post.
Her teammate Anya Louw – who won the U23 title in 2023 – came fourth in the elite category.
Riders took on two laps of the 14.5km course with 180 metres of elevation gain with the race against the clock opening up the events at the National Championships. The women's U23 riders took to the course among the elite field.
Ella Simpson (ARA Skip Capital) claimed the U23 title in 2024, finishing ninth in the combined field, with Felicity Wilson-Haffenden just behind, as the 2023 junior world champion made her debut with Lidl-Trek. Neve Bradbury (Canyon-SRAM) took the final spot on the U23 podium.
"I’m really proud of the ride I put together and I’ve got to be stoked with beating two WorldTour riders," Simpson said.
"I told myself I could win and that’s a mindset I think you have to go into a race like this with, but honestly I’m so shocked. I didn’t think I would win so it’s a good day.”
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