Miles Scotson (BMC) attacked from the back of a 12 rider-strong lead bunch, time-trialling solo for 1.8 kilometres to claim the 2017 Australian men’s elite national road race title.
Scotson put in a devastating attack with 1.5km to go, leaving behind an elite group of 13 riders and powering to the line in Buninyong. Two-time former winner and pre-race favourite Simon Gerrans (Orica-Scott) won the bunch kick for second while Nathan Haas (Dimension Data) dashed to third.
“I went all in for the one move. That’s how I race,” Scotson said. “I was feeling really good on the climb. I stayed patient. No way did I think I’d get around 18 laps today with the training load I’d done. There was no pressure. I wanted to have a crack and enjoy it. I asked the mechanic to put on a 54 chain ring and stuck with that tactic!”
“I’m just going to be racing in a national championship jersey in Europe this year — it’s going to be a big jump,” Scotson said. “There was maybe a bit of pressure — I’m not sure how this season is going to go whether or not I can handle it in Europe — but now I’m going to stand out so it’s time to lift my game.”
Results:
| 1 | Miles Scotson (BMC) | 4:37:55 |
| 2 | Simon Gerrans (Orica-Scott) | ,, |
| 3 | Nathan Haas (Dimension Data) | ,, |
| 4 | Cameron Bayly (Isowhey Sports Swisswellness) | ,, |
| 5 | Nathan Earle (UKYO) | ,, |
| 6 | Travis Meyer | ,, |
| 7 | Brendan Canty (Cannondale-Drapac) | ,, |
| 8 | Robbie Hucker (Isowhey Sports Swisswellness) | ,, |
| 9 | Lachlan Norris (UnitedHealthcare) | ,, |
| 10 | Mark O’Brien (Drapac-Pat’s Veg) | ,, |
