Brodie Chapman claimed the Australian elite women’s time trial title in Perth with an impressive display of strength and consistency. The UAE Team ADQ rider, competing in her first race for the team, completed the 28km course in 39:53, finishing 32 seconds ahead of Amber Pate and a full minute ahead of Anya Louw of AG Insurance-Soudal.
The women tackled three laps of a 9.8km circuit, featuring 109m of elevation gain per lap, and Chapman’s calculated approach saw her claw back Pate’s early advantage. Pate, who flew through the first time check in first position with a seven-second lead, was unable to maintain the pace as Chapman surged in the later stages.
“I knew that Amber Pate was the one to watch,” said Chapman after her win. “What other people are doing doesn’t really impact my race. When I almost caught them I was like, okay, I know that I at least beat them, but I knew that Amber Pate was the one to watch. But yeah, I mean, knowing where she’s at doesn’t really make me push any harder. I’m just pushing as hard as I can anyway.”
Pate, despite her second-place finish, expressed satisfaction with her performance. “Personally, I am very happy with second place today,” she said. “It has been a really nice block leading into the event. I haven’t been on the time trial bike, focusing on it for the past two or three years, so to come in second against Brodie and not too far off her, I am really proud. Hopefully next year for the team I can finish one place higher.”
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
In the U23 women’s race, held shortly before the elite event, Alli Anderson narrowly edged out Felicity Wilson-Haffenden to secure victory in a dramatic finish. Anderson clocked a time of 40:54, just 1.8 seconds faster than the reigning junior world time trial champion from Tasmania. The tight battle showcased the talents of the next generation, with 19-year-old Sophie Sammons claiming third, over a minute behind the leading duo.
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Photo Credit: AusCyclingLuke Plapp powers to third Australian time trial title
The men’s elite time trial saw Luke Plapp defend his Australian title with a commanding performance over the 38.4km course. The Jayco AlUla rider completed four laps of the same 9.8km circuit in 46:33, averaging over 49.5km/h and finishing eight seconds ahead of Jay Vine racing for UAE Team Emirates.
Plapp quickly asserted himself as the rider to beat, establishing a 20-second lead over Vine by the end of the first lap. Despite Vine chipping away at the deficit in the final lap, Plapp’s early advantage and consistent effort proved decisive.
“It’s my favourite event in the world, the national time trial championships,” said Plapp after his win. “I love training over the summer here in Australia for this event, and it’s super special to go back-to-back with the team.”
Plapp’s Jayco AlUla teammate, Kelland O’Brien, took third place, finishing 54 seconds behind the winner. The team dominated the top five, with Chris Harper and Michael Hepburn securing fourth and fifth, respectively.
The race marked the first time Plapp and Vine faced each other in the Australian national time trial. Vine, who won the title in Plapp’s absence in 2023, had been expected to challenge for victory. While his late effort was impressive, it was not enough to unseat the defending champion.
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Main photo credit: AusCycling
