Caleb Ewan has kick-started his 2024 season with a win in the men’s criterium at the Federation University Australian Road National Championships. Racing for the first time in Jayco AlUla colours, Ewan emerged victorious in a dramatic and attack-filled race on the streets of Ballarat. Despite a crash in the final sprint, Ewan skilfully avoided falling and claimed a convincing win, marking a fresh start after a challenging 2023 with Lotto Soudal.
Jensen Plowright of Alpecin-Deceuninck secured second place, with Sam Welsford of Bora-Hansgrohe completing the podium in third. Ewan described the race as “pretty hard all day” with no significant breaks, leading to a tough race that ultimately resulted in a bunch sprint. This victory marks Ewan’s fourth criterium title, but his first since 2018.
Ewan expressed his delight at winning in his new team’s jersey, stating, “It’s great to put the jersey back on, and this is exactly the way I wanted to start [with Jayco AlUla]. It feels good and it gives me confidence going into the rest of the season.”
The win follows Ruby Roseman-Gannon’s success in the women’s elite criterium, leading a clean sweep for the Liv AlUla Jayco team. Luke Plapp, another new member of the men’s Australian team, had earlier dominated the men’s elite time trial.
Looking ahead, both the elite women’s and men’s road races are scheduled for Sunday, with Ewan and Plapp being key players for Jayco AlUla. Ewan is hopeful about his chances, saying, “The race really needs to go a certain way for me to win, so we will see how it goes, but my legs feel good, so hopefully I can do the double.”
(Photo Credit: Con Chronis usCycling)
Ruby Roseman-Gannon Bags Second Australian Elite Women’s Criterium Title
Ruby Roseman-Gannon of Liv-AlUla-Jayco continued her winning streak, securing her second elite women’s criterium title at the Australian Road National Championships with an early attack. Initially pairing with Gina Ricardo of Team BridgeLane, Roseman-Gannon didn’t expect their breakaway to last but managed to finish solo, repeating the victory style of her DS, Jess Allen, from 2017. Her teammates, Georgia Baker and Alex Manly, secured second and third places, respectively.
Keely Bennett of Team BridgeLane claimed the U23 title, finishing fifth overall. The criterium unfolded over 30 laps of the 1.1km course in Ballarat, with large crowds witnessing the race’s final edition at this venue before its 2025 relocation.
Roseman-Gannon praised her team’s efforts, saying, “I can’t thank the girls enough, it’s such a great team to race with, and what a great way to start the year.” Caleb Ewan shared his excitement about being back with the team, admitting he was nervous before the race but thrilled to win.
The National Championships will conclude on Sunday with a 104.4km road race on the Buninyong circuit.
Australian National Championships 2024 Criterium Men result
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Australian National Championships 2024 Criterium Women result
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Main photo credit: Henry Yates/6ft8photographer
