Durbridge 20th in Road Worlds Time Trial

WAIS athlete Luke Durbridge has recorded a 20th place finish in the men’s time trial at the 2015 UCI Road World Championships in Richmond, USA.

The former U23 time trial world champion covered the 53.5km course 2:18mins down on winner, Vasil Kiryienka (BEL) – who won the rainbow jersey in 1:02.29.

Durbridge was a late call-up for the time trial, and paced himself well throughout the challenging course. He was joined in action for Australia by Michael Hepburn (15th) and the unlucky Rohan Dennis, who had been in medal contention until a mechanical issue requiring a bike change, 25km from the finish saw him eventually finish in sixth place.

“There were some strong performances there, which was very encouraging especially from Michael Hepburn in 15th place and Luke Durbridge only 20 seconds behind,” said Elite Men’s Road Director Bradley McGee. “The put themselves in good company, and we will be looking on building on that for future campaigns.”

Durbridge will also line-up in Sunday’s road race for Australia.

Earlier in the week, WAIS athlete Michael Storer (pictured) recorded a 13th place finish in the junior men’s time trial.

Storer, a 2014 bronze medallist in the event, had been highly touted for podium success again in 2015, but couldn’t find his rhythm to challenge the benchmarkers.

The U19 Oceania champion stopped the clock at 39 mins 49 secs as he crossed the finish line outside the top ten following two laps of the 15-kilometre circuit.

“Michael went out with full intent to ride for a podium position,” National Performance Director Kevin Tabotta told Cycling Australia. “He didn’t get on top of it today. That’s not uncommon in time trailing. It just wasn’t his day. He has to quickly recover now for the road race, which he is committed to doing. We’re interested in seeing how he comes out in that race.”

-with CyclingAus