Perth cyclist Mackenzie Coupland has claimed the Australian road cycling championship in a stunning solo victory, becoming the second 20-year-old rookie in a row to win the elite women's title. The Liv AlUla Jayco rider made a well-timed attack on Sunday to secure the win at the nationals in Perth, following in the footsteps of teammate Lucy Stewart, who was the shock champion last year.
Unlike last year's race, where the favourites let the break gain too much of a lead, Coupland's victory was a result of her initiative and first-rate team tactics. The young rider, in her first season as a WorldTour cyclist, also won the under-23 category. After the podium presentation, WA Premier Roger Cook sought a selfie with Coupland.
Capping the race for Liv AlUla Jayco, Coupland's teammate Ruby Roseman-Gannon outsprinted Neve Bradbury (Canyon SRAM) for second place. Another Liv AlUla Jayco rider, Josie Talbot, was part of a three-rider break that stayed away until late in the 109-kilometre race. It was only when Coupland caught Talbot early on the last of eight laps that she decided to go for the win.
Coupland initially hesitated to attack, saying, 'I first thought I would back Josie … I look up to her quite a bit.' However, after Talbot told her to go and a staff member urged her on, she switched and made her move. 'I still really don't believe it. I just can't get my head around it,' Coupland said.
In the men's race, Pat Eddy caused a massive boilover, defying the might of Jayco AlUla to win his first elite national road championship. Eddy held off Jayco AlUla star Luke Plapp at the finish of the 177km road race. Defending champion Luke Durbridge had been off the front by himself for most of the last three laps but faded near the finish, leaving Eddy and Plapp to decide the championship.
