Australian cycling sensation Luke Plapp returns to Perth's roads this week, aiming to further cement his dominance at the national championships. The 25-year-old Grand Tour and Olympic rider will defend his elite men's time trial title on Thursday, seeking an incredible fourth victory in the discipline.
Plapp's Podium Pedigree and Perth Challenge
Luke Plapp's record at the Australian road national championships is nothing short of phenomenal. Since 2021, he has claimed three road race titles and three time trial victories, making the top step of the podium his familiar territory. His quest for a fourth time trial win will see him tackle four fast laps of a demanding 39.2-kilometre circuit around Bold Park.
The course presents a significant test, featuring the taxing climb up Oceanic Drive before riders turn to face a headwind punch from the Fremantle Doctor along West Coast Highway. The race concludes at HBF Stadium. Last year, Plapp mastered these conditions to win in a time of 46 minutes and 33 seconds, finishing more than eight seconds ahead of Jay Vine (UAE Team Emirates).
Contenders and Key Rivalries
Despite his favourite status, Plapp has identified the in-form Jay Vine as the cyclist to beat. "He is up there with the best time-triallers in the world right now," Plapp told The West Australian. He emphasised the need for perfect pacing on the challenging circuit, particularly managing the climb and the powerful afternoon headwind along the coast.
This assessment was echoed by four-time national time-trial champion and Olympic gold medallist Grace Brown, who is now retired and providing commentary for SBS. "It's pretty hard to go past Luke Plapp. He performs so consistently, but Jay Vine puts in a pretty solid ride most years at the national champs so I think they are probably the two main contenders," Brown said.
In the women's event, Brown rates reigning champion Brodie Chapman (UAE Team ADQ) as the favourite following her victory last year. Chapman completed three laps of the 29.4km women's circuit in 39:53.
Backing Up a Stellar Season on Home Roads
Plapp's campaign comes on the back of a standout 2025 season, which included an individual stage win at the Giro d'Italia, a debut in the Tour de France, and a gold medal in the mixed relay team time trial at the UCI Road World Championships. This success is especially notable as it followed serious abdominal injuries requiring surgery after a crash in the wet during the Paris Olympics time trial the previous year.
The event marks the second year of Perth's three-year deal to host the road nationals, bringing elite cycling back to Western Australia. The excitement is palpable among local riders, including reigning criterium champion Sam Welsford (INEOS Grenadiers). "The crowds just really lit me up and made me really proud to have nationals at home," Welsford said, describing the "amazing" experience of racing in front of home supporters.
Fellow WA rider Luke Durbridge (Jayco AlUla) will also be aiming to go back-to-back in Sunday's elite men's road race, which finishes in Kings Park.
The women's elite time trial begins at 12:47pm on Thursday, with the men's event following at 2:00pm. The championships continue with the criterium on Friday and the road races over the weekend, promising a fantastic festival of cycling for Perth fans.
