In a display of power and tactical brilliance, Victorian cyclist Ruby Roseman-Gannon has secured her third elite women's national criterium title at the Australian Road Cycling Championships in Perth.
A Commanding Victory on Home Soil
The thrilling one-hour race unfolded on Friday evening in the vibrant Perth suburb of Northbridge, where a large and energetic crowd witnessed Roseman-Gannon's emphatic win. This latest victory adds to her previous crowns won in 2022 and 2024, cementing her status as a dominant force in Australian criterium racing.
Roseman-Gannon, riding for the powerful Liv Alula Jayco team, was instrumental in forming a decisive breakaway just before the halfway point of the race. She was joined by teammate Josie Talbot, along with rivals Alex Manly (AG Insurance Soudal), Neve Bradbury (Canyon SRAM), and the experienced Amanda Spratt (Lidl Trek).
The Decisive Final Laps
The leading group of five remained locked together until three laps remained. At that critical moment, Roseman-Gannon launched a fierce attack, with only Alex Manly able to initially match her pace. Building her advantage steadily, Roseman-Gannon opened up a ten-metre lead with two laps to go and never looked back, powering to the finish line to claim the Westbridge Australian criterium championship.
Behind her, Josie Talbot won the sprint for the bronze medal, finishing ahead of Neve Bradbury and Amanda Spratt. The main peloton crossed the line a significant one minute and five seconds after the winner.
Teamwork and Relief for the Champion
After the race, Roseman-Gannon acknowledged the advantage provided by her strong team, which had nine riders in the event, but also spoke of personal pressure and a renewed sense of confidence. "We had a little bit of an unfair advantage, with nine riders starting, but it was great to pull it off," she told SBS.
"I haven't been feeling as confident as normal recently - I've had a bit of a rough patch," Roseman-Gannon admitted. "So to get my hands up in the air again, it's the best way to start the year." She paid special tribute to teammate Josie Talbot, calling her "one of the smartest riders I know" and stating she "couldn't have done it without her."
This victory sets Roseman-Gannon up as one of the top favourites for the elite women's road race, which will be held on Sunday.
Local Joy in Under-23 Event
Earlier in the day, the championships provided a moment of local celebration. Perth junior Jack Dohler, who turned 20 in December, won a thrilling sprint from a group of five riders to claim the under-23 men's criterium title.
Dohler triumphed over Bradyn Bloch from New South Wales and Queensland's Noah Blannin in the fast-paced event. "It's unreal just to win in my home state, in my home town. It's awesome," an elated Dohler told SBS, after improving on his fifth-place finish from the previous year.
