Ruby Roseman-Gannon’s well-executed criterium win is a welcome shot of confidence before the main event at the Australian road cycling championships.
The 27-year-old Liv AlUla Jayco rider won her third criterium title on Friday, breaking away from a word-class front group at Perth’s Northbridge circuit.
That confirmed Roseman-Gannon as one of the favourites for the road race on Sunday around King’s Park at the Westbridge Funds nationals.
Two years ago, she did the criterium and road race double and also claimed the criterium championship in 2022..
Friday’s win marked an important turnaround for Roseman-Gannon after last year’s form struggles.
“I haven’t been feeling as confident as normal recently – I had a bit of a rough patch,” she said.
“So get my hands up in the air again, it’s the best way to start the year.
“The road race is the reason I’m here. The crit is a lovely bonus and obviously I’m in a race to win, but the road race is the most important thing.
“Getting to wear the green and gold (Australian champion’s jersey) in Europe is the most special thing, so I’d love to try and do it again.”
Her teammate Josie Talbot was third and Liv AlUla Jayco used their numbers to perfection in the criterium.
Roseman-Gannon and Talbot rode a smart race in the break against fellow WorldTour riders Amanda Spratt, Alex Manly and Neve Bradbury.
It was a select group that would not look out of place at the top European races.
“I respect every single rider in that break, a lot. I know they’re amazing riders, in their own right,” Roseman-Gannon said.
“You have to be pretty crafty, you’re not going to get away with attacking off the front or playing around.
“So you have to really smart and use your numbers, which we did.”
Adding to the impressive performance, teammate Lucy Stewart won the sprint for sixth and claimed the under-23 title.
Stewart was the surprise winner of last year’s nationals road race.
As the only WorldTour team in Australia, Liv AlUla Jayco always bring the strongest lineup to the road nationals.
But that strength of numbers also brings its challenges.
“It will be a lot of tactics and timing. When you have such big numbers, you have a big opportunity – but a lot of pressure as well,” Roseman-Gannon said.
“It’s really on us to decide the race and make the race.”
The men’s under-23 road race will be run on Saturday, with the women’s and men’s elite titles decided on Sunday to end the championships.
https://thewest.com.au/sport/cycling/the-reason-im-here-ruby-aiming-for-road-race-double-c-21262281
