Rogers wins first national title

Rogers last claimed an Australian time trial win in 1996 when he wonthe U19 event but since then has forged a spectacular career inprofessional cycling which had included three times winning the timetrial at the World Championships (2003, 2004, 2005)

But it wasa close run victory as 20-year-old West Australian Cameron Meyer(Garmin-Chipotle) posted a sensational performance to finish just sixseconds behind to claim the silver medal in his first race as an eliteprofessional.

Competitors battled high winds on thechallenging 39km course, with Rogers averaging 47.76km/hour to finishin a time of 48:59.69, ahead of Meyer (49:05.56), with Tasmanian RichiePorte (Praties) in third place (50:50.45).

“I have never wonthese Championships before so it’s a very proud moment for me and tohave the chance to wear the green and gold all around the world is aproud thing… to have on my shoulders,” said Rogers.

Afterspending Christmas with his wife and young twin daughters in Italy, hearrived in Australia just four days ago. Rogers held a five second leadon Meyer at the half way point and reached speeds close to 100km/houraided by a tailwind on the descent in the last few kilometres to holdon to his advantage.

“The conditions were really tough outthere, it was quite cool and there seemed to be a head wind most of theway around,” the Beijing Olympian said. “I had a good gap at thehalfway distance and knew I just had to hold it together.

“Ihave come from a winter in Italy and have done all my training overthere, so it is certainly great to be back as I miss coming out toAustralia and racing here,” said Rogers who in 2007, whilst virtualleader on the road, suffered a crash that forced him out of the Tour deFrance. Then last year he was struck down with Epstein Barr virus andonly returned to racing mid-season. Despite this he posted two top tenperformances in Beijing with sixth in the road race and eighth in thetime trial at the Olympic Games.

“To come back after two yearsof misfortunes and sicknesses I am just really happy to be back to topcondition and back on the top of the podium.”

Rogers also paid tribute to young Meyer.

“Heis a classy rider and to already be riding well in his first event as asenior (means) if he keeps everything together he will be a class actfor years to come,” said Rogers.

Rogers will now concentrate on a possible double gold as he prepares for Sunday’s 163km elite men’s road race.
“By winning today I think I have confirmed I have condition at a top level,” he said.

Meyer,who recently signed a professional contract with Garmin-Chipotle,immediately made his mark in the elite ranks with an outstanding rideover the elite distance. In September last year he claimed the bronzemedal in the U23 time trial at the road World Championships in Italyraced over a distance of 33.5km.

“It’s all a bit surreal, Ireally didn’t know what to expect being only 20 so to be on the podiumand be only six seconds offthe win, I have to be happy,” said Meyer.“Part of me is like you just missed it, but when you have the threetime world champion standing next to you, you just have to be happy.

“It’sall happening very quickly,” said Meyer. “This is my first week racingthe big boys and to start with a silver medal gives me great hope forthe rest of the year.”

Meanwhile Porte who was fifth in theevent last year was happy to step up onto the podium. In January lastyear after finishing ninth overall in the 2008 Tour Down Under Porte’syear was interrupted by an accident that resulted in a fractured hip.However he returned to form in September to win the Tour of Tasmania.

“Iam pretty happy really, I didn’t really expect it as I haven’t beendoing any specific time trial training so it’s nice to get up on thepodium,” said Porte.

Defending champion Adam Hansen, who hasbeen training in Cairns in hot, tropical conditions to prepare fortoday struggled in the cool Ballarat conditions and did not have a goodride. He finished well off the pace finishing more than three minutesbehind Rogers in 11th (52:37.64).

“I went really well for thefirst few kilometres but then I just couldn’t get going,” said adisappointed Hansen. “My heart rate was at 160 beats per minute most ofthe way and I kept telling myself I needed to go faster but I justcouldn’t do it.”

Two-time medallist, Rory Sutherland, (Healthnet) withdrew prior to the race due to illness.