Kemps claims Australian criterium title

"I am very happy with this win and very thankful for Fly V, a new team for me this year, and very happy for the first race of the year get a win for them," said Kemps.

"It is a team for Australians and I am proud to be in an Australian team and now I am proud to take this jersey overseas and represent Australia."

The 26 year old Queenslander finished ahead of Victoria's Dean Windsor (Rapha Condor) was second, with Tasmanian Will Clarke (Praties) crossing the line in third place with only eight riders completing the course.

"I tried to be as aggressive as I could from the start and my legs felt really good today, but all the boys rode really well today, we did a great effort," said Kemps.

"When eight to ten of us got away, I was just happy to stay to the finish and then Bernie Sulzberger did a great job leading me out and I can't thank him enough since he was last year's Australian criterium champion."

Windsor for his part knew he would be up against it in the final sprint.

"With three Fly V and two Drapac riders in the breakaway it made it quite difficult being by myself but I just made sure I jumped with everything that went," said Windsor.

"It used a lot of my energy but I just couldn't afford to miss the winning break.

"Unfortunately my legs were a little tired in the final sprint."

Clarke, who was the 2009 National Road Series Champion, was happy to move onto the podium after a fourth placing in yesterdays time trial.

"I am really happy," said Clarke. "I have come into these championships with some really good form and hopefully I can continue it through to the road race."

Final classification:

1 Aaron Kemps (QLD), 2 Dean Windsor (NSW), 3 William Clarke (TAS), 4 Chris Steffanoni (VIC), 5 David Pell (VIC), 6 Bernard Sulzberger (TAS), 7 Lachlan Norris (MTB), 8 David Kemp (QLD).