Leandre Bouchard is the 2017 Croc Trophy Champion

Canadian Leandre Bouchard (BH SR Suntour KMC) has been crowned the 2017 MEPT Crocodile Trophy Champion after the final time trial in Port Douglas.

Leandre Bouchard lifts his bike at the finish line in Port Douglas as the 2017 MEPT Crocodile Trophy Champion Source: Regina Stanger/Croc Trophy

While his Canadian counterpart Andrew L'Esperance (Forward Racing-Norco) set the fastest time over the the 30km time trial with a time of 54 minutes, 49 seconds, Bouchard defended his overnight lead finishing 14 seconds down. 

Bouchard's overall time after eight stages was 27 hours, 15 minutes and 59 seconds. L'Esperance finished the event just one minute and 16 seconds behind. 

“I'm really happy that I was able to take most of my lead across the finish line”, Bouchard said.

"Andrew [L'Esperance] got really strong over the last few days and I really wanted to claim today's stage myself, but am content with the overall victory, of course.

"It's been a real adventure and I really enjoyed this week.”

Haley Smith (Norco Factory Team) secured the women's category with an overall time of 34 hours, 53 minutes and 33 seconds. 

Fastest Australian and fourth overall was Daniel Beresford from Wagga Wagga.