Damien Howson's unlikely Herald Sun Tour win has given the Australian cyclist a tantalising new glimpse of what his career might become.
First and foremost, the 24-year-old remains a key climbing domestique in the Orica-Scott team as they aim for an historic first Grand Tour title.
But Howson's storming win on Thursday at Falls Creek - his first professional race victory - and a faultless defence of the overall lead over the next three days has left the Adelaide rider daring to dream.
This is the first time Howson has taken out a stage race.
"It's opened a new opportunity - more on my own behalf, of giving myself that confidence that I can win races," Howson said.
"I can help when I need to, but if my time comes, I can also step up to the plate.
"I guess everyone has to wait and see, how far I can actually take it to the sport."
Howson started the Tour in his usual role, as the main climbing domestique for Orica-Scott's Colombian star Esteban Chaves.
The Australian was crucial last year when Chaves finished second at the Giro d'Italia and third at the Vuelta a Espana - two of three Grand Tours.
But Howson's Falls Creek win meant the servant became the master, with Chaves and the rest of Orica-Scott riding superbly in support.
They had little trouble preserving Howson's lead in Sunday's 121km last stage, which was four laps of a hilly circuit at Kinglake north of Melbourne.
Three-time Tour de France champion and defending race champion Chris Froom tried attacking Howson on the last lap, but the Australian covered him well.
Froome's British teammate Ian Stannard attacked from the front group to win the stage, although he nearly misjudged the finish as New Zealander Aaron Gate (Aqua Blue) just failed to catch him on the line.
Howson finished with Froome in the reduced main group, 17 seconds later.
The Herald Sun Tour ends the Australian summer of cycling and Orica-Scott director Matt Wilson said the win was a great way for the team to head to Europe.
"When it's a big favourite, a big leader and you're always working for them, it's a job," Wilson said
"But when you see this guy who's selflessly committed for years (win), a different sort of passion comes through."
And Wilson agreed that Howson, a former under-23 world time trial champion, should think big with his career.
"He's a very consistent rider and he's so young, he has a lot of room to develop and mature," Wilson said.
"Who knows - he could have the whole team working for him one day in the big tours."
Howson beat KordaMentha national team rider Jai Hindley by 38 seconds, with Froome in sixth at a minute 12 seconds and Chaves another three seconds behind in ninth overall.
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