Rising star Callum Scotson will keep juggling his road and track cycling commitments through a pivotal year in his career.
The 21-year-old won his third-straight Australian title on Thursday in the under-23 road time trial.
Scotson is in his last season as an under-23 rider and his main goal this year is to secure a professional road contract.
While he is part of the small Australian team for the world track championships, Scotson will not make himself available for Commonwealth Games selection.
Instead, he will stay in Europe after the February 28-March 4 track worlds in The Netherlands to give himself the best chance of securing a road deal.
Scotson currently rides for Mitchelton-BikeExchange which is the development squad for the Australian Mitchelton-Scott team.
"I decided I'd like to go to Europe following the track worlds (on the road) and have as much chance to get the results I need," he said after Thursday's win.
"I would have loved to have put my hand up and try to go there (Gold Coast)."
Scotson is a well-credentialed track rider, winning silver in the team pursuit at the Rio Olympics.
He also will partner eight-time world track champion Cameron Meyer in the madison at this year's worlds.
Meyer also juggles track and road at Mitchelton-Scott and is helping Scotson balance the two disciplines.
"He really shows how well you can balance the road and the track," Scotson said.
"The thought of doing another Olympic Games is really big in my mind.
"But then immediately, I also need to try and get results to move into the professional (road) ranks - that's a bit of a dream of mine."
Scotson clocked 39 minutes 21.84 seconds over the 29.5km course at Buninyong, near Ballarat, to win Thursday's title
Sam Jenner was seven seconds behind in second place and Jason Lea was 13 seconds off the pace for the bronze medal.
It was a tight contest, with six lead changes.
Also on Thursday, Luke Plapp won the under-19 time trial, just two seconds ahead of Tyler Lindorff, while Mitchel Wright was third.
Top competitors such as Carol Cooke, Stuart Tripp, Kyle Bridgwood and Alistair Donohue were among the winners in the paracycling time trials.
The nationals continue on Friday with the elite time trials, where Rohan Dennis and Kat Garfoot are also aiming for their third-straight wins.
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