Vuelta KOM winner Jay Vine locks in for RoadNats

Jay Vine (UAE Team Emirates) is the latest star rider to confirm his participation at the 2025 AusCycling Road National Championships in Perth.

Winner of two stages and the king of the mountains at the Vuelta a España, Vine will head west with a view to reclaiming the time trial title he won in 2023.

That year, the Canberran’s surprise victory at Nationals signalled his progression from pure climber to a genuine GC and TT contender.

Photo: Zac Williams

Since then, Vine has won the Tour Down Under overall, claimed his first individual time trial in Europe (a stage of the Vuelta a Burgos) and helped propel Australia to the world championship in the mixed relay team time trial.

Having missed the last Road Nationals, the 29-year-old is eager to return to racing on home soil. He will contest both the time trial and road race in Perth this January.

“I’m really looking forward to returning to Nationals, especially the TT,” Vine said. “First off the rank before the road race will, I think, lead to a much more explosive and exciting time trial.

Photo: Unipublic / Sprint Cycling Agency

“And then, the road race on a brand-new circuit over on Perth is going to be really exciting.

“Looking forward to kicking off the season in January in Australia. It’s going to be really great.”

Vine will face stiff competition in the time trial against defending champion Luke Plapp, who is determined to earn another year in the green-and-gold jersey; and Luke Durbridge, a four-time champion who will be racing on home soil.

Feature photo: Con Chronis