Plapp, Roseman-Gannon locked in for Road Nationals defence

Australian champions Ruby Roseman-Gannon (Liv AlUla Jayco) and Luke Plapp (Team Jayco AlUla) will both line up in Perth this summer to defend their road race national titles.

The GreenEDGE riders have confirmed their participation at the 2025 AusCycling Road National Championships, which will be held from January 8−12 in the Western Australian capital.

Plapp will be aiming for a fourth consecutive elite road race title, a feat never achieved by an Australian.

He won his first two titles for the INEOS Grenadiers before completing the hat-trick this year in Ballarat, winning the green-and-gold bands for the Australian team of Jayco AlUla.

Plapp won the 2024 title after a two-up breakaway with Chris Harper.

Plapp will also be out to defend the jersey in the individual time trial, which he won in 2022 and 2024.

“It’s been special to wear the green and gold for the last three years, but nothing tops the pride of wearing it on the Aussie team,” Plapp said.

“To have the stripes for both the time trial and road race this year was a dream, especially to wear them throughout the Giro.

“Coming into Perth Nationals I’ll be giving it my best to keep both these jerseys. I’ve never not worn the Australian champion’s bands since I turned pro and I don’t plan for that to stop now.”

Roseman-Gannon will also head to Perth as a dual champion, having claimed victory in the criterium and road race this year.

Her season as Australian champion included her first WorldTour victory: a sprint win at the Tour of Britain. The Melburnian was also outstanding at the UCI World Championships, placing sixth in the road race and helping Australia win the mixed relay team time trial.

Roseman-Gannon began 2024 with dual national titles: in the criterium and road race.

“Winning the national road race was one of my long-term goals and to do it in Buninyong this year in front of my family, friends and my local cycling community was extra special,” Roseman-Gannon said.

“It was a privilege and honour to represent the jersey on the world stage.”

For both Victorians, January’s event will be their first time competing at a national championship outside their home state. AusCycling is moving the event to Perth after an 18-year stint in Ballarat.

“I'm excited for the new course in Perth – as much as I loved Buninyong, I think some variety in parcours and location will be good for the sport, spectators and riders,” Roseman-Gannon said.

Today’s announcement comes days after it was confirmed that Giro d’Italia winner Jai Hindley will race the National Championships in his hometown of Perth.

Photos: Con Chronis / AusCycling