Ruby Roseman-Gannon (Liv Alula Jayco) has claimed her third career criterium national title, winning the elite women's race at the Westbridge Funds Road National Championships in Perth.
The Melbourne rider showed strength and composure to surge away from a star-studded breakaway with three laps remaining of the 1.2-kilometre course in inner-city Northbridge.
The critical five-rider break was formed halfway through the 60-minute race with Roseman-Gannon, Josie Talbot (both from Liv AlUla Jayco), Alex Manly (AG Insurance - Soudal), Amanda Spratt (Lidl-Trek) and Neve Bradbury (Canyon//SRAM zondacrypto).
When Roseman-Gannon made the critical move, she left Alex Manly chasing solo behind to ultimately finish in second place. Josie Talbot crossed in third in a sprint finish.
The Brunswick Cycling Club product reclaims the green-and-gold bands of national champion after doing the criterium and road race double in 2024, and also winning in 2022.
“I haven’t been feeling as confident as I normally do, I’ve been through a bit of a rough patch, so to be able to raise my arms up in the air again is the best way to start the year,” Roseman-Gannon said.
“The plan was to be pretty aggressive, to have Josie in the break, she is one of the smartest riders I know, so that gave me a lot of confidence.
“I want to do this beautiful jersey proud. It is the most beautiful jersey I have ever worn.
"Really special win from a quality break, so I’m really proud of that.”
She now turns her attention to Sunday’s road race in Kings Park, where her Liv AlUla Jayco team are the pre-race favourites.
“Last time I won the crit, I also won the road race, so definitely a bit of confidence,” Roseman-Gannon said. “But the field is so strong, it is going to be a challenge as always.”
Today's is Roseman-Gannon's first national title victory in Perth, the others having been won in Ballarat.
"It is incredible to have a race like this right in the centre of the city. I think it shows how much Perth loves cycling, I feel very privileged to be here. There are such good vibes.”
In the combined elite and under-23 race, the under-23 title was decided by a bunch sprint in the peloton behind. Reigning road race national champion Lucinda Stewart took the victory in comprehensive fashion.
“It’s a great feeling, it is so nice to be racing with my teammates again, especially with the WorldTour girls who I look up to so much,” Stewart said.
“It was a really hard, aggressive, fast race; that was the style of race I love.
“This is a great crit they have put on in Perth, there are lots and lots of corners so it makes positioning key. What I love about crits is it favours the bold. The plan was always to get numbers up the road and I’m so thankful to the girls, that I could go for the under-23 title in the pack.”
Earlier in the day, the junior under-19 women's title was taken out in a bunch sprint by Elsie Apps (ARA Skip Capital).
Result: Elite & U23 Women Criterium
- Ruby ROSEMAN-GANNON (Liv Alula Jayco) 1h05:13
- Alexandra MANLY (AG Insurance - Soudal Cycling Team) +0
- Josie TALBOT (Liv Alula Jayco) +8
- Neve BRADBURY (Canyon // SRAM Zondacrypto) +8
- Amanda SPRATT (Lidl - Trek) +8
- Lucinda STEWART (Liv AlUla Jayco Women's Continental Team)* +1:05
- Amelie SANDERS (Meridian Bikebug Women's Continental Cycling Team)* +1:05
- Odette LYNCH (Norwood) +1:05
- Belinda BAILEY (NSTRMO x ATTAQUER x CCACHE)* +1:05
- Keira WILL (Lidcombe Auburn) * +1:05
Result: U19 Women Criterium
- Elsie APPS (ARA Skip Capital) 34:36
- Neve PARSLOW (ARA Skip Capital) +0
- Billie RUSSELL (Brunswick) +0
- Chloe BUCKLEY (Team Redcat) +0
- Annie KLEYWEGT (Hobart Wheelers) +0
Photos: Zac Williams and Chris Auld