Caleb Ewan took his second national title in the space of a few days when he won today’s U23 Australian Road Race Championships in Buninyong. 

Ewan, who hails from New South Wales, added the RR to his Criterium title that he won on Thursday. Robert Power and Bradley Linfield (both of West Australia) were 2nd and 3rd respectively.

“I’m over the moon,” Ewan exclaimed. “I’m so happy with how I went. I feel a bit more relaxed now, I couldn’t really soak it in after the crit on Thursday but to get both titles, I’m really happy with that.”

With a lap to go, Ewan found himself in a six-man group with Tom Hamilton, Harry Carpenter, Alex Clements, Robert McCarthy and Shaun O’Callaghan. The group was increased after Power and Linfield joined after the final climb.

Despite various attacks from Power and Linfield, Ewan would not be dropped and blasted by everyone in the group to win the 132km race.

“The last time up that climb I was cramping the whole way, I just had to make it look like I wasn’t going that hard when they attacked me,” an elated Ewan said.

“It was quite aggressive on the last climb and I was able to cover all the moves and I knew if I covered all the moves and I got to the finish with the whole bunch that I would have a good shot of winning the kick.

“That’s what I tried to do and that’s how it worked out in the end. Just to get here in the end and win is such a relief,” Ewan explained.

Both of his rivals had nothing but praise for the Orica-GreenEDGE sprinter, with Power saying “I think everyone was trying to get away from Caleb but he’s just really awesome, he stayed there and got the win. He deserves it.”

1. Caleb Ewan (NSW)               3h23:31

2. Robert Power (WA)                +0

3. Bradley Linfield (WA)            +0

4. Harry Carpenter (SA)            +0

5. Shaun O’Callaghan (VIC)    +0

6. Thomas Hamilton (VIC)        +0

7. Robert McCarthy (SA)          +3

8. Alexander Clements (TAS )+5

9. Jack Beckinsale (NSW)       +5

10. Jack Haig (VIC)                   +9