Jordan Kerby made it a dream start for Drapac Professional Cycling in their first race as a pro continental team when the 21-year-old beat Harry Carpenter into 2nd to claim his first Australian U23 time trial title. In a nail-biting finish, he was just 0,2 seconds faster than his rival while Miles Scotson completed the podium.

A few days ago, Drapac Professional Cycling stated that they were hopeful that their youngest rider, 21-year-old Jordan Kerby, would give them a good start as pro continental team. Today Kerby delivered on his promises and gave the team the beginning they had all dreamt about.

Kerby left the start ramp at the Australian U23 time trial champions with the firm intention of taking a medal after having finished 4th last year. From the start it was clear that he was on a good ride as he had the fastest time check at the halfway point.

Kerby was the penultimate rider down the ramp and was able to see how he made progress on his main rivals like Jack Haig, Alexander Morgan and the day's final starter, big favourite Campbell Flakemore. However, it was 20-year-old Harry Carpenter who had started 7 minutes earlier than Kerby who proved to be his main rival.

Shaun O'Callaghan had set an early fast time after half an hour of the race and spent around 15 minutes in the hot seat before being dethroned by Samuel Spokes. This was when it became clear that Carpenter was on a surprisingly good ride as he powered across the line just one minute later to set the fastest time of the day.

Miles Scotson got close to the time of Carpenter, setting a time that was only 13 seconds slower, but the leading time withstood the challenge. Neither Jack Haig, nor Alexander Morgan were able to get close to the best mark and so all eyes were on Kerby and Flakemore to deny Carpenter a surprise win.

Kerby had set the fastest time at the halfway point but had started to fade towards the end, making for a nail biting finish. However, he had just enough left in the tank to lower the mark by a narrow 0,2 seconds.

Flakemore was unable to live up to expectations and his final time was only good enough for fourth. Hence, Kerby could step onto the podium, taking a national jersey for the second year in a row after winning the road race in 2013.

Result:

1. Jordan Kerby 34.56

2. Harry Carpenter +0.01

3. Miles Scotson +0.14

4. Campbell Flakemore +0.19

5. Samuel Spokes +1.05

6. Jack Haig +1.19

7. Shaun O'Callaghan +1.28

8. Mitchell Lovelock-Fay +1.38

9. Jack Beckinsale +1.52

10. Oscar Stevenson +2.00