Svein Tuft completely dominated the Canadian road championships as he won both the time trial and the road race. In the latter event, he rode solo for more than 100km which made him more proud of the title than the one he took a few years ago.

Svein Tuft dominated the elite men’s individual time trial and road race at the Swedish National Championships. It is Tuft’s ninth time trial title and his second road title.

Tuft put on a clinic in the individual time trial. He posted the fastest splits from start to finish ultimately stopping the clock at 53’25 over the 40.4 kilometre course. The time was 2’03 faster than Hugo Houle (Ag2r La Mondiale) in second place. The overwhelming favourite in the event, Tuft has won nine time trial titles out of ten starts at Canadian Road National Championships.

“It’s never in the bag,” said Tuft. “You never know what you’re going to get on the day. I came here really motivated. Coming out of the Giro, I had a good little rest and worked hard coming back. I’m extremely happy to come out here strong.”

Tuft also put his time trial skills to work en route to his road title. Attacking on the second lap of the Mont-Morne circuit, Tuft spent 120 kilometres in a solo breakaway before taking a decisive victory. Christian Meier survived the high attrition rate in the chase group to round out the podium in third.

“When I won in 2011, we had some good odds with SpiderTech,” said Tuft. “We had numbers, and we could take control of the race. Today, with two guys, we had to race the perfect race. Right from the beginning, Christian and I were always in the moves and making sure that we wouldn’t be racing from behind. I’d have to say I’m proud of this one.”