Australia's Michael Matthews (Team Sunweb) took seventh in the punishing men's road race at the 2020 UCI Road World Championships in Italy. 

Julian Alaphilippe (France) won gold and the rainbow jersey after launching a solo attach on the penultimate lap, with Wout Van Aert (Belgium) and Marc Hirschi (Switzerland) rounding out the podium.

​Matthews won the bunch sprint to take seventh, while Porte finished 25th. 

​"Really impressive ride by all of the boys, It was a super hard course and as a result, pretty much, there wasn't a whole lot of tactics and it was just a race of survival and attrition," said Simon Clarke (EF Pro Cycling) ​ after contesting his tenth World Championship road race. "In terms of execution, I think the team rode great. We had quite a young group with maybe less experienced than normal, but everyone stepped up and did a super great job."

One hundred seventy-seven​ riders set out in the 258km race which took in nine 28-kilometre passes of a circuit located around the motorsport track in Imola. The race was set to be decided on the tough climbs of Mazzolano and the Cima Gallisterna which punctuated the 5000m of elevation.

Dual career road race medalist Michael Matthews (Team Sunweb) and Richie Porte (Trek-Segafredo), fresh off his Tour de France podium celebration, would spearhead the Australian team.

Veterans Simon Clarke (EF Pro Cycling) and Luke Durbridge (Mitchelton-Scott), plus Chris Hamilton (Team Sunweb), Damien Howson (Mitchelton-Scott), Nicholas Schultz (Mitchelton-Scott) and debutant Jai Hindley (Team Sunweb) would support the pair.

A group of seven broke away at the start, and after establishing a lead of five minutes over the next five laps, they were caught by a surging peloton.

Superb team roles from Nick Schultz, Damian Howson and veteran Simon Clarke - in his tenth World Championship men’s road race - delivered Matthews and Porte to the front group to contest the decisive final few laps. 

On the penultimate lap, recently crowned Tour de France champion Tadej Pogacar launched a solo attack which splintered the peloton across the circuit.

As the peloton chased the Slovenian on the final lap, numbers favoured the French, Belgian and Italian teams and they reeled in Pogacar with 20 kilometres remaining.

The pace continued to lift, and with peloton exploding up the final climb, Porte lost touch with the front group.

The rainbow jersey move came inside the final ten kilometres when Alaphilippe went clear, with Mathews unable to join the chasing group of five riders in the hunt for the medals. 

​Matthews won the bunch sprint to take seventh, while Porte finished 25th. 

"We looked after our leaders knowing that that the key to the race today was delivering them to the final lap and as fresh as possible," said Clarke. "Bling (Mathews) and Richie (Porte) really committed in that going into that last lap and came pretty close to getting over that last climb and really delivering, going close to winning at least a medal. 

"Bling was kind of hoping for a little bit better considering he was so close to getting over the top for that last climb with the front guys. 

"But in hindsight, it was a super ride what he was able to achieve nonetheless, and all the other guys from Durbo and Chris Hamilton in Schultzy and Damo and Jai were all super key in helping to deliver those two guys into the last lap as fresh as possible.

"That was the reason they (Mathews and Porte) were able to go so well," added Clarke.

Lucy Kennedy was Australia’s best place finisher in 28th overall in a tough women’s road race at the 2020 UCI Road World Championships in Imola, Italy which was won by Dutch rider Anna Van Der Breggen. 

On the eve of the Championships, two-time road race medallist Amanda Spratt (Mitchelton-Scott) was forced out after injuries sustained in a crash in the Giro Rosa earlier in the month.

Tiffany Cromwell (Canyon–SRAM) came in to replace Spratt and joined Grace Brown (Mitchelton-Scott), Brodie Chapman (FDJ Nouvelle Aquitaine Futuroscope), Lucy Kennedy (Mitchelton-Scott), Shara Marche (nee Gillow) (FDJ Nouvelle Aquitaine Futuroscope), Rachel Neylan (Cronos Casa Dorada Women Cycling) and Sarah Roy (Mitchelton-Scott). 

145 riders set out on the 143km race featured five laps of an undulating 28.km circuit with two punishing climbs and 2,800m of elevation. The climbs up Mazzolano (2.8km at an average of 5.9%, with 13% slopes at the bottom) and Cima Gallisterna (2.7km at 6.4% and a maximum of 14%) quickly splintered the peloton.

The race tempo lifted in the third lap, with a move from Grace Brown followed by a group of nine riders which established a gap of over two minutes. 

The challenging climbs splintered the peloton over the next few laps and on the penultimate lap, Van Der Breggen launched her winning attack. She rode the final 40km solo to win the rainbow jersey and become just the second woman to win both the time trial and road race in the same year. 

Annemiek van Vleuten (Netherlands) outsprinted Elisa Longo Borghini (Italy) to take the silver medal and Marianne Vos finished 4th (+2’01’’) to complete the Dutch domination. 

It was a superb effort from Roy and Cromwell who set the pace at the front of the main bunch during the race as they attempted to protect key riders Kennedy and Chapman up the climbs. 
​
Kennedy finished in the main bunch, three minutes behind Van Der Breggen, with Chapman in 32nd and Neylan 51st. Roy finished 68th and Brown 91st. 

Full Results.

Lucy Kennedy

I'm content with my ride, being there still at the pointy end, but of course, left wanting more. This was my first time being a protected rider in a big one day race and I come away with mainly positive feelings about it.  I was really calm throughout the race thanks to all my teammates, Roy and Tiff in particular, who are exceptional in navigating the bunch. 

We were really cohesive as a team, often riding together and communicating well on a course that wasn't easy to do so. Brodie and I did our best to stay in the mix, but couldn't quite go with the pace up the second climb on each of the last two laps.

It was a very different approach to recent years and what we were expecting, with the late withdrawal of Spratty. Of course, we really missed her, but can be proud of how we conducted ourselves.

Sarah Roy

It’s so great that Imola managed to pull this event off! The race was tough. We knew it would be but it was a particularly challenging course with the fairly narrow fast roads with all the twists and turns and two very steep climbs - it was difficult to do all the things: eat, drink, position well, communicate and ride with your team mates but on the whole, we managed to tick off most of our process goals as a team. 

We definitely felt the absence of Spratty and I’m sad for her as this is a course well suited to her. I think for sure she would have been right in the mix again. 

Tiffany and I rode hard on the front to reduce the gap by about one minute and then we were out the back of the race with Brodie and Lucy in good position for those last two laps. They did really well to work together and stay with the first group but just lost touch near the end. Super tough day out but we did our best. 

Personally, I am satisfied with my ride for where I am at physically right now. I think I supported Lucy well as my person today, and It’s always really nice when you can do your job plus a little bit more. I’m really happy my dig on the front during lap four had an impact on the race and helped the team.

Australian Cycling Team #AusCyclingTeam 

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Men’s Road Race 

The Men’s Road Race will be contested on Sunday and will feature 5,000m of total climbing across 258.2km.

• Simon Clarke (EF Pro Cycling) 10th elite road race 
• Michael Matthews (Team Sunweb) 7th elite road race 
• Luke Durbridge (Mitchelton-Scott) 5th elite road race 
• Richie Porte (Trek-Segafredo) 3rd elite road race
• Chris Hamilton (Team Sunweb) 2nd elite road race
• Damien Howson (Mitchelton-Scott) 2nd elite road race 
• Nicholas Schultz (Mitchelton-Scott) 2nd elite road race
• Jai Hindley (Team Sunweb) Debut 

Watch Live

Sunday 27 September 
Men's Elite Road Race - 1750 AEST 
​SBS On Demand - switch to SBS VICELAND at 22:30

Two-time defending champion Rohan Dennis (Ineos Grenadiers) finished fifth and Luke Durbridge (Mitchelton-Scott) fifteenth in the men’s time trial at the 2020 UCI Road World Championships in Italy on Friday. 

The world’s best set a fast pace over the 31.7-kilometre loop around the Imola Autodrome with four-time national champion Durbridge posting the second-fastest time of the day with his ride, despite the heavy wind and rain which battered the riders and the course early in the day. ​

Dennis, who claimed the crown in 2018 and 2019, was chasing a historic third consecutive crown and a place on the honour rolls next to Germany's Tony Martin (2011-12-13) and fellow Australian Michael Rogers (2003-04-05). 

The final rider to take to the course, Dennis was second fastest after 14.9km, twenty seconds behind his Ineos Grenadiers teammate Filippo Ganna who blitzed his home track with the fastest time of 35 minutes 54.10 seconds.

Dennis fought to the line, but would eventually finish 39-seconds behind Ganna who became the first Italian to claim a time trial Road World Championships. Dennis was quick to congratulate Ganna on his achievement.

The podium was completed by Belgium's Wout van Aert and Switzerland’s Stefan Küng.

The Championships continue with the road races on the weekend. 

2020 Australian Team 

Saturday 26 September - Women’s Road Race - Live on SBS from 2035 AEST 

• Grace Brown (Mitchelton-Scott)
• Tiffany Cromwell (Canyon–SRAM)
• Brodie Chapman (FDJ Nouvelle Aquitaine Futuroscope)
• Lucy Kennedy (Mitchelton-Scott)
• Shara Marche (nee Gillow) (FDJ Nouvelle Aquitaine Futuroscope)
• Rachel Neylan (Cronos Casa Dorada Women Cycling) 
• Sarah Roy (Mitchelton-Scott)

Sunday 27 September - Men’s Road Race - Live on SBS from 1750 AEST

• Simon Clarke (EF Pro Cycling)
• Luke Durbridge (Mitchelton-Scott)
• Chris Hamilton (Team Sunweb) 
• Jai Hindley (Team Sunweb)
• Damien Howson (Mitchelton-Scott)
• Michael Matthews (Team Sunweb)
• Richie Porte (Trek-Segafredo)
• Nicholas Schultz (Mitchelton-Scott)

Watch Live

Saturday 26 September
Women's Elite Road Race - 2035 AEST 
SBS On Demand - switch to SBS VICELAND at 22:30 

Sunday 27 September 
Men's Elite Road Race - 1750 AEST 
​SBS On Demand - switch to SBS VICELAND at 22:30

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Grace Brown (Mitchelton-Scott) produced a stunning ride to claim a top five finish in the time trial at the 2020 UCI Road World Championships in Imola, Italy. 

"There's always that little hope hidden away that you can like win even if though it's your first World Champs, I was realistically aiming for top 10, so I'm really happy with the results," said Brown, 28, in her debut World Championship time trial. "This is pretty epic. It's sort of the first time that I've really been able to step up on my own accord and ride for myself and show where I stand against the best girls in the world. 

"I always believed that I could be up there with them. But now I can show that with a result."

Brown launched from the start gate to cover the 31.7km course in a time of 41mins 21.3seconds, the fastest time of the day to put her in the hot seat. 

However, Anna van der Breggen (NED) would eclipse the Australian's time and claim the rainbow jersey in a winning time of 40mins 20secs, 15 seconds ahead of Marlen Reusser (Switzerland), with Ellen van Dijk (Netherlands) a further 16 seconds behind. 

"I was just wanting to go out and ride my fastest race and not worry too much about everyone else," said Brown. "I only got the info that I was up once when Ellen van Dyk when I went through the final checkpoint. It was just a bit of a confidence boost going into the last five kilometres. 

"I had a time in mind that I came in under and I really wanted to push super hard in the first half because it was into a headwind. And I believe that that's where the race was won or lost, really. I think I managed to pace the race, to my strength and to the course."

Brown, a former runner, began her cycling journey in 2015 when, after multiple Cycling Australia National Road Series victories and fifth overall at the 2018 Tour Down Under, Brown was awarded 2018 Amy Gillett Foundation Scholarship. 

In 2018, Brown went on to make her Australian Team debut at the UCI Road World Championships and would contest a host of WorldTour events for Women's WorldTour pro team Mitchelton-Scott. In 2019, Brown claimed the Australian time trial title and a stage of the Santos Tour Down Under but was forced out of the 2019 World Championships due to injury.
 
"We're not here just to participate we're here to be the best and that's what we're trying to do," said Brown, who claimed dual medals at the 2020 Cycling Australia Road National Championships with time trial silver and road race bronze. 

"I think it's a common thing amongst elite athletes to have that belief that you can do something special otherwise we wouldn't be here at all. I think you've got to have that belief to push yourself." 

Brown will now take her place in Saturday's women's road race in an Australian team with Tiffany Cromwell (Canyon–SRAM), Brodie Chapman (FDJ Nouvelle Aquitaine Futuroscope), Lucy Kennedy (Mitchelton-Scott), Shara Marche (nee Gillow) (FDJ Nouvelle Aquitaine Futuroscope), Rachel Neylan (Cronos Casa Dorada Women Cycling) and Sarah Roy (Mitchelton-Scott). 

Amanda Spratt (Mitchelton-Scott) was forced out after injuries sustained in a crash in the Giro Rosa.

"We've built up behind Spratty, and it always been the plan to read for her as our sole leader. So it's a bit of a shake-up to take her out of the equation. But, I think we can use all the strengths that we have amongst us to ride a really smart race. 

"Personally, I haven't had the chance to like, go out around the road course get with the other girls. But I'll be looking at that tomorrow. I'm sure Gene's got to get a good plan in store for us."​

SBS will broadcast the elite women's and men's time trial and elite women's and men's road races in the 2020 world road race championships from Imola race circuit in Italy.

Thursday 24 September
Women's Elite Time Trial - 2240 AEST 
SBS On Demand

Friday 25 September
Men's Elite Time Trial - 2225 AEST 
SBS On Demand

Saturday 26 September
Women's Elite Road Race - 2035 AEST 
SBS On Demand - switch to SBS VICELAND at 22:30 

Sunday 27 September 
Men's Elite Road Race - 1750 AEST 
​SBS On Demand - switch to SBS VICELAND at 22:30

The 2020 UCI Road World Championships will begin with the time trials in Imola with two-time defending champion Rohan Dennis (INEOS Grenadiers), Luke Durbridge (Mitchelton-Scott) and Grace Brown (Mitchelton-Scott) set to tackle the race against the clock.

Grace Brown (Mitchelton-Scott) is back on the team after missing the 2019 World Championships due to injury. 

"It's super exciting. Being back on the Australian team and being able to put on the green and gold uniform again. Last year, I didn't get to line up due to a crash that happened close to the event. So this year, it's really special to be back and I'm excited to race for Australia. 

"I've just come off nine days of racing at the Giro with Mitchelton-Scott. It was a bit of a roller coaster of a tour for us. We went in with high ambitions with our leaders, but unfortunately, they both had to abandon the race after a crash on stage seven. It was a super tough race. But I think it really put me in a good position in terms of my form. And I felt good throughout the whole race. I think for the World Championships, I should be in good shape. 

"It's a pretty awesome time to course and it suits me a lot. We've got quite a flat, flat start a few corners, but nothing too technical. And then in the last couple of cases, there's three nice little pinches towards the end and a little bit more technical, but I think it's going to be a fast race, and I've got high hopes for how I'm going to perform in this race."

Reigning national champion Luke Durbridge (Mitchelton-Scott) is a fan of the Imola course. 

"I really like it, it is really fast. Quite short, but it has a lot of different aspects. I think it will be a nice spectacle, with a few nice rides that roll along the back straight with the vineyards along the side. 
 
"I think it is a good course for myself, I'm liking it and looking forward to it."

Rohan Dennis (INEOS Grenadiers) is seeking a historic third straight crown. 

"The Worlds has been on my mind throughout the lockdown. Regardless of the category it is always a great honour to race with the rainbow jersey. Every time I wear it I race to win.

"I am in good shape. It is always very special to participate in the most important race of the year, but to get a chance to fight for a win for the third time in a row and join an exclusive group of champions who have achieved this feat will be fantastic” 

Start Times / Lists 

Time Trial - Women - Thursday 24 September - Start List 

• Grace Brown (Mitchelton-Scott) 15:28:00 Local / 23:28 AEST 

Time Trial - Men - Friday 25 September - Start List

• Luke Durbridge (Mitchelton-Scott) 14:55:30 Local / 22:55:30 AEST 
• Rohan Dennis (Ineos Grenadiers) 15:54:00 Local / 23:54:00 AEST 

 
Watch Live

SBS will broadcast the elite women's and men's time trial and elite women's and men's road races. 

• Thursday 24 September Women's Elite Time Trial - 2240 AEST  SBS On Demand
• Friday 25 September Men's Elite Time Trial - 2225 AEST  SBS On Demand
• Saturday 26 September Women's Elite Road Race - 2035 AEST  SBS On Demand - switch to SBS VICELAND at 22:30 
• Sunday 27 September Men's Elite Road Race - 1750 AEST  SBS On Demand - switch to SBS VICELAND at 22:30

Australian Cycling Team #AusCyclingTeam 

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Cycling Australia can confirm two changes have been made to the Australian National Team for the 2020 UCI Road World Championships in Imola, Italy from 24-27 September 2020. 

Lucas Hamilton (Mitchelton-Scott) and Jack Haig (Mitchelton-Scott) have withdrawn from the team and will be replaced by Chris Hamilton (Team Sunweb) and Nicholas Schultz (Mitchelton-Scott).
​
The 2020 World Championships format will include the elite categories only. The Championships’ challenging road race routes will see the men take on 5,000 metres of climbing on a 259.2km course, while the women will tackle 2,750 metres of climbing over their 144km course. The time trial course will feature a flat 32km circuit.

2020 Australian Team 

Women’s Road Race

• Grace Brown (Mitchelton-Scott)
• Brodie Chapman (FDJ Nouvelle Aquitaine Futuroscope)
• Lucy Kennedy (Mitchelton-Scott)
• Shara Marche (nee Gillow) (FDJ Nouvelle Aquitaine Futuroscope)
• Rachel Neylan (Cronos Casa Dorada Women Cycling) 
• Sarah Roy (Mitchelton-Scott)
• Amanda Spratt (Mitchelton-Scott)

Men’s Road Race

• Simon Clarke (EF Pro Cycling)
• Luke Durbridge (Mitchelton-Scott)
• Chris Hamilton (Team Sunweb) 
• Jai Hindley (Team Sunweb)
• Damien Howson (Mitchelton-Scott)
• Michael Matthews (Team Sunweb)
• Richie Porte (Trek-Segafredo)
• Nick Schultz (Mitchelton-Scott)

Women’s Time Trial

• Grace Brown (Mitchelton-Scott)

Men’s Time Trial

• Rohan Dennis (Ineos Grenadiers)
• Luke Durbridge (Mitchelton-Scott)

More #AusCyclingTeam 

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