Durbridge praised Plapp for his crucial support during the final stages of the race, which helped him secure the victory.

During the race, Sam Welsford, a teammate of Hindley, crashed and had to abandon the competition.

This win also marks Durbridge's first victory in five years, with his last triumph occurring in 2020.

Luke Durbridge clinched his second elite road race title at the Australian road cycling championships held in Perth on January 12, 2025.

This championship was particularly significant as it marked the first time the road nationals were held in Perth since 1997.

Durbridge's victory comes 12 years after he first won the National Championships title in Ballarat in 2013.

Durbridge executed a strong early attack in the race but faced struggles until teammate Luke Plapp joined him with 15 kilometers remaining.

Durbridge celebrated this achievement as one of the proudest moments of his life, especially in front of a hometown crowd.

Liam Walsh finished third in the race, 58 seconds behind the leading duo, while notable competitors Jai Hindley and Jay Vine were unable to catch up.

With this latest victory, Durbridge has now secured a total of six gold medals in the Australian Nationals, including four in the individual time trial.

In the women's elite race, 20-year-old Lucinda Stewart won her first title, becoming the youngest winner since 2019.

Stewart also claimed the under-23 Australian title, adding to her impressive achievements.