William Holmes Wins U23 Time Trial | 2024 Aussie Road Nationals

Holmes Edges Baudry in Thrilling U23 Men’s Time Trial at National Championships

A nail-biting finish saw William Holmes (Hagens Berman-Jayco) claim victory in the U23 men’s time trial at the Westbridge Funds Road National Championships on Wednesday, narrowly defeating Julian Baudry (Team Brennan) by a single second. The race, held on a challenging 29.3km course featuring a 9.8km circuit in Bold Park, showcased intense competition under warm conditions.

Did you know? – The Bold Park course, used for the U23 men’s time trial, featured a 9.8km circuit designed to test riders’ strength and tactical pacing abilities. It included a demanding hairpin turn.

A Photo Finish in Bold Park

Holmes completed the course in a winning time of 36:38.58, a mere second ahead of Baudry, the reigning U23 men’s road race champion. Lucas Stevenson (Team Brennan) secured the third position, finishing 33 seconds behind the leader.the course itself presented a unique challenge, beginning with a relatively flat section before culminating in a demanding hairpin turn.

Riders faced temperatures around 30°C as they began their efforts in the late afternoon. Early in the competition, Vinnie Manion (Hagens Berman-Jayco) set a strong pace, holding the lead in the “hot seat” for a significant portion of the event with a time of 37:51.68. Though, Holmes, starting as one of the final riders, ultimately surpassed his teammate’s mark.

Pro tip – In time trials, consistent pacing is key. Riders often use power meters and heart rate monitors to maintain an optimal effort throughout the course,avoiding early burnout.

Shifting Positions and Persistent Performances

Manion’s notable time was eventually eclipsed, pushing him down to fifth place overall. The final top four consisted of Holmes, Baudry, Stevenson, and Max Goold (NSN Development Team), who finished fourth with a time of 37:24.64.

“I’m super-happy to pull this off and start the year well,” Holmes shared with SBS following his victory. “It’s been a lot of hard work into this. Last year [2025] I didn’t have the year I really wanted to, I struggled a little bit at a few points.” He continued, acknowledging the support of his team and the strength of his competitors, stating, “But I reset well, the team’s been really good and helpful and I’m super-happy to be able to pull it off. Of course I’d have liked it to be a bigger gap, but [it was a] great ride by everybody else, especially Julian, he was super-close all day.”

Reader question – What role dose team strategy play in a time trial, considering riders start at intervals? Share your thoughts on how teams might support their riders.

Junior Champions Crowned, Elite Races Loom

Earlier in the day, connor Wright (WWV Hagens Berman-Jayco) secured the title in the junior men’s time trial, while Neve Parslow (ARA Skip Capital) emerged victorious in the junior women’s race.

The National Championships continue on Thursday with the U23 women’s, elite women’s, and elite men’s time trials. Defending elite time trial champions Luke Plapp (jayco-AlUla) and Brodie Chapman (UA