SRM sponsored team, ORICA-GreenEDGE, took a clean sweep of the elite men’s individual time trial at the Mars Cycling Australia National Road Championships. Michael Hepburn recorded a blistering 47.8 kph average pace around the Ballarat circuit to take his first national road title ahead of two-time defending champion Luke Durbridge and Under 23 World Time Trial Champion Damian Howson.
Hepburn's SRM file from the race illustrates his outstanding performance on a challenging course, made even tougher by extremely windy conditions.
Michael Hepburn (186cm/76kg) averaged 408 watts over the 45km Burrumbeet time trial course. He recorded an average speed of 47.9kph with an average cadence of 99rpm to win with 11 seconds over teammate Luke Durbridge. Hepburn's heart rate average was 178bpm and the 56:25 effort required just over 1,000 kilocalories.
"This morning on the ergo I could feel the legs were getting better," said Hepburn."I had one time check out there and I was down 30 seconds on Durbridge know that he can go out quite strong so I was trying to keep on the power."
In the last 7 minutes, as the course slightly descended to the finish line, Hepburn pushed 419 average watts to maintain an average speed of 58kph.
“This win definitely gives me a lot of confidence ahead of Sunday, but that course doesn’t suit me, admitted Hepburn. “I don’t go uphill so well. But after today I know I’m in great form and that I’ll be able to feature in the first half of the race where I can really work hard for my teammates."
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