Time trial mentality propels James Kelly to maiden marathon crown

James Kelly delivered a breakthrough performance to claim his first elite men’s marathon National Championship in Melrose, South Australia, powering away from the field to win by more than three minutes.

The Victorian rider crossed the line ahead of Brent Rees in second, with last year’s silver medalist Scott Bowden rounding out the podium in third.

Kelly admitted the scale of his win hadn’t sunk in.

James Kelly grasping the situation of his win at Melrose, SA.

“Honestly, I’m blown away. I didn’t imagine I could get the win,” Kelly said.

“I’ve been training hard in the lead-up to worlds with consistent training, so I knew I was in good shape.”

Kelly had been sitting in fourth place early, behind Bowden, Rees and Cam Ivory before lifting the tempo.

But the decisive moment came around the halfway mark on the second lap.

James Kelly exiting a berm on the Epic Trail.

“Brent and I pushed the pace up the climb, and then after the North Face section I was able to get past him.

“From there it was about time-trialing to the finish,” he explained.

“I knew Brent would be strong on the technical flats and downhills, so it was just about keeping focused the whole way.”

Focus proved crucial on the rugged Melrose course.

With its steep ascents, rocky traverses and exposed ridgelines along Mount Remarkable, the 83.1km route tested concentration as much as their endurance.

2025 elite men's national champion James Kelly.

“It was really easy to make a mistake out there.

“Slide off the edge, get a flat, or just lose momentum,” Kelly said.

“The course was almost like racing an enduro for four hours. To come away clean and unscathed makes the win even sweeter.”

Kelly has been ramping up his training since being selected as part of the ARA Australian Cycling Team for the world championships, which begin in Switzerland in two weeks' time and believes the timing of his peak form is perfect.

“I’ve been building for nine weeks and feel like I’m right where I need to be," he said.

Rees and Bowden held on for the remaining podium spots.

Elite men's XCM podium at Melrose, SA

In the Under23 men’s category, Oliver Johnston claimed the national title, while Connor Wright took gold in the Under 19 men’s event.

Results – Elite Men XCM

🥇 James Kelly 4:03.02
🥈 Brent Rees 4:06.09
🥉 Scott Bowden 4:08.08

Results – U23 Men XCM

🥇 Oliver Johnston – 4:19.53
🥈 Eddie Willis – 4:34.33
🥉 Luke Cripwell –  5:26.38

Results – U19 Men XCM

🥇 Connor Wright – 4:06.49
🥈 Liam Roberts Thompson – 4:20.21
🥉 Anthony Graham – 5:00.17