Worlds: Aussies win medals in Gran Fondo Time Trial

Following the 160km gran fondo and 85km medio fondo races on Friday, it was time for age category riders to line up for the race against the clock from Dundee on Monday.

While more than 100 Australians competed in Friday’s road races, a smaller field of riders backed up in the flat out-and-back 22km individual time trial.

Among them was John Horsburgh (Peloton Sports) who won bronze in the 75-79 age category adding to his silver medal in the medio fondo race. Horsburgh was 2:08 minutes off the pace of the French winner who stopped the clock at 34:22 minutes.

John Horsburgh in action during the time trial. Photo: SWPix

Meanwhile, the Australian women were dominant in the 55-59 age group with all three representatives finishing in the top five.

After finishing with 15th in the medio fondo, Ivana Cicchelli (Eastern CC) won a world championships bronze in the time trial.

She laid down a solid time coming in 1:33 minutes behind the British winner to get herself onto the podium.

"Scotland turned on the weather today with the sun shining and not a drop of rain. A tailwind had us flying on the way out but the way back was tough riding into the headwind and I had to dig deep all the way to the line," Cicchelli said.

Ivana Cicchelli with her bronze medal. Photo: Supplied

The Victorian was elated with the result in her first appearance at a world championships.

"If someone had told my younger self that one day I would represent Australia at a World Championships, I would not in a million years have believed them. Putting on the Australian kit and making my way to the start line was already very special, and to take a step on the podium for Australia was just fantastic."

Less than a second behind was fellow Australian Anne Elliott (Darling Downs CC) who slotted into fourth place. Jane Despas rounded out the top five, a further 1:14min back.

Read the rest of the Australian results below.

Women 50-54

13 (+7:42.747) - Sarah Austin

Women 65-69

10 (+7:33.789) - Clare (Catherine) Johnston

Men 19-34

35 (+5:25.250) - Tom Elliott

Men 55-59

29 (+5:22.601) - Jon Leighton

Men 60-64

23 (+3:13.133) - Steven Gregory Knight

Men 65-69

5 (+1:20.836) - Trevor Coulter

33 (+7:22.234) - Frank Schoen

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Photos: SWpix