Ruby Roseman-Gannon proved to be the strongest in an attacking Australian Criterium Championship, while Lucinda Stewart claimed the U23 title in Perth.
Former champion Roseman-Gannon came out on top in a relentless race, attacking with two laps to go and soloing to victory, while Stewart sprinted for her win from the chasing bunch. Teammate Josie Talbot rounded out the elite podium spots as she sprinted to third place.
With a strong presence in the race, Liv AlUla Jayco made their numbers count as they launched a string of stinging attacks in the early laps. Eventually Roseman-Gannon escaped in a strong group of three, before Talbot and one more rider made it a leading break of five WorldTour riders.
As the laps ticked by, the attacks came and went, with both Talbot and Roseman-Gannon launching and countering moves. Then with two laps to go, Roseman-Gannon made her decisive move, taking advantage of her fatigued rivals, she clipped off the front and opened up a gap.
A delayed chase behind was all the opportunity the former champion needed, and she held on to cross the line with her arms in the air. Meanwhile, Talbot took bronze and Stewart sprinted to the U23 title, to make it a dream day in Perth for Liv AlUla Jayco.
Ruby Roseman-Gannon:
“I think we had a little bit of an advantage today, with nine riders starting, but it was great to pull it off, there was a lot of pressure on the shoulders when you have such good riders and Georgia Baker back in the peloton, so I had a few nervous moments there. But I heard Gene, my DS, say find a way and I did.
I haven’t been feeling as confident as normal recently, I’ve had a bit of a rough patch, so to get my hands up in the air again, it’s the best way to start the year and I want to do this beautiful jersey proud, because it’s the most beautiful jersey I’ve ever worn.”
Lucinda Stewart:
“It was a hard race. We were aggressive from the start, just as we intended. We wanted to use our numbers to take advantage. We had Ruby and Josie up the road, in the breakaway. In the group behind, we focused on the bunch sprint to secure the U23 title. The girls did a great job for me, so I’m really happy that I was able to cross the line first. It feels great to win. It’s a good start to the new year and a confirmation that the form is there. Hopefully we can achieve another success in the road race on Sunday.”
2026 Australian Criterium Championships
1. Ruby Roseman-Gannon (Liv AlUla Jayco)
2. Alex Manly
3. Josie Talbot (Liv AlUla Jayco)
6. Lucinda Stewart (Liv AlUla Jayco Continental) – 1st U23
Photos: Chris Auld
