A bold late attack has landed former track world champion Cameron Scott the Melbourne to Warrnambool classic.
The Wagga cyclist made his solo charge at the end of Saturday's 267km race and held off the 18-rider peloton.
Scott won in six hours seven minutes 41 seconds, with Brenton Jones second and Myles Stewart completing the podium.
"As far as road results go, it's probably the best one for me," Scott said.
"It wasn't a typical way of winning, by myself as opposed to a bunch sprint. I'm really happy I could pull something off."
Scott was part of the Australia team pursuit combination that won the 2019 world title.
But the ARA-Pro Racing team member switched to the road after missing selection for Australia's ill-fated track campaign at the Tokyo Olympics.
The 24-year-old is in solid form, having won two stages last week at the Tour of Gippsland.
Scott said he originally planned to work for teammate Craig Wiggins at the finish, but after he covered a late attack he saw a gap of his own and took full advantage.
"They (his legs) had definitely run out," Scott said of the finish.
"I tried to get out of the saddle and give it everything I had and luckily I had enough to just hang on in the end.
"It's a huge win for me and for the team."
Tour de France champion Cadel Evans, who is on a brief visit to Australia, started the race of more than 100 riders at Avalon Airport, outside Melbourne.
A break of seven riders built a lead of more than six minutes but the peloton reeled them in to set up a pulsating finish.
Meanwhile, new Australian star Sarah Gigante has put her racing comeback on hold again because of ongoing health issues.
Gigante was scheduled to return in Sunday's inaugural Warrnambool Women's Classic but has decided against it.
The 21-year-old has not raced since the Tokyo Olympics because of the heart condition myopericarditis.
Gigante previously planned to return at the Tour of Gippsland but was forced out when she contracted COVID-19.
Now Gigante plans to compete for Australia in the February 26 Esports World Championship, a virtual race held on the Zwift web platform.
Gigante was part of the Australia team that won silver in the Esports world titles two years ago.
"I am feeling fine but decided with the team around me that it's best not to rush back from having COVID," Gigante said in a statement.
Nicole Frain, who won last month's Australian road title, and Tour of Gippsland winner Georgie Howe will be two of the favourites in the 160km race from rural Colac to Warrnambool.
