Ballarat local Shannon Malseed (TIBCO-SVB) upset a cast of favourites in a thrilling finale to win her first Australian national road race title. Malseed rode a smart final, staying calm despite defending champion Katrin Garfoot's late flyer. Garfoot was only reeled in inside the final 50 metres of the 104.4km race, and of the six chasing riders, Malseed had the fastest finishing power. The 23-year-old held off Lauren Kitchen, who spent the entire day in the breakaway and Grace Brown for the gold. "I passed Kat and then Spratty and Kitchen started to fade and I realised I was about to cross the line. I sort of prepped myself or the double hander but I was so overwhelmed that I could only balance one hand in the air. I think I lost my voice a little bit. I screamed so loud. It is absolutely amazing," said Malseed, still coming to terms with her win following the podium celebrations.ADVERTISEMENT "I knew that I had the physical form coming into the nationals this year. I am riding the best that I have ever ridden and I knew that if I could hang on up that climb I have a decent sprint on me. I am a little bit sneaky. I knew I had a chance and that is all I needed." Of the seven riders who came to the line, Kitchen arguably packs the best sprint finish but after a day in the breakaway she didn't have the legs to match Malseed. "Long day in the breakaway but I am really happy that Shara and I can pull off a podium. This is a really good start to the year and of course, I am disappointed not to have the jersey but it is a long season. We both got a medal here this week and I am hoping we can build on that and get some more victories in the next few weeks," said Kitchen. "I knew that I had a chance to be in the mix with the medals. I have been second before so it is a little bit bittersweet, it is a good start, but too miss it is a bit disappointing when you are so close." How it unfolded
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