Luke Plapp claimed silver in the Cycling Australia Road National Championships under 23 Time Trial today in Buninyong. Making it five medals for InForm TM Insight MAKE at the 2019 Championships.

With his first ride in his new team colours, Plapp headed down the start ramp like a man on a mission. The testing course posed no concerns for the 18-year-old as he set off on the 29.5 kilometre Time Trial.

Arriving at the turnaround with plenty in the tank, Plapp made the turn with his thoughts focused solely on the gold medal. His form remained the same until the final few kilometres where the two-time Junior World track champion really had to dig in. He punched over the last rise and set the fastest time of the day of 38 minutes, 23 seconds.

Plapp remained fastest, fighting off the time of Team Pursuit World Record holder Kelland O’Brien. Plapp had one hand on the gold medal, sitting firmly on the hot seat until Liam Magennis scorched the field. The Drapac Cannondale Holistic development team rider set the new benchmark of 38 minutes, 3 seconds taking the gold off Plapp at the eleventh hour. Sam Jenner was third, ahead of O’Brien, fourth.

“I was really stoked, I knew I had set a super time but Liam is such a class act so it’s not a surprise to see he came in quicker than I did,” Plapp said after the finish.

“I had a great ride, my power was great so I really can’t be disappointed with the ride. Of course, I wanted gold, but I can be very pleased with silver in my first year as an under 23.”

It caps off a super championship for the team, winning the under 23 Criterium, under 19 Road Race and Time Trial, silver in the under 19 Road Race and silver today and in the under 19 Road Race.

DS Pat Lane spoke about the team’s incredible start to 2019.

“It couldn’t have gone much better for us really. Plapp getting second today was a huge effort for a first year u23.

“To see all the guys racing well together, having fun, and getting results at the same time, I couldn’t be happier,” Lane said.