The 2020 National Road Series kicked off on Saturday with Mark O’Brien finishing third in Australia’s oldest one day race, the Melbourne to Warrnambool over 267km.

The 104th edition featured several aggressive moves but a breakaway with five riders, established before the 180km mark proved to be the winning break. Mark O’Brien was in the break but was outsprinted by winner Brendan Johnston (CCS Canberra) and second-place Michael Freiberg (ARA Pro Racing Sunshine Coast).

“A real Warny, raced hard all day. In the Warny the last few years there has been no wind so then a strong break goes away and that’s it, whereas today just on all day” O’Brien said.

The race began at Avalon Airport in wet conditions. The first big move came at the 100km mark when a four-rider break was established. The break was soon caught by a group of five that included Raphael Freienstein, however the peloton brought the break back shortly after.

Another big move came at the 130km mark when a large split of 17 riders formed off the front of the main bunch, which included Mark O’Brien and Carter Turnbull. Before the 180km mark, 5 riders from the group of 17 made their move and established the winning break.

O’Brien praised the teamwork of his fellow InForm TM Insight MAKE teammates post-race. “Team rode awesome, can’t ask for more. We were never on the back foot what so ever.”

In addition to 3rd place, O’Brien was crowned the King of the Mountain jersey.

In the Middle Island Criterium on Sunday, newest InForm TM Insight MAKE recruit Steele Von Hoff finished third behind winner Michael Rice (ARA Pro Racing Sunshine Coast) and second-place Brendan Johnston (CCS Canberra).