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Cycling’s attention at the 2018 Commonwealth Games switches from the track to the road, with four more gold medals set to be decided and Australia a strong chance in all of them, including the men’s Individual Time Trial. Join The Roar for live coverage and updates from 10am (AEST).
Being raced on an out-and-back course around the Currumbin beachfront, the cyclists will go in three groups across the course of the day.
Running through Tallebudgera and the Currumbin Valley, there will be plenty of challenges to keep the field interested, with effort management over the 38-kilometre course imperative.
Unfortunately, the field has been significantly weakened by the Spring Classics, with many riders taking the decision to not interrupt their campaigns for a trek down under.
Australia are left in pole position for this race though, with Callum Scotson – who will leave the start house mid-pack – the favourite. The 21-year-old is the current under 23 national champion of Australia and is currently in his first year racing with the Michelton-Scott squad.
On top of his national championship this year, he finished fifth at the world junior championships in the time trial discipline last year and could well be one of Australia’s best up-and-coming cyclists.
Winning a Commonwealth Games gold medal would be the biggest accolade of his career to date though. The other Aussie in the field is Cameron Meyer, who probably won’t challenge for the medals after a demanding track programme.
Former New Zealand rower Hamish Bond is also expected to finish at the top end of the field. Coming from a background where pain and suffering were normal on the rowing boat, he will be well equipped to push into the red zone and proved it by winning the recent Oceania Championships time trial.
23-year-old Englishman Harry Tanfield is also considered a chance, rapidly improving on the time trial bike after a strong showing at the national championships last year. Others who could pull off an upset include John Archibald (Scotland), Ian Bibby (England), Luke Rowe (Wales) and James Oram (New Zealand).
Prediction
It’s hard to see the favourite being beaten here. He has shown good form this year and will be difficult to stop on a course which should suit him down to the ground. I’d expect Tanfield to be his closest competitor.
Callum Scotson to deliver another cycling gold for Australia.
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of the Commonwealth Games men’s Individual Time Trial from 10am (AEST) and don’t forget to add a comment in the section below.