He could have gone for four consecutive Aussie titles, but on Sunday Luke Plapp sacrificed his chances to ensure Jayco-AlUla teammate Luke Durbridge won his first national road race title since 2013.
Durbridge had attacked with another rider on the first lap in Perth and then shed his companion. Late in the race Plapp bridged over and then worked for the older rider, who was suffering. After the race the grateful Durbo Turbo explained, “Plappy said ‘Oh just look mate, you just hold the wheel and it’s yours’ so I knew I just had to suffer, he’s just so strong. I’m so happy to get it. He didn’t need to do that. He would’ve broken the record, four in a row, which is insane. I’m lost for words. True class from the champion. I had a good ride today. I mean, I blew up, Plappy helped me out. Without Plappy I probably wouldn’t have won today. Not just Plappy, my teammates back there, they all helped me out.”
Pure class for this man 🤝
You’re a gentleman, Plappy 💜
📸 @ChrisAuldPhoto pic.twitter.com/xOIfs1nYga
— GreenEDGE Cycling (@GreenEDGEteam) January 12, 2025
What makes this even more compelling is that Plapp took Thursday’s time trial and could have gone two for two for the second time in his career.
A Perth fairytale for hometown hero Luke Durbridge 👑#RoadNats25 pic.twitter.com/veivOms1vu
— AusCycling (@AusCycling) January 12, 2025
With his six Aussie time trial titles, Durbridge now has six national jerseys in total. Plapp also has six, three road and three time trial. Plapp led Paris-Nice for two stages last season.
Both Lukes will be racing the Santos Tour Down Under starting on January 21.
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Canadian Cycling Magazine…