Australia's Bobridge claims under-23 time-trial gold

AUSTRALIA'S Jack Bobridge has been crowned men's under-23 time-trial champion at the Road World Championships in Mendrisio, Switzerland.

Bobridge rompey to victory in 40:44.79 minutes - 18 seconds ahead of Portugal's Nelson Oliveira, with Germany's Patrick Gretsch completing the podium. 

The 20-year-old recently penned a deal with Garmin-Slipstream and could ride alongside Great Britain's Bradley Wiggins next year.

"I don't know what to say really, this has topped an awesome year for me - I couldn't have asked for much more," said Bobridge.

"I had a good look at the course earlier this year and thought it would suit a bigger, more powerful rider but it's harder than it looks."

Great Britain's Alex Dowsett - national under-23 time-trial champion - finished 44 seconds back in seventh, with Andrew Fenn 45th.