"I can't complain about third": Australian rookie stuns with podium finish at Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race

Brady Gilmore (NSN Cycling Team) has continued his dream start to life in the WorldTour, claiming a podium spot in his first ever one-day race at the top level. The 24-year-old Australian, who only turned professional this season, sprinted to third place at the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race in Geelong after a late mechanical ruled out Corbin Strong, his team's designated leader.

Gilmore's performance caps a remarkable Australian summer block, following two fourth-place stage finishes at the Tour Down Under (in stages 4 and 5). He also finished in sixth place at the Australian road race nationals in early January.

"I can't believe it, actually. I surprised myself last week in the Tour Down Under and then definitely took confidence into today," Gilmore told reporters at the finish line in quotes gathered by Cycling News. "To end up on the podium, of course, I always want to win – but my first one-day WorldTour race, I can't complain about third. I think it's pretty good, and it's a good start to the year."

Gilmore was not the team's "Plan A" for the day. That role belonged to Corbin Strong, a specialist on the Geelong circuit who had finished in the top six in the last three editions. However, the race script was torn up on the final ascent of Challambra Crescent.

"It was a really good day. The boys did an amazing job setting us up on the final climb. I got over the top with the front group, but unfortunately, Corbin had a mechanical problem," Gilmore explained. "After that, I just heard I had to race from the front, and that's what I did. I put myself in position and did the best I could."

Sports director Sam Bewley praised the rookie's ability to adapt instantly when disaster struck the team leader. "The mechanical changed everything, so we had to fly by the seat of our pants for the final seven to eight kilometres," Bewley said.

In the reduced bunch sprint of less than 20 riders, Gilmore finished behind winner Tobias Lund Andresen and runner-up Matthew Brennan, but ahead of defending champion Mauro Schmid. It wasn't the first time this month Gilmore has thrived in chaos. At the Tour Down Under, he was forced to be the lead-out man for Ethan Vernon on Stage 4 after a crash, piloting his teammate to victory while finishing fourth himself.

"Brady really stepped up again. It's great to see that when he's given these opportunities, even when they come late in the race, he can deliver and capitalise on them. To take a podium in his first WorldTour one-day race is a big achievement and really exciting for the future," Bewley added.

With the Australian summer complete, Gilmore will now head to Europe. His focus will shift to supporting teammate Biniam Girmay at the Clasica de Almeria, followed by a schedule that likely includes the Trofeo Laigueglia, the Volta a Catalunya, and the Ardennes Classics. "I can't wait to get it started," Gilmore said.