Three national TT titles in a row for Dennis, Garfoot | videos

Each captured a third consecutive title at the FedUni Cycling Australia Road National Cycling Championships at Buninyong on Friday.

Dennis left former national titleholders Luke Durbridge and Richie Porte in his wake to fill the other places on podium, while former under-23 time trial and road race, and reigning national road race champion Miles Scotson was fourth.

The South Australian finished more than one minute clear.

“Three in a row, you have to be happy with that,” Dennis said.

He said he had had a different preparation this year, having stayed in Europe longer.

Dennis said as a result his main concern was the heat, resulting in him taking a few extra precautions pre-ace to ensure he kept as cool as possible.

He said ultimately he coped with the heat and went away with the gold medal.

Dennis said with his major target this year being the Giro d'Italia, he was unfortunately not making himself available for selection for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in April.

He said the Games clashed with what would be a critical time in his preparation for the Giro.

Garfoot, who was the time trial bronze medallist at the world championships, was again in a class of her own, overtaking five riders who started at one-minute intervals before her.

She was more than two minutes clear of Lucky Kennedy, with four-time champion Shara Gillow third.

Garfoot said while winning a third title still meant a lot, it was never the same as the first. 

Garfoot completed the time-trial and road race double last year, but she does not believe the double is so likely again.

She said she was now looking forward to the Commonwealth Games, with her performance almost certainly locking her in for selection.