Australia's Bobridge wins under-23 cycling world time trial

MENDRISIO, Switzerland (Reuters) - Australia's Jack Bobridge won the inaugural event at the world cycling championships when he captured the under-23 time trial title on Wednesday.

Bobridge completed the 33.2-kilometre course in 40 minutes and 44 seconds, 18 seconds ahead of Portugal's Nelson Oliveira with Germany's Patrick Gretsch a further nine seconds behind in third.

Defending champion Adriano Mallori of Italy, the last to race, was fifth, 36 seconds behind the winner.

"I thought the course would suit a bigger, more powerful rider but it's a lot harder than it looks," Bobridge told reporters. "I could not ask for much else, to win for Australia, it's awesome."

Bobridge, 20, was part of the Australian team which finished fourth in the team pursuit at last year's Beijing Olympics.

This year, he won the national titles in individual pursuit, under-23 road race and under-23 time trial.

Bobridge will ride next season with the elite team Garmin-Slipstream after he signed a two-year contract with the time trial specialists last May.