Rohan Dennis wins time trial world title after crushing defending champion Tom Dumoulin and rest of the field

The Australian Dennis beat Dumoulin by more than a minute over the lumpy 52km at the UCI Road World Championships in Innsbruck, Austria

Rohan Dennis en route to his world title (AFP/Getty Images)

Rohan Dennis crushed the rest of the field to win his first world time trial title at the Road World Championships in Austria.

The 28-year-old’s time trial skills have long been heralded, having won the past three Australian national titles and impressed on grand tour stages against the clock.

Here Dennis was expected to face tough competition from the defending champion Tom Dumoulin, but beat the Dutchman by more than a minute over the lumpy 52km in Innsbruck. Belgium’s Victor Campenaerts won the bronze medal.

Tom Dumoulin, Rohan Dennis and Victor Campenaerts (EPA)

“It’s a dream come true to be world champion,” Dennis said. “I’ve been chasing this since I was a junior, I’ve never won it in any age group, so to win my first one in seniors is really special. It’s an amazing feeling.”

Dennis built most of his advantage on the gruelling Gnandenwald climb which defined the route.

“I was being coached from the car by Brad McGee and he gave me confidence at the top of the climb once Dumoulin came through and I was one minute up, and he just kept me calm. I was considering a bit of a victory salute but I wanted to make sure as you are never sure until Tom crosses the line.”

The women’s and men’s road race finals will take place on Saturday and Sunday respectively.