Rogers wants Worlds podium finish

Australia's Michael Rogers is aiming for a podium finish at this week's UCI World Championship Time Trial race, after a disappointing season. The rider spent much of the season unable to compete due to serious illness, and with his bout of the Epstein Barr virus now behind him the three time World Champion has big ambitions for Friday's race.

"I feel I'm getting better and better as the year progresses and I haven't finished out of top three much since the Olympics so I think my condition is quite high and I hope to top it off with the last few races," said Rogers. "I'm quite happy with the form."

"I know this course (Varese) quite well and have had the chance to train over it since Beijing so I am really hoping to go back on the podium because it's been a couple of years since I've been on so certainly to jump up on the podium would be great and it's a very achievable goal," he added.

Rogers' goals come a day after compatriot Cameron Meyer claimed bronze in the Under 23 Time Trial race. Meyer named Rogers, who lives near Varese, as an inspiration for his career (see separate story).