Australian Institute of Sport camp-based athlete Lauren Kitchen has claimed double national titles with a superb performance at the Australian Open Road Cycling Championships in Ballarat, Victoria yesterday.

The 20-year-old Kitchen claimed victory in the under-23 and senior categories in the women’s 33km criterium event, which was run through the main streets of Ballarat. She recorded a time of 50 minutes 47 seconds, finishing ahead of Victorian Joanne Hogan in second place.

She and Hogan broke away from the peleton midway through the race, opening up a 31-second gap at one stage, and maintaining their lead.

‘Jo [Hogan] and I were working really well together, so I just put my head down and we pulled it off. I just can't believe it,’ Kitchen said.

‘To come out with the win for Team Jayco-AIS, it's just a fantastic start to the year.’

‘It's a very challenging course here, and I knew it would suit a breakaway and a few other riders too would be hoping to get over the sprinters,’ Kitchen said.