Olympic gold medallist Sara Carrigan has retired.

So too have Olivia Gollan. Oenone Wood and Kate Bates.

Between them, this quartet captured eight Australian Open Road Cycling Championship titles.

Wood led the way with two road races (2004 and 2005) and two time trials (2004 and 2008).

Carrigan was a two-time e trial champion in 2002 and 2003.

Gollan took out the 2003 road race and Bates saluted in 2006.

The opportunity is now there for a new queen of the road in Australian cycling.

Bridie O'Donnell might be just the one to claim the crown at the Australian Open Road Cycling Championships at Buninyong on January 7 to 11.

The 34-year-old stepped up at the titles last year - imposing herself on a class field to crush her rivals in the time trial.

She had more than 14 seconds to spare over Carrigan, who claimed the silver medal.

Unfortunately though for O'Donnell, it was not fast enough for automatic nomination to the Australian team for the Beijing Olympic Games.

"I really wanted to win a national title," she said after donning the Australian championship jersey.

"I feel really bloody proud."

If determination and preparation means anything, it will be no surprise to see O'Donnell not only successfully defend her title, but also claim the road race championship.

Ballarat's Cycle City team owner and coach Stuart Sanders can vouch for this.

He has been helping prepare O'Donnell for the titles while her regular coach has been away.

O'Donnell has been training at Buninyong twice a week under his guidance, with a special focus on the various climbs.

"She knows every bump in the road," Sanders said.

"She's totally committed - as driven as anyone I've seen."