However, it will not be this year.

Bobridge is bypassing today's elite 39-kilometre title event at Buninyong to concentrate on Sunday's road race at the same venue.

Championships director John Craven said Bobridge was recovering from tendonitis in a knee and did not believe he was ready to tackle a "savage" time trial.

Craven said Bobridge did not want to risk being knocked around ahead of the road race.

He said the 20-year-old had not put in the training required to perform at the top of his game.

Despite missing the time trial, Bobridge remains one of the big attractions at this year's championships, which have attracted a record 608 entries.

Bobridge took last year's titles by storm, winning the men's under-23 time trial and road race double.

Craven said the cycling fraternity was buzzing with anticipation ahead of what could only described as a cycling extravaganza.

"We're in for four massive days on the road."

The championships follow up today's time trials with criteriums in Ballarat tomorrow night, a rest day on Friday and road races at Buninyong on Saturday and Sunday.

With Bobridge missing, the title chase opens up with with West Australian brothers Cameron and Travis Meyer, Williams Clarke from Tasmania and South Australian Luke Roberts among the top contenders.

Travis Meyer was second in the under-23 division last year, while Cameron Meyer chased home Michael Rogers in the elite championship event.

Like Bobridge, Rogers is missing the time trial to focus on the road race.