The London Olympics are the top priority for the world champion track rider.

Dennis, 21, lived up to his pre-race favouritism with an emphatic performance to capture gold in the under-23 men’s road race Mars Cycling Australia Road Championships at Buninyong on Saturday.

The South Australian out-sprinted Victorian Eric Sheppard in a two-way battle to the line for his first national road crown.

Calvin Watson, of Victoria, was another 61 seconds back in third position.

The Jayco-AIS team dominated the 122.4km event, with first, third and fourth.

Dennis said it had been great work by the team.

Dennis was part of a three-man breakaway with two laps remaining.

He admitted he was concerned the move might have been too early.

These thoughts were compounded by cramp.

Dennis was a member of the gold medal-winning team pursuit squad last year. He is hoping to again be part of this team at the Olympics later this year.

Dennis said London was his number one goal.

“Every road race is going to be really (aimed at) trying to maximise my performance on the track.”

Dennis will tackle tomorrow’s time trial championship at Learmonth before riding in the Tour Down Under and then Australian track championships.

The world track championships in Melbourne in April are also on his agenda.