Hardly sighted in the 44km event, Ewan stood up when it counted most – producing an explosive finish to secure the MARS Cycling Australia Road National Championships crown.

He overcame being boxed in on the last turn to narrowly beat Scott Sunderland and Brenton Jones in a tight three-way go to the line in Sturt Street.

Ewan went into the opening race of the nationals a hot favourite to defend his title, but a nine-man breakaway inspired by Tasmanian Nathan Earle threatened to bring his plans undone.

It was only with two of the 1.1km laps to go that it became clear the chasing bunch would bridge the gap to ensure a sprint finish.

Ewan said in the end, thanks to the work of Orica-Scott teammates Damien Howson and Mitch Docker, all he had to do during the race was sit back and relax.

He said his only anxious moment came when he was blocked as the field prepared to straighten for the last, but remained calm, not panicking, and working through it.

Ewan admitted to feeling pre-race pressure, given the expectations on him as reigning champion.

Earle set the event up for an intriguing conclusion, going on a solo break of up to 20 seconds.

While he missed out on the major prize, Earle took out the sprint title.

With the criterium title under his belt, Ewan is now potentially the one to beat in Sunday’s road race at Buninyong.

He has already gone close, having finished second to Heinrich Haussler over the gruelling 183.6km two years ago.

Ewan said he was as well prepared as he could be and was confident of doing well.