The 19-year-old Cowra native finished within the main bunch in his first ever attempt at the national level, which was a great achievement in a race where 20 riders failed to reach the end of the 33 kilometre event.

Hodges finished 46 seconds behind race winner and reigning team pursuit world champion Alex Porter, who claimed victory in a thrilling sprint finish.

Lucas Hamilton finished runner-up and Mudgee rider Ayden Toovey rounded out the podium.

Hodges’ finished second of the four GPM Stulz team riders taking part in the race, with Tasman Nankervis (+31 seconds) in ninth.

A total of 45 riders finished the 30 laps.

"I knew there was some quick guys back in the main bunch so I knew I would have a better chance if I was off the front with just a small number of guys, so when I saw that move go I thought it was a good opportunity to get in it and just try to utilise only having sprint against only five guys rather than 60 odd," Porter told Cycling Australia.

"I went full gas and looking at the sign 100 (metres), 50 (metres) to go I was just making sure no one was coming over the top of me and I crossed the line it was honestly unreal.”

Porter is better knock for his winning efforts on the track, and was thus thrilled to find success in a different environment.

"It means a huge amount, to get a win on the road. I've been riding on the track for a while now and I’ve had some success with the team pursuit and I really wanted to get some individual successes so to get something like this under my belt is awesome.

“I think those guys that were there in the break are the ones that are going to be there over the top of Buninyong [for the under 23s road race] so I am hoping that with a bit of form that I have got now, I can be there with them on Saturday."

Porter was part of a five man breakaway group, which included Toovey, Hamilton, Jai Hindley and Ryan Thomas.

The leading group managed to get themselves out to a lead of 40 seconds at the halfway mark.

Those five were soon joined by Scott Bowden, who had attacked from a three rider chase group.

However, Porter’s sprint was far superior to his rivals and he raced clear over the final 100m to win in strong fashion.

Hodges will be back in action for Saturday’s road race.