The Bathurst-based rider was a cut above his men's Paracycling C3 class at Ballarat as he won the time trial by more than two minutes.

Two-time Paralympic gold medallist Nicholas completed his ride in 36 minutes and 47 seconds to defeat Justin Godfrey (38:52) and Kyle Willis (42:28).

His success continues a great campaign for the city's riders after Bathurst Cycling Club and Western Region Academy of Sport graduate Emily Watts won bronze in the under 23s time trial.

Dominance is an understatement for Nicholas' history at Road Nationals.

Nicholas' success was his ninth straight Paracyling C3 gold at the national level.

Wet and wild weather made its way to Ballarat for Friday's criterium action.

Kelland O'Brien managed to not only catch up with the breakaway in the men's under 23s criterium but he went on with the job to beat Conor Leahy and Matt Rice to the gold.

The road races are now the focus over the closing two days of the competition.

Bathurst's Emilie Miller will be looking to recover from her time trial crash when she lines up in the Paracycling H1 event, while partner Nicholas looks to add another gold to his name in the men's C3 race.

Watts will be keen to get back onto the podium again when she's takes part in the combined women's under 23 and elite road race.

Former Bathurst Cycling Club rider Will Hodges has been in excellent form of late and will be one to watch in the blue ribband men's road race event to round out the competition.

The Paracycling road race events kick off Saturday's racing at 8am.