It was clear from images of Luke Plapp's extensive road rash after his crash in the last 10 km of the third stage of the Tour Down Under that the rider from Jaco-Aroura was in for a painful recovery. With bright red rawhide exposed and a team medical report showing swollen ankles and elbows, it was no wonder he was unable to make the start line the next day.

But the green and gold jersey of the Australian national champion returned to the start line again on Thursday before Sunday's Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, and after a week of struggling recovery, the injury and leg at the Surf Coast Classic Tested.

"I spent a lot of time in bed, tending to my wounds, showering and screaming in preparation. I've been looking at it ever since I fell," Plapp told Cycling News before the 155.5km race.

That is why, despite still being sore and bandaged and gently gloving his injured hand and wrist as he spoke, Plapp stood at the starting line for the loan.

"I really love this race and I love this road. It's like I came here today to test it for Cadel.

"I don't know what I'm capable of or if I can run, but I'm going to give it a shot."

Plapp won the time trial title at the Australian Road Championships during the summer season, his third road race win.

He then went into the Tour Down Under with high expectations.

The team focused on the early sprints, but the weekend was expected to prove a very valuable ally for Simon Yates, whose Plapp finished second in this event in 2023.

Yates finished seventh overall, and the team finished its home race without a stage win or podium. Said Plapp: "The hardest part was watching Saturday and Sunday."

"It was really hard to watch. Especially Lofty's stage was very emotional to watch because it was what I had been trying to achieve.

"But I think the best thing is that I'm looking ahead to Sunday. Cadel kept me motivated and helped me recover for Sunday.

Plapp, who moved from Ineos Grenadiers to the Australian team at the start of the season, was testing his post-crash form before the World Tour race, but also for other reasons.

"To help the team anyway," Plapp said.

"It's kind of a push and shove, and I won't be in the finish at the end, but if I can help the team control the race early or control the break, that's the best I can do for the purpose." Plapp was near the front of the pack early in the race and finished the first day in 77th place, one minute behind winner Biniam Girmay. The team leader was Caleb Yuan in 12th

. With another chance on Sunday, it is looking increasingly likely that the Australian team will compete in its final home World Tour race of the year wearing the Australian champion's jersey.

Shouting in the shower could be worth it in many ways for Plapp.