Nielson Powles paid tribute to new world champion Remco Evenpoel (Belgium).

Powless formed part of a 26-man group that Evenpoel single-handedly jumped out to win in the crucial final third of the race.

Powles, who finished fifth in last year's UCI Road World Championships, had recently questioned his repeat ride in this year's race.

But like others, however, Powles said that Evenpoel, a former Classica San Sebastian winner like himself, was no match for him in Australia on Sunday.

"When Lemko dropped (Alexey) Lutsenko, who was chasing the most, on that climb, I don't think I could have kept up with Lemko even on my best day," Powles said flatly. 'Today he was on another level.'

Even though the rest of the world championships were helpless against Evenpoel, Powles said the entire race was "really fun and dynamic" and that he was happy to be a part of it. Not to mention that he timed some promising moves throughout the race.

Powles only started missing moves "when Lemko went solo. But in the end, they all got caught. So I'm happy with my performance."

He said he was "happy with the way I performed.

As the race approached its climax, Powles even had enough of a response to briefly challenge from the break before Evenpoel attacked. He said, however, that the change in the race behind him proved fatal to his chances.

"I thought I was gone and I thought I had gotten away from everybody. I couldn't understand why that group started moving together. [Italy started pulling for Alberto [Bettiol] and Belgium for Wout [van Aert]. But I kind of didn't understand why they were chasing us. Because right before that everyone was looking at each other and nobody wanted to work,

"But in the end it all made sense and I was happy to sprint in a group that was going for a medal."

On the other hand, Powles said he was able to predict how the World Championships would play out in general, even if the group's attitude toward his attack took him by surprise for a time. I think the race opened up a lap or two more than I thought it would, but I expected that to happen"

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A clear positive for the U.S., as Powles saw it, was the performance of gravel and mountain bike racer Keegan Swenson.

Swenson finished the race in 73rd place despite having little road racing experience.

"He was pretty attentive on Mount Keira (in the early stages) and was always in the right position. I didn't see him much towards the end, but that's how it goes when the pack is on the road."

As for himself, "I was able to use my energy as wisely as possible and get the most out of myself for the Americans.