Bevin, who recently signed a professional team contract with Cannondale-Garmin, set the pace in the men's time trial with a blistering run of 10 minutes, 26.04 seconds, nine seconds clear of second-best Joseph Cooper.

"It was a really tough way to start the tour," he said.

"I really appreciate the work of my teammates and things are looking good for the next stage."

The Kiwi cyclist was seen icing his knee immediately after his time trial, but is expected to continue competing at this stage.

Bevin is currently the runaway leader of the men's National Road Series on 79 points, 36 clear of second-placed Michael Schweizer.

Ruth Corset took out the women's time trial with a time of 13 min, 2.39 sec, as she looks to increase her lead at the top of the women's National Road Series standings.

Second-placed Georgia Baker is only two points behind Corset on the standings, but the Tasmanian-based cyclist is not competing in Canberra this weekend due to other commitments.

Corset's closest challenger in the time trial was 18-year-old Ainslie Bakker, a former triathlete who only started road cycling competition four months ago.

Canberra's Rebecca Wiasak finished third with a time of 13 min, 20.25 sec.

Earlier in the day some cyclists had their ride impeded by tradesman vehicles obstructing the road in Googong. Their times were adjusted to cover the delay.

National Capital Tour

Saturday: Corin Forest road race: women 8am-11.10am (approx), men: 1pm-4:30 pm (approx). Sunday: road race: women: 8am-10am (approx), men 10:15am-12noon (approx). Stromlo Forest Park criterium: women 12:55pm (37.5km), men: 3pm (50km).