Combining track and road in recent years, Sam has tasted success in both disciplines throughout his career so far. The 2020 Australian criterium champion has taken several wins and strong results while racing Down Under but it is on the boards where he has been the most prodigious. Adorning the rainbow bands after success in the men’s team pursuit at the 2016, 2017 and 2019 track world championships, Sam won the scratch race in 2019 too, alongside bronze and silver medals at the Olympic Games.
Making the switch to road racing in 2022 with Team DSM, Sam made an immediate impact and picked up his first Pro level win with stage five victory at the Tour of Turkey. Reflecting on his opening year with the team Sam describes it as a “pretty good first season”.
“I learned a lot in 2022 and it enjoyed it so far; of course, the win and the few podium places have been nice on a personal level.”
One of those podiums was Sam’s favourite day on the bike last year, just behind his win at Turkey, and that of course was his battling third place at a brutal edition of Scheldprijs. For an Australian used to racing in the warmer climates, the rain and wind was a “whole lot of fun”, and it was just a “mega day out” for Sam who thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere the fans had to offer at the side of the road despite the weather conditions.