Sam
Welsford

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 also won the scratch race in 2019 too, alongside bronze and silver medals at the Olympic Games.

Making the switch fully to road racing with the team, Sam is excited to get underway and develop himself as a “road spinner.”

“They really gave me confidence. The team has a lot of history with a lot of good sprinters in the past. The culture is really nice and supportive – it seems similar to the Aussie track squad, so feels more like home to me.”

A sportsman at heart, Sam tried a lot of different activities at a young age such as football and rugby union but his way into the world of cycling was one pathed through intrigue and inquisitiveness. Wondering where his dad was going in the morning all the time with his friends he soon got his own bike and caught the bug from there, with the competitive aspect of racing really drawing him in, alongside the camaraderie.

“Success can come from a lot of ways and I’ve experienced that in the team pursuit. Winning in a team is just as special as winning by yourself. I really strive to win and I hold myself to a really high standard as well so that I can contribute to helping the team as best as possible.”

Aware that the full-time transition to road racing will come with some challenges, Sam just wants to get some racing under his belt and help the team to some wins, developing himself as a person. However, he’s not without big dreams too, like all sportspeople are.

“Of course, the dream goal would be to win in a GrandTour stage and even possibly on the Champs-Elysees at some point – which would be pretty mega.”

Away from the bike, Sam likes to game a little bit alongside some video editing and vlogging. When he’s not behind the screen, then he loves spending his time down at the beach with friends, like a “true Aussie.”