Welsford Earns Opening Stage Win in Tour of Gippsland
WA cyclist Sam Welsford secured victory in the opening stage of the National Road Series Tour of Gippsland today.
Competing for the Mitchelton Scott – National Track Endurance Team, Welsford had the legs when it mattered most, edging out fellow West Aussie Michael Freiberg in a sprint finish with Sean Whitfield third.
The Tour of Gippsland began with a criterium held in the Inverloch area, with the race scheduled to move through Sale, Bairnsdale and Traralgon over the coming three days.
With the Track Endurance riders currently on a road phase before the track world cup commencing towards the end of the year, Welsford has been in strong form. His efforts in today’s opening stage, follow on from a second place finish in the 280km Melbourne to Warrnambool Classic last weekend.
2017 has been another successful year for the reigning WAIS Athlete of the Year. Welsford added a second Track World Championship title to his collection in April this year, as a member of the Australian men’s team pursuit squad.
Further details on the Tour of Gippsland can be viewed here.
Photo: (c) Con Chronis