WA Duo Win Famous Madison Title
Western Australian cyclists Cameron Meyer and Sam Welsford have won the 2017 Australian Madison title in Melbourne, following a sensational ride on Saturday evening at Hisense Arena.
Two time Madison world champion Cameron Meyer claimed his fourth title after teaming up with Rio Olympic silver medallist Sam Welsford in a stunning display taking three laps en route to gold.
Continuing his successful return to track cycling, Meyer partnered Welsford to claim the national title with a fourth different partner.
“I don’t know if it is people don’t want to come back and ride with me or what is going on,” Meyer said having claimed the title with Glenn O’Shea, Jack Bobridge, Leigh Howard and now Sam Welsford.
“It is four different partners but this one was special to win as a WA duo. I have watched Sam going through the juniors and it was fantastic to ride with him and take the green and gold jersey back to WA. It is something special!”
After taking the early lead following a quick taken lap less than 20 laps in to the race, the West Australian’s were temporarily put on the back foot as New South Wales’ Nicholas Yallouris and Cameron Scott, who had consistently been picking up points took the lead.
It wasn’t long before Meyer and Welsford were back on the attack, combining with Rohan Wight (SA) and Alex Porter (SA), to take a lap with 70 to go, jumping back in to the lead.
With the laps counting down it was only a matter of time before Meyer and Welsford were on the attack again to claim their third lap with just over 30 laps remaining, to finish on 97 points.
A strong second half of the race saw newly crowned Oceania Champions Kelland O’Brien (VIC) and Callum Scotson (SA) collect silver on 65 points, with Wight and Porter (SA) rounding out the podium on 57.
Meyer said post-race, that the aggressive strategy planned by he and Welsford had worked well.
“What I wanted to do was be ahead of the game the whole time and that’s what happened,” Meyer said. “NSWIS fought their way back and we went again. That is what I wanted tonight and it worked out perfectly.”
An elated Welsford had trouble putting his excitement in to words after claiming his first Madison national title. “I can’t explain it, it is just unreal! I can’t even talk I’m so happy.”
For Welsford it is not just the green and gold jersey he can take away from the Championships but the experience gained from racing with one of the best Madison riders of his generation.
“Riding with Cam is incredible he has so much experience and so much knowledge about the Madison. He brings so much to the table and I can’t put a price to it.”
-CyclingAus (Photo: Con Chronis)