WAIS Cyclists Hit the Boards in Adelaide

The WAIS cycling program has returned some encouraging results at the South Australian Track Grand Prix in Adelaide.

Reigning WAIS Junior Athlete of the Year Sam Welsford sits third in the men’s omnium after claiming wins in the scratch and elimination races.

Whilst his bunch racing form has been dynamic at Adelaide’s Super-Drome, Welsford lost ground in the individual pursuit, with his time outside the top ten and preventing him from holding a tighter grip on the competition.

With three events remaining in the omnium program on Thursday, Welsford will look to consolidate his day one form, and maintain a place on the podium, against a field that includes former omnium track world champion Glenn O’Shea and New Zealand national team representative Cameron Karwowski.

Australian track world cup representative Elissa Wundersitz had an up and down day with a sixth place finish in the individual pursuit highlighting her efforts.

WAIS sprint cyclist Luke Zaccaria competed hard in the men’s sprint, eventually finishing 11th with a seeding race victory over a visiting GB cyclist.

The South Australian GP also contains U19 events, with emerging WAIS talents registering some impressive results.

Junior Track World Championships bound cyclist Alex Rendell posted a third place finish in the men’s scratch race, whilst in the women’s event, Jade Haines – who dominated this year’s U17 championships – was fifth, ahead of WAIS teammate Nikken Jefferies in ninth.

The talented duo also performed well in the U19 elimination race, with Haines taking the win with Jefferies claiming bronze in third.

Another WAIS athlete qualified for the junior world championships in Tahlay Christie dominated her heat in the women’s U19 keirin, but withdrew from the final as a precaution after feeling faint post-race.

The South Australian GP continues on Thursday, with Friday hosting the U19 ANZAC Cup with events between Australia and New Zealand. The Adelaide Track Grand Prix with both senior and U19 events will be held on Saturday and Sunday.

Further details can be found via Cycling Australia’s website: http://cycling.org.au/Events/Events-Calendar/Event-Details/its-adelaide