Welsford Wins Tour of Gippsland

Cyclist Sam Welsford has claimed victory in the Tour of Gippsland ahead of fellow West Aussie Michael Freiberg in the National Road Series event.

Welsford accumulated 38 points for victory across the four days of racing, finishing five clear of Freiberg.

Riding for Mitchelton Scott – The Australian National Track Endurance Team, Welsford said the team had a strategy in place for the final stage, to ensure he held onto the yellow jersey. 

“Coming into the final day, (we) had a few plans in place to defend the yellow and hopefully get the stage win too,” Welsford said.

“We were aggressive on the front, managed to get over the climb and the attacks from Isowhey, and we rode pretty well overall.

“But hats off to Sascha and Inform team for lining up the late move and hitting us with one to go. We defended it (the yellow) well, just missed out on the stage win, but we will come out of this Tour with some great form.”

Mitchelton Scott also won the team’s classification, rounding out a successful campaign for the squad.