WAIS Cyclists in Contention for Cycling Australia Awards

Three WAIS cycling athletes have recently been named as finalists for the upcoming 2016 Jayco Cycling Australia Awards to be held in Melbourne on the 18th of November.

WAIS Athlete of the Year and Olympic Silver Medalist, Sam Welsford is one of three finalists for the Male Track award, whilst Tahlay Christie and Jade Haines are in competition for the Junior Female Track award.

Sam Welsford earned his position as a finalist for the award following a break out year in 2016. 

Welsford won his first senior track title earlier this year in Adelaide, winning the men’s individual pursuit.

This resulted in his selection in the World Championship winning Australian team pursuit squad.

After this victory, the team went on to race at the Rio Games where Welsford was a vital contributor to their silver medal win.

Sam Welsford is up against fellow Rio Olympians Matt Glaetzer and Michael Hepburn.

Tahlay Christie and Jade Haines will be contesting the Junior Track Female award alongside Kristina Clonan.

Christie earns her position as a finalist after winning both the Oceania titles and National Championship titles in the sprint, keirin and 500m time trial events.

In addition to this, Tahlay also went on to represent Australia at the Junior World Championships.

Junior WAIS Athlete of the Year nominee, Jade Haines earned her nomination at the 2016 Jayco Cycling Australia Awards as a result of her outstanding debut performance at the Junior World Championships earlier this year.

Here she won a silver medal in the individual pursuit event along with a win in the Madison event. 

Prior to this, she also took out the National title in the individual pursuit and scratch races, competing in the under 19 category for the first time.

The 2016 Jayco Cycling Australia Awards will be held in Melbourne this Friday, with the night culminating in the presentation of the Sir Hubert ‘Oppy’ Opperman Medal and Trophy to the Australian Cyclist of the Year.