Welsford Wins IP National Crown

Published On: 4 February 2016

Day two of the Australian Track Cycling Championships in Adelaide has seen WAIS athletes pick up gold in three events, with an Individual Pursuit crown to Sam Welsford highlighting WA’s charge.

Having set the second fastest time in qualifying, Welsford faced a ride-off against highly regarded Queensland pursuit specialist and former track world champion Michael Hepburn.

Welsford upstaged his more fancied opponent to win in a very slick 4:19.683, nearly four full seconds clear of Hepburn in 4:23.536.

The result is likely to earn Welsford a first senior World Track Championship campaign for Australia, when London hosts the 2016 UCI Track World Titles in the first week of March.

The WA cyclist will also strengthen his claims for a berth in Australia’s team pursuit squad for the Rio Olympics, with the individual pursuit not on the Olympic Games roster.

Welsford went out hard in the opening laps of the 16 lap event, and held a one and half second lead at the 2km mark. Any thoughts of a Hepburn come-back were quickly hosed down however, as Welsford extended his advantage beyond three seconds in the second half of the race, in an effort that ultimately secured his national title.

U19 WAIS cyclist Jade Haines has made a significant impact in her debut appearance at elite level, winning gold in the women’s scratch race on day one, before backing up for a second U19 title in the individual pursuit on day two.

The youngster rode a measured race in the scratch race, positioning herself well for a gold medal burst to the line on the bell lap. Haines finished ahead of Morgan Gillon and Emma Chilton.

Haines was equally impressive in qualifying fastest to earn a shot in the gold medal ride-off in the women’s individual pursuit, setting 2:25.981 to finish ahead of Ruby Roseman in the final, with Kristina Clonan claiming bronze.

Sprint star Tahlay Christie earned herself an U19 national title by setting a quick time of 35.711 to win the women’s time trial.

Further details and results for the 2016 Track Championships can be found via the event website: http://cycling.org.au/Events/Track-National-Championships