In-form Australian track cycling star Sam Welsford is a confirmed starter for next month’s Bendigo International Madison.
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Welsford, who was part of the Australian team pursuit team which claimed a silver medal at last year’s Olympics, is fresh from winning the gold medal in the omnium at last weekend’s World Cup event in Colombia.
The 21-year-old will team up in Bendigo with rising star Kell O’Brien.
“Sam (Welsford) is riding as well as anyone on the track,’’ Bendigo International Madison acting CEO Scott McGrory said.
“He has the speed and strength to be one of the best track riders in the world. I’ve always thought he could be Australia’s answer to (Great Britain star) Ed Clancy.”
Welsford dominated his rivals in the new-look omnium in Colombia. He won the elimination race and the scratch race and was third in the tempo race to set up a commanding lead.
The WA star basically only had to stay on his bike in the points race to seal the gold medal and he did that comfortably.
O’Brien is no slouch either.
The speed machine won the madison at the world junior championships and is on track to be part of the Australian team pursuit squad for the Tokyo Olympics.
O’Brien teamed with former Bendigo International Madison winner Leigh Howard to finish sixth in the madison at the World Cup in Colombia.
“Sam and Kell have oodles of talent,’’ McGrory said.
“They’ll be one of the teams to beat for sure.”