Welsford sprints to third at Tour Down Under first stage

Sam Welsford took third place in a tight sprint finish on the first stage of the Tour Down Under, while Sam Watson now sits second on the GC.

Welsford was well led out by Michal Kwiatkowski, Watson and Ben Swift, but the Australian rider was slightly boxed in and had to fight for the line from the outside. A lunge for the line saw Tobias Lund Andresen (Decathlon CMA CGM Team) take the win ahead of Matthew Brennan (Team Visma - Lease A Bike).

Speaking after the stage, Welsford said:

“The boys rode really well today, hats off to my team - Lucas [Hamilton] rode the front all day really.

“We kind of got a little bit swamped just on the finish here. We did a really good job taking the front round the last corner - I had the three guys in front of me with just over a k to go - but we just got a little bit swamped with the tailwind.

“I got stuck in the barriers there and couldn’t really get out. I’m just kicking myself, I wish I could have found a way right and opened up the sprint because I had to stop pedalling with 20 metres to the line. It is what it is, and I’m really happy with how the boys rode today.

“I’m really, really impressed with the boys today. That’s the first time we’ve really come together and done a lead out like this in a race. For me, to see the commitment and see how much everyone went for each other and defended each other in the race was really special and I’m really looking forward to the next sprint opportunity.

“Stage three will be a little bit more tricky, and maybe a harder sprint day. We’ve showed we can be fighting up there and doing it together so more fire for stage three.”

Andresen’s victory sees him take the Ochre jersey, with yesterday’s opening prologue winner Watson now sitting second overall, having finished with the bunch.

Tomorrow will be a day for the climbers as the riders look to tackle 148km from Norwood to Uraidla, including two ascents of the category one climb, the Corkscrew.