Cycling: Sam Welsford profile

Sam Welsford is a professional Australian road cyclist, who currently rides with Team DSM-Firmenich on the UCI World Tour.

Welsford originally made his name on the track before switching to road racing in 2021 and he has already picked up some encouraging results.

The 27-year-old has ridden in just the one grand tour, the 2023 Tour de France, but will be hoping to build on that in the seasons ahead.

Known as a powerful sprinter, Welsford will be targeting more stage victories to add to the four pro wins he has already picked up.

Here is all you need to know about Sam Welsford.

Name	Sam Welsford
Date of Birth	19th  January 1996
Place of Birth	Perth, Western Australia
Current Team	Team DSM-Firmenich
Discipline	Road/Track

Sam Welsford career so far

Welsford showed early promise as a junior when winning team pursuit world titles in both 2013 and 2014.

The Perth-born cyclist was very much a track specialist in the early part of his career, while making the odd foray into road racing.

While riding for ACA-Ride Sunshine Coast in 2018/19 he won the Noosa International Criterium and came third at the National Under-23 Criterium Championships.

In 2020 he raised his game to another level when winning the National Criterium Championships, and it was not long before the World Tour teams started to show interest.

And it was in 2021, when Team DSM, who have signed numerous Australian riders throughout the years, snapped him up on a three-year contract.

In 2022 Welsford picked up his first professional win when winning Stage 5 of the Tour of Turkey, but it was in 2023 when powerful rider really stood out.

He won two stages at the Vuelta a San Juan and also claimed top spot on Stage 4 of the Renewi Tour.

To cap a very strong year, Welsford also finished second overall at the ZLM Tour.

As well as shining for Team DSM, Welsford has also enjoyed success at the Olympic Games, winning the bronze medal in the Men’s Team Pursuit in Tokyo 2020.

What does the future hold?

At the age of 27, Welsford has plenty of good years ahead of him, and will be a key member of Team DSM in the 2024 campaign.

Riding in more grand tours, targeting wins in those stages that end in a bunch sprint, will be an aim for Welsford going forward.

The Paris Olympics will also be a big target for Welsford when he will look to add to his medal tally on the track.

Welsford is a pretty versatile rider and the options are endless for him in the years ahead.