Team DSM-Firmenich have a history of having riders leave in bad terms but that is not the case with Sam Welsford. The Australian sprinter leaves in search of more success but takes fond memories with him.
"It was indeed a good year for me. I have been able to raise my hands in the air several times, so that is wonderful. I really think I have made significant progress in all sprint aspects," Welsford told In de Leiderstrui. Welsford was the winner of two Vuelta a San Juan stages this year, alongside the Grand Prix Criquielion and a stage at the Renewi Tour. Alongside that, he made his Tour de France debut.
"It was truly an incredibly beautiful experience, a dream come true. I've always hoped to do that race one day. If something like this becomes reality, it will simply be wonderful. While the results may not have been exactly what I expected, continuing to learn and develop myself was probably the most important thing, especially with a view to the coming years," he points out, without too much pressure. "I now know what it's like to complete a stage race of 21 stages."
The Australian believes that competing for three weeks at the highest level takes riders to a higher form, and that he felt it. This is a similar report to that of Egan Bernal, who rode both Tour and Vuelta this season in search of building a base towards the coming season. "I immediately noticed the benefits of this in the weeks after the Tour," Welsford continued. "Something like this will also come in handy in the more difficult competitions."
Although he was not in contention for the Tour's sprints, he frequently performed well throughout the year. It is widely believed that he could very well increase his win tally significantly from next season onwards as BORA - hansgrohe keep it's extensive leadout - which was initially built for Sam Bennett. The Australian is nervous but eager to get started. "I would rather call it healthy tension, although above all I'm just looking forward to it. It is a great opportunity and a new path in my career"
I am extremely grateful to DSM-Firmenich for the past few years. It's great that they gave me a chance as a track cyclist, especially because many other teams didn't. Moreover, at DSM-Firmenich I was able to develop into the sprinter I am today," he concludes, thanking the Dutch team which has Fabio Jakobsen as it's new sprinter lined up. "And with a view to next year, I'm just very curious to see what that adventure will bring me. I have already spoken to a few guys from that team and based on that I can say that things are going well. They're very chill guys. I already knew some of them, so that's nice,"
🇦🇺How it started vs How it ended🇦🇺 12 Aussies started @letour, 11 finished! Congrats @jaihindley @alexedmo @chrisharper94 @chrisHamo_ @luke_durbridge1 @ben_oconnor95 @simoclarke @sam_welsford @matt_dinham @nick_schultz5 @jackhaig93! Bad luck @calebewan! #couchpeloton #TDF2023
