WA has a talent-laden squad competing at the 2017 Australian Track Cycling Championships in Brisbane, highlighted by the world champion duo of Cam Meyer and Sam Welsford.
Meyer’s return to the boards at the brand new Anna Meares Velodrome represents one of the key points of interest, with the six-time track world champion set to challenge for selection on the 2017 Australian World Championship team while also providing a mentor role for WA’s next generation of emerging talent.
Welsford joins the former Midland Cycling Club rider in action for WA in Brisbane, with the Rio Olympian set to wear the rainbow jersey in the team pursuit as a current world champion.
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Meyer who claimed his six world titles among a 10-medal haul between 2009 and 2012 is contesting the points race, scratch race, individual and team pursuit in Brisbane and believes his preparation will hold him in good stead.
“My return to international track racing at the end of last year went far better then expected,” he said.
“To win a World Cup gold medal, podium in the London 6 Day and then cap it off with an Australian Madison title, I was really happy.
“I’m looking forward to more racing and challenges on the track ahead.”
The former Tour Down Under and Herald Sun Tour winner has spent much of 2017 so far on the road, racing as part of the national team.
“It has been a busy and hectic summer of racing on the road,” he said. “I was really happy with my form and performances.
“It will be interesting to see how quickly I can transition back to the track but I feel my fitness is there so I hope to perform well through the next block of racing.”
While it may be his first nationals in seven years, Meyer was looking forward to testing himself against a new generation of riders.
Meyer is perhaps best known for his success in the points race with three world titles and Commonwealth Games gold in his keeping. It is in this event that he is placing particular importance in Brisbane.
“My goals for the National Track Championships are to win the points race and be competitive in all my events across the week,” he said.
“It has been seven years since I pulled on the WA colours so I’m really looking forward to representing my state and aim for some medals.”
2017 WA team
Elite men Michael Freiberg Stephen Hall Cameron Meyer Sam Welsford Benjamin Young Luke Zaccaria
Elite Women Tahlay Christie Rebecca Wheadon
JW19 Rebecca Blake Jade Haines Rihana Pezaj
JM19 Kye Bonser Luke Howse Julian Krohn Conor Leahy Tyler Lindorff Matt Richardson Kieran Scott Craig Wiggins