{"id":197716,"date":"2025-01-22T09:02:12","date_gmt":"2025-01-22T09:02:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/wide\/?p=197716"},"modified":"2025-01-22T09:02:44","modified_gmt":"2025-01-22T09:02:44","slug":"welsford-wins-again-in-tour-down-under-stage-2-it-was-a-pretty-hard-day-out-there","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/wide\/2025\/01\/22\/welsford-wins-again-in-tour-down-under-stage-2-it-was-a-pretty-hard-day-out-there\/","title":{"rendered":"Welsford Wins Again in Tour Down Under Stage 2: “It was a pretty hard day out there”"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sam Welsford (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) displayed remarkable resilience and team support to clinch his second consecutive stage win at the 2025 Tour Down Under. Despite crashing within the first five kilometres of stage 2, the Australian sprinter fought through adversity to cross the line first in Tanunda, extending his lead in the ochre jersey.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Arne Marit (Intermarch\u00e9-Wanty) took second place, while Bryan Coquard (Cofidis) completed the podium.<\/p>\n

The stage began on a challenging note for Welsford, who hit the tarmac early and had to continue with ripped shorts. His team, however, proved pivotal in keeping him in contention. After managing the early breakaway, they rallied around Welsford during a critical moment on the third ascent of Menglers Hill. Dropped from the peloton with 25 kilometres remaining, Welsford clawed his way back into the group 10 kilometres later, thanks to his teammates’ efforts.<\/p>\n

“Bloody hell – it was bike off in the first 5k to the race, and that was less than ideal. It was a pretty hard day out there,” Welsford said. “The break of three came back quite early, and then everyone started getting quite nervous. Then last time up the climb I was on my limit.”<\/p>\n

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A post shared by Santos Tour Down Under (@tourdownunder)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n