“I spoke to Caleb a lot. Once he found out I was dealing with Ineos, he really pushed it and gave me his insights – how much they’ve done for him in the short time he’s been there,” Welsford said.
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“For him too, his experience was super positive. He said the level of support he had there was incredible.”
“He was quite keen for me to be there. He sees it as a really good fit.
“Caleb is a rider that I really trust and he’s been through a lot. Being able to pick his brain was amazing … I look up to Caleb and we get along really well.”
With the contract confirmed, Welsford are determined to realize their undoubted potential. The big European goal this year will be to win stage sprints at the Grand Tour with the Giro d’Italia in his sights.
“It was a tough year, last year, with all the injuries and bad luck. But the Ineos signing was at the end of the rainbow,” he said.
“I was really happy to be stuck there, I was welcomed with open arms.
“I want to be the best as an athlete, more consistent across Europe. I want to win a lot more in Europe.
“I also want to go to the Grand Tour and compete for the win there. I would love to go to the Giro – it sounds amazing.”
The first elite events at the nationals will be Thursday afternoon’s time trials, with Brodie Chapman the heavy favorite to defend her women’s crown.
Her big threat is up-and-coming rider Felicity Wilson-Haffenden, the 2023 world junior champion.
Luke Plapp is going for his third consecutive men’s time trial championship and fourth overall.
Jay Vine, who won in 2023, looms as Plapp’s main rival, with fellow WorldTour rider Ben O’Connor also in the field.
Two of Welsford’s 2024 Olympic gold medal teammates, Oliver Bleddyn and Kelland O’Brien, will also compete.
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