Sam Welsford delivered an impressive performance to claim his second stage victory at the 2025 Tour Down Under in as many stages. In a sprint finish in Tanunda, he powered to a dominant win.
After a crash early in the stage that left him with minor abrasions, Welsford’s resilience was put to the test. However, Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe was quick to react. Danny van Poppel, Laurence Pithie, and Ryan Mullen played crucial roles in helping the Australian rejoin the peloton. After being put in some difficulties on the third climb of Menglers Hill, his teammates were once again present to bring him back.
While his rivals jostled for position in the finale, Welsford was perfectly set up behind van Poppel for the lead-out. In the closing meters, the Australian launched his sprint and clinched the victory. Tomorrow, he will wear the ochre leader’s jersey for the second consecutive day.
It was a hectic sprint in Tanunda, during which Danny van Poppel was relegated and received a yellow card under the new UCI rules—a decision the team respects.
Sam Welsford: “Crashing just five kilometers into the stage was far from ideal, and overall, the day was tough. The three breakaway riders were caught relatively early, and from there, the race became quite nervous. I was at my limit on the final climb, but the boys didn’t leave me behind, and together we pushed through. There were constant attacks up front, and I just hoped we’d have a chance to catch up on the descent. In the end, I’m happy I was able to take the win for the team. The guys supported me incredibly well, especially in the sprint preparation. They stayed patient and waited for the right moment. We knew the finish would be long and tough with the wind, and even though we were maybe at the front early, the boys executed perfectly. Tomorrow looks like a stage for the climbers, and I’m looking forward to supporting the guys as best I can.”
Stage 2:
1.Sam Welsford 3:01:22
2.Arne Marit
3.Bryan Coquard
General Classification:
1.Sam Welsford 6:27:40
2.Arne Marit +0:14
3.Matthew Brennan
