Comm Games Gold for McCulloch and Welsford

Kaarle McCulloch's burning desire helped deliver more gold for a rampant Australia at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games

Kaarle McCulloch and Stephanie Morton of Australia compete in the Women's Sprint Semi finals. Source: Getty

McCulloch won her first individual cycling title with a wafer-thin win over great friend Steph Morton in the 500m time trial.

McCulloch struggled after missing out in Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games but the Anna Meares Velodrome proved to be the tonic she needed.

"Sitting in the crowd in Rio and I thought to myself I've got this burning desire in my stomach," McCulloch said after clocking 33.583 seconds to beat Morton by 0.036 seconds at the Anna Meares Velodrome.
Gold to 🇦🇺 @kaarlemcculloch, silver to 🇦🇺 @StephMorton28 in the 500m time trial. 🔥💪👏#GC2018 #7CommGames pic.twitter.com/f8drgkByTA — 7CommGames (@7CommGames) April 7, 2018
That desire was fuelled even further by some motivation from Meares who won the time trial at the past three Games after her sister Kerrie took the inaugural title in Manchester in 2002.

"Anna Meares pulled me aside yesterday she said only Meares girls have won this title, I want a McCulloch to win," McCulloch said.

"I feel like I've done it justice. I got into this sport because of her. To take that title tonight on her track is a dream come true."
ICYMI: Is that a bike or a motorbike!? 🇦🇺 Sam Welsford rocketed home to win gold in the Men's 15km Scratch Race. One of the best tactical performances you'll see. #GC2018 #7CommGames pic.twitter.com/nBaWRB2s36 — 7CommGames (@7CommGames) April 7, 2018
The gold rush continued for Australia with Sam Welsford winning the 15km scratch race.

Welsford caught Englishman Ethan Hayter who was leading the 60-lap race then held off Kiwi Campbell Stewart and Chris Latham from England on the final lap to claim his second gold of the Games.

"That was such a hard race, it was on from the start and I had to be patient and my teammates are amazing," Welsford said.

"Cam Meyer and Leigh Howard, hats off to them, they were in every move and looked after me all race. I think Australia, the whole team is so tight nit and it's showing in the results this week.

"They were in every move. They were looking after me all race. Those guys, credit to the team."

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2 min read
Published 8 April 2018 10:02am
By Cycling Central
Source: Cycling Central


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