Sam Welsford still does not know which team he will race for next season. The Australian's contract with his current team Red Bull BORA-hansgrohe expires this year. This summer, he appeared to have an agreement with INEOS Grenadiers, but that contract has still not been signed, reports journalist Daniel Benson.
In June, Benson reported there was an agreement for a two-year stay for Welsford with the British squad, but in the end, no official contract was ever sent. In October, there was still no official news about the agreement. The reason could be linked to Dave Brailsford’s return to INEOS Grenadiers and the contract between Filippo Zana and the team.
However, this deal fell through: Zana signed with Soudal Quick-Step. In the meantime, Welsford seemed to have found another team with Jayco AlUla, who were looking for a new sprinter after Dylan Groenewegen’s departure. According to Benson, Welsford signed for an annual salary of 150,000 euros, with INEOS Grenadiers topping up the difference from the salary agreed in June.
Remarkable twist from INEOS Grenadiers
About a week ago, this transfer saga took a new turn: Welsford seemed close to an agreement with Jayco AlUla, but sources told Benson that INEOS Grenadiers still want to hold the 29-year-old rider to their June agreement.
For now, it remains unclear which team Welsford will ride for next year. INEOS Grenadiers might still change their mind, but if that happens, it’s far from certain that the sprinter can still join Jayco AlUla. According to Benson, the Australian team is already looking for an alternative after Welsford’s arrival fell through.
