'Big sigh of relief' - Watson launches Ineos into 2026 with blistering Tour Down Under win

Sam Watson scorched his way to victory in the prologue to kick off the 2026 Tour Down Under and UCI WorldTour season. The British road race champion completed the 3.6km course in a time of 4:16, with an average speed of 50.4kph, marking the sixth victory of his professional career. 

As the 11th rider to start, Watson had a long time to wait in the hot seat. In the end was pushed closest by fellow Briton Ethan Vernon (NSN), who finished 0.59 seconds down on his compatriot. It was a nervous wait at times, but worth it for the 24-year-old.

“There were quite a lot of guys, but just as I climbed off the bike, Ethan Vernon came across the line, and he was [0.59] behind,” said Watson. “I knew he would be a contender, and maybe I wouldn’t even make it to the hotseat.”

The last rider off the start ramp was one of the favourites for the general classification in Jay Vine (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), who was runner-up in the time trial at the World Championships in Kigali in September. Watson endured an anxious wait before Vine came home in fourth place. 

“Yeah, obviously, there was a big sigh of relief for myself. 
I was so happy to start with a win,” said Watson.

Watson will swap his British champion's jersey on stage 1 for the ochre jersey of race leader of the Tour Down Under.


”I'm not complaining,” said Watson about the change in jersey. “Of course, I'm leading the race now, and this is just amazing. It's great for myself and the team to start off the season like this.”

After what has already been a great start for the British team, things could get even better on Wednesday for Ineos Grenadiers, with new signing Sam Welsford being one of the favourites to win what is expected to be a sprint finish in Tanunda. 

Welsford has a fine track record at the Tour Down Under, winning six stages in the past two editions at his home race, including one in Tanunda twelve months ago. 

“We go 100% for him [Welsford],” said Watson. “He's won here six times in the last two years now, so yeah, all for him.”

Watson should feature in the finale of stage 1 as part of Welsfor's lead-out, alongside the experienced Ben Swift, who himself won two stages Down Under back in 2011.

“Last or second last lead-out guy,” said Watson. “
I guess it depends on how we are on a day, and also, we've got Swifty [Ben Swift], who's got a lot of experience. Whatever Sam prefers, but yeah, I'll be up there towards the end.”

Beyond the opening road race stage, Watson pointed out his versatility, which leaves him with opportunities to get more out of this year's Tour Down Under. 

"A bit of everything, to be honest, I'm quite versatile, so stage 5 looks like it could be good for me, and stage 3 could go either way for the sprinters," said Watson. "As soon as an opportunity arises, just go for it."