Sam Welsford returns to the Warrny with the top step in his sights

The 24-year-old, an Australian track cycling endurance team member destined for the Tokyo Olympics, finished second in his first attempt in 2017.

This time around the four-time track world champion wants to write his name on the long winners' list of the second oldest and longest one-day classic in the world.

"I'm looking forward to coming back and having a good crack and hope to go one better," he told The Standard.

"The race has changed a bit since then. It was more of a race after 100km last time but this time the race is on from the start and the last couple of years it has been won by a selection split.

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly episode The Main Break:

READ MORE:

"The big challenge is to pick the right move and go deep in first couple hours to make sure I'm in the race."

Welsford and fellow track endurance team members Lucas Plapp, Kell O'Brien (InForm TMX MAKE) and Leigh Howard are using Australia's regional racing roadshow across April and May to prepare for Tokyo.

They've already completed the Wagga to Albury (April 11), Casterton 50 (80k) and Victorian 100km title (April 17-18).

Following the 'Warrny' they will do the Mt Gambier 100 mile (160k), SA Kermesse Championships (May 16-17) and Tour of the Riverland Berri Classic (May 30).

The dual Commonwealth Games gold medallist said the team, which is coached by 2007 winner Tim Decker, had enjoyed the return to regional racing as part of its road training block.

"All us guys love racing and when we pin the number on we want to win and we treat it like any other race," he said.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:

"The regional races have been challenging and really fun as everyone takes it to us. It's exciting and we love that competitive and fierce racing. It's been really fun and we can't wait for next one."

The West Australian said the mix of road and track cycling was beneficial to the squad.

"The road complements the track. It sets you up for a good training block and laying the foundations for making the switch to specific power work because you have that form and base in the legs.

"That base allows you to handle the intense training, backing it up and getting through those hard days as you've put in the hard work in previous months.

"We have done a bit of a road block the last month and we are mixing gym with road stuff maintaining the muscle mass and strength.

"On the bike we are incorporating long hard days and focusing on building strength in the gym so we don't lose our track power."

READ MORE:

Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.