Welham gearing up for another crack at the World Masters Track Championships

The Colchester race ace defied expectations at last year's event - his first competition at world level - by finishing 18th.

Now he is setting his sights on a top-ten position in the 50 to 54 years category, when he returns to the Manchester Velodrome.

He is racing in the sprint category on both Saturday and Sunday - hoping to secure a place in the semi-finals - and also competing in the two-lap time trial on Monday.

Welham plans to draw on his experience last summer and also show his progress by eclipsing his achievements of 2015.

"Last year was such a great experience," said the 54-year-old.

"Having never raced at club, national or European level, it was a bit surreal to start at the World Masters and rub shoulders with the likes of (multiple champion) Geoff Stoker.

"But I really enjoyed it and was happy to end 18th.

"Now I'm hoping to show my progress by finishing higher.

"In some respects it's a difficult thing to prepare for, because you can't replicate the conditions of being on the track at an event of this magnitude.

"But I'm confident and definitely feel better equipped than this time last year.

"I've been following a very strict training programme, covering lots of miles on the road, gym work and spending time up in Manchester.

"As a sportsman, I want to go up there and win.

"People have told me to come back with the title and, of course, that will be my goal.

"I enjoy it so much and can't wait to get started.

"However, I also feel it's important to be patient and realistic and that's why I'd be happy with a top-ten finish.

"It would be an improvement and maybe then I could challenge for a podium place next year."

The sprint is a three-lap race around the velodrome, covering 750 metres, while Monday's two-lap time trial is 500m.

Welham, who was a hugely successful motorcycle racer before turning to cycling, is coached by British Cycling's Tom Newman.

And he says the team around him have been a massive part of his rapid progress in the last year.

"I'm fortunate to work with a very good team of people," he said.

"I have three main coaches and others who offer their expertise in specialist areas, to help with my speed, power and endurance.

"They've made a big difference and I feel I've come a long way in the last year, particularly in the latter part of 2015.

"There are also days when things don't go quite as well and that's when it's important to have the right people around you."

Next year's World Masters Track Championships, which Welham hopes to compete at, are being held in Los Angeles.