The time for misty-eyed reflection on another year has arrived. 2010 was my first in the cycling world and was filled with memorable moments. Here is an incomplete list of personal highlights:
February – Two weeks before I started my new role at Cycling Southland, watching my first live track cycling event I watched Eddie Dawkins and friends lower the national Team Sprint record at the Elite Track Nationals. I still get that tingly feeling remembering it today - an incredible experience to watch in the flesh. Big Ed, Sam Webster and Ethan Mitchell have since lowered that mark a number of times, the latest on Thursday night in winning bronze at the World Cup in Colombia to cap an incredible year. Expect more in 2011.
March – Erin Criglington, flanked by Sophie McMurdo and Michael Culling, lifts the National Points Shield following the Age Group/Masters Track Nationals as Southland blows away the competition to again confirm its place as the premier track cycling province.
June – Tom Scully crashes out of the Tour of Ireland, ending his Commonwealth Games hopes. The injury makes no highlight reel, but the way this level-headed young man has bounced back does. It’s a credit to his support team, his family and the man himself how he immediately focused on getting back to his best. No woe-is-me, just total focus and dedication.
June - The Harrex Group Corporate Pursuit saw 200+ riders take on the ILT Velodrome and living to tell the tale. The final was spectacular, YMCA Education pipping the Police Five-0s to close a hugely enjoyable event.
August – Pieter Bulling represents his country and Cycling Southland with distinction at the World Junior Track Champs. His stellar year only got better, culminating in his selection for the BikeNZ Elite squad for this month’s Melbourne World Cup - an incredible year for a fantastic talent.
November – The PowerNet Tour of Southland went right to the wire, being decided in the final sprint to the Stage Nine finish line on Gala Street. Hayden Roulston claimed another PowerNet Tour by the narrowest margin in history, but it was an incredible stage finish earlier in the week which sticks in my memory. Watching 100-plus riders, ten-wide with a tail-wind, descending on the finish line in Tuatapere at 70 km/h will stick with me for a long, long time.
December – Eddie Dawkins called it the greatest race on the ILT Velodrome. In the end technology could not separate the big guy and his good mate Simon van Velthooven on the line in the Elite Men’s Sprint at the ILT Festival of Speed this month. The dead heat will be one of those moments that goes down in Cycling Southland folklore. We saw two supreme athletes putting on something special for a jam-packed crowd. No script-writer could have done a better job.
In closing a special thank you to all of those involved in our sport throughout the year. Your unwavering work and support is hugely appreciated. Merry Christmas.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
Festival of Speed Satisfies
What a week. Cycling Southland's ILT Festival of Speed ended on Thursday night, capping three incredible night's racing. Our aim was to showcase elite track cycling as a sporting and entertainment spectacular in our world class facility. The hundreds of Southlanders who took their seats at the ILT Velodrome last week are in a far better position to comment than I, but we're pretty satisfied with the end result.
A huge amount of work went into the event and to get the support we received from the Southland public was fantastic. As always, we are indebted to both the Invercargill Licensing Trust and the ILT Foundation for their on-going and unwavering support and for the assistance of BikeNZ and its High Performance Programme.
The feedback from the riders was outstanding. They loved every minute of it and loved the atmosphere, which they see regularly in the US and Europe and can now enjoy here at home. The more they enjoy the event, the better the racing is and the better the spectacle is for the crowd. At this time of year most riders are focused on registering times, or on making teams, so to give them three nights where they can have some fun, put on a show and enjoy the racing is important.
We're also really heartened by the feedback from our international riders who have raved about the ILT Velodrome and to hear BikeNZ Track Coach Tim Carswell say Tuesday night's Madison was in his eyes the greatest field ever assembled is pretty staggering.
It's vital we put New Zealand on the world track cycling map with a view to our hosting of the Junior World Track Championships in 2012. I think we've raised the bar a fair bit, but we won't leave it there. The challenge for us is to take more steps up through 2011, starting with our New Year Carnival on January 15th and 16th.
We capped last week with our end of year prize-giving evening on Friday. After watching the country’s best compete with international riders during the week, it made perfect sense to also recognise our top Club performances during the year in the same week.
We also introduced three new awards for Contribution to Junior, Senior and Masters Cycling. So often the focus is on those who cross the line first. These three awards are designed to recognise the huge numbers who contribute so much to our organisation through the year.
And we have made a point to award these in the name of some gentlemen who themselves have given lifetimes of service to Cycling Southland. We are delighted to advise the inaugural winners of the Laurie Tall Cup for Overall Contribution to Junior cycling was Dave Beadle. Waine Harding claimed the Tony Ineson Cup for his contribution to senior cycling and Erin Criglington was the first name etched on the Peter Grandiek Cup for her services to masters cycling.
My personal thanks to each for their outstanding and invaluable work.
A huge amount of work went into the event and to get the support we received from the Southland public was fantastic. As always, we are indebted to both the Invercargill Licensing Trust and the ILT Foundation for their on-going and unwavering support and for the assistance of BikeNZ and its High Performance Programme.
The feedback from the riders was outstanding. They loved every minute of it and loved the atmosphere, which they see regularly in the US and Europe and can now enjoy here at home. The more they enjoy the event, the better the racing is and the better the spectacle is for the crowd. At this time of year most riders are focused on registering times, or on making teams, so to give them three nights where they can have some fun, put on a show and enjoy the racing is important.
We're also really heartened by the feedback from our international riders who have raved about the ILT Velodrome and to hear BikeNZ Track Coach Tim Carswell say Tuesday night's Madison was in his eyes the greatest field ever assembled is pretty staggering.
It's vital we put New Zealand on the world track cycling map with a view to our hosting of the Junior World Track Championships in 2012. I think we've raised the bar a fair bit, but we won't leave it there. The challenge for us is to take more steps up through 2011, starting with our New Year Carnival on January 15th and 16th.
We capped last week with our end of year prize-giving evening on Friday. After watching the country’s best compete with international riders during the week, it made perfect sense to also recognise our top Club performances during the year in the same week.
We also introduced three new awards for Contribution to Junior, Senior and Masters Cycling. So often the focus is on those who cross the line first. These three awards are designed to recognise the huge numbers who contribute so much to our organisation through the year.
And we have made a point to award these in the name of some gentlemen who themselves have given lifetimes of service to Cycling Southland. We are delighted to advise the inaugural winners of the Laurie Tall Cup for Overall Contribution to Junior cycling was Dave Beadle. Waine Harding claimed the Tony Ineson Cup for his contribution to senior cycling and Erin Criglington was the first name etched on the Peter Grandiek Cup for her services to masters cycling.
My personal thanks to each for their outstanding and invaluable work.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Forecast for Extreme Speed
The forecast for Southland this week is extreme speed. The ILT Festival of Speed begins tomorrow night headlined by New Zealand’s leading endurance and sprint men and women, along with international riders from Australia, the Pacific and Europe.
The New Zealand team fresh from winning a full set of medals at the Melbourne World Cup rolled into town last night. It is an arduous pre-Christmas schedule for the squad with Oceanias and two World Cups in the space of five weeks but with each outing the BikeNZ squad continues to impress.
Shane Archbold’s incredible effort in winning the Omnium in Melbourne (cycling’s equivalent of the decathlon) stamps his name as one to watch this week - his mullet also makes him hard to miss. The phenomenal silver medal-winning ride from Aaron Gate and Myron Simpson in the Madison on Thursday night means they will start as short-priced favourite in tomorrow night’s RaboDirect Madison Champs while the Team Sprint combination of Eddie Dawkins, Sam Webster and Ethan Mitchell will go head-to-head in our sprint competition – a mouth-watering prospect for those of us taking a seat at the ILT Velodrome.
We are delighted to also feature international talent from all over the globe. The Swiss combination of Gregory Hugentobler and Cyrille Thiery arrive fresh from Melbourne while Jerry Bousquet & Mike Michel-Villaz add to the Euro flavour, riding under the French flag from New Caledonia. And then comes the Aussie contingent. Despite clashing with the Australian Madison Champs on Friday the green and gold will be well represented with Tasmanian flyer Clay Murfet and former Trexlertown Riders of the Year Doug Repacholi and Laura McCaughey. They will be joined by impressive Institute of Sport sprinters Tim McMillan, Jamie Green and Zac Deller in the men’s field and Cassandra Kell and Madison Law in the women’s. The raw power of these young Aussie sprinters was one of the talking points from our riders returning from the Oceania Champs. To see them first hand will be yet another treat.
So all is in readiness. The entertainment including Stunt BMX rider Paul Langlands and friends, our live bands The Heartleys and Lipstick, celebrity racers and our large swag of prizes is all ready. All you need to do is turn up. Tickets for the ILT Festival of Speed and for our Thursday morning Gold Medal Breakfast with Ali Shanks are on sale at Stadium Southland.
The New Zealand team fresh from winning a full set of medals at the Melbourne World Cup rolled into town last night. It is an arduous pre-Christmas schedule for the squad with Oceanias and two World Cups in the space of five weeks but with each outing the BikeNZ squad continues to impress.
Shane Archbold’s incredible effort in winning the Omnium in Melbourne (cycling’s equivalent of the decathlon) stamps his name as one to watch this week - his mullet also makes him hard to miss. The phenomenal silver medal-winning ride from Aaron Gate and Myron Simpson in the Madison on Thursday night means they will start as short-priced favourite in tomorrow night’s RaboDirect Madison Champs while the Team Sprint combination of Eddie Dawkins, Sam Webster and Ethan Mitchell will go head-to-head in our sprint competition – a mouth-watering prospect for those of us taking a seat at the ILT Velodrome.
We are delighted to also feature international talent from all over the globe. The Swiss combination of Gregory Hugentobler and Cyrille Thiery arrive fresh from Melbourne while Jerry Bousquet & Mike Michel-Villaz add to the Euro flavour, riding under the French flag from New Caledonia. And then comes the Aussie contingent. Despite clashing with the Australian Madison Champs on Friday the green and gold will be well represented with Tasmanian flyer Clay Murfet and former Trexlertown Riders of the Year Doug Repacholi and Laura McCaughey. They will be joined by impressive Institute of Sport sprinters Tim McMillan, Jamie Green and Zac Deller in the men’s field and Cassandra Kell and Madison Law in the women’s. The raw power of these young Aussie sprinters was one of the talking points from our riders returning from the Oceania Champs. To see them first hand will be yet another treat.
So all is in readiness. The entertainment including Stunt BMX rider Paul Langlands and friends, our live bands The Heartleys and Lipstick, celebrity racers and our large swag of prizes is all ready. All you need to do is turn up. Tickets for the ILT Festival of Speed and for our Thursday morning Gold Medal Breakfast with Ali Shanks are on sale at Stadium Southland.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Southlanders Impress at Oceania Champs
Another weekend passes with more outstanding performances by Southland cyclists on the international scene. It’s early in the track season and for many of our elite athletes the Oceania Championships which ended over the weekend in Adelaide was the start of a long season which they hope will end with success next March at the World Championships in Holland.
For others it was a chance to send a message to the BikeNZ High Performance Programme that theirs is a name to consider. That’s exactly what Pieter Bulling has done. He raised eyebrows for all the right reasons as he trained with the squad at the ILT Velodrome over the past fortnight. Then, when the decision was made to give Tom Scully more time on his comeback from injury, Piet delivered the perfect example of taking one’s opportunity by lighting it up in Adelaide to claim a spot in the Elite team for the Melbourne World Cup starting Thursday. This is one young man going places and I’m told he is leaving many more experienced members of the squad in his wake.
I am also particularly delighted with Tom Beadle’s effort to claim silver in the U19 Keirin, a matching pair of medals after his second-place finish in the U19 Team Sprint on opening night. Tom is another prodigious talent to roll off the Cycling Southland production line and we will watch his age group with particular interest over the next 18 months as they will wear the black skin-suit when the Junior World Champs are staged in Invercargill in 2012.
Our Development Officer Matt Archibald got his first taste of international competition over these championships and finished his debut campaign by leading out his three-some to fifth place in Saturday’s Team Sprint qualifications. Matt has only been in the sport for a handful off years but has a work ethic and raw power which guarantees his choice to change his oars for a bike was a wise one.
The most exciting news is that all of the guys and girls who starred at the Oceanias along with the full BikeNZ Elite and Development squads and internationals will be lining up in the ILT International Festival of Speed next week.
We’ve had a lot of fun putting this event together because it has been about a lot more than track cycling. Our entertainment includes stunt BMX rider Paul Langlands and friends. Having seen video online of this guy, I can’t wait to see what he and his mates deliver next week. We’ve got live music from The Heartleys and Lipstick to complement the adrenaline pumping track cycling.
Yes, I’m biased. But if you have never been to a cycling event before, this is the one to come to. $20 gets the whole family in for two or three hours of awesome entertainment. And if that’s not enough we’ll offer an unashamed bribe by putting you in the draw to win a weekend to Adelaide in January. Sold? I sure am.
For others it was a chance to send a message to the BikeNZ High Performance Programme that theirs is a name to consider. That’s exactly what Pieter Bulling has done. He raised eyebrows for all the right reasons as he trained with the squad at the ILT Velodrome over the past fortnight. Then, when the decision was made to give Tom Scully more time on his comeback from injury, Piet delivered the perfect example of taking one’s opportunity by lighting it up in Adelaide to claim a spot in the Elite team for the Melbourne World Cup starting Thursday. This is one young man going places and I’m told he is leaving many more experienced members of the squad in his wake.
I am also particularly delighted with Tom Beadle’s effort to claim silver in the U19 Keirin, a matching pair of medals after his second-place finish in the U19 Team Sprint on opening night. Tom is another prodigious talent to roll off the Cycling Southland production line and we will watch his age group with particular interest over the next 18 months as they will wear the black skin-suit when the Junior World Champs are staged in Invercargill in 2012.
Our Development Officer Matt Archibald got his first taste of international competition over these championships and finished his debut campaign by leading out his three-some to fifth place in Saturday’s Team Sprint qualifications. Matt has only been in the sport for a handful off years but has a work ethic and raw power which guarantees his choice to change his oars for a bike was a wise one.
The most exciting news is that all of the guys and girls who starred at the Oceanias along with the full BikeNZ Elite and Development squads and internationals will be lining up in the ILT International Festival of Speed next week.
We’ve had a lot of fun putting this event together because it has been about a lot more than track cycling. Our entertainment includes stunt BMX rider Paul Langlands and friends. Having seen video online of this guy, I can’t wait to see what he and his mates deliver next week. We’ve got live music from The Heartleys and Lipstick to complement the adrenaline pumping track cycling.
Yes, I’m biased. But if you have never been to a cycling event before, this is the one to come to. $20 gets the whole family in for two or three hours of awesome entertainment. And if that’s not enough we’ll offer an unashamed bribe by putting you in the draw to win a weekend to Adelaide in January. Sold? I sure am.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Privileged To Be Part of Tour Family
I feel very privileged to have been involved with the 2010 PowerNet Tour of Southland. Having now been part of this iconic event, I understand why the huge army of volunteers put their hand up year after year to be involved. It is truly something quite special.
I am wary of trying to do justice to all that is good about the event in this column. Space limitations mean I can only touch on a few highlights from the past week. So many more serve to be mentioned.
One does stand out though. The major highlight for me was the people. The event is served so well by people who love what they do. Whether it is driving a vehicle, standing on a corner with a flag, setting up the stage finishes, officiating in a pressure-cooker atmosphere for days on end or being part of a team’s support crew , every single one is there because they are passionate about the event and about the sport. A “family” atmosphere like this can’t be manufactured. It happens naturally or it doesn’t at all and the Tour family is recognised by officials and riders alike as the key reason for the PowerNet Tour’s continued success. I’d heard about it, but hadn’t realised what a factor it was until last week.
I spent the week out in front of the event, getting the school kids along the Tour route hyped up and amped for the arrival of the riders. I apologise to the teachers of Southland for any classroom carnage that followed our visits. The kids were great and it is this kind of community support we want to foster even further in coming years.
Then came the emotional rollercoaster of the race itself. Watching 100 plus riders descending on the finish line in Tuatapere at over 70 kilometres per hour will live long in the memory banks, as will the sportsmanship of Hayden Roulston, waiting for then Tour leader Jeremy Yates to rejoin the race following his fall on the Crown Range road. The raw power of Roulston and Jack Bauer over the final stages of Friday’s grind into Te Anau turned the race and set up an incredible finish on Saturday where the perfect race plan was completed to perfection by Roulston, Greg Henderson and their Calder Stewart/BikeNZ team mates. And that was the bike race. After nearly 900 kilometres incredibly, it came down to just two seconds.
To hear the Police say it is the easiest race they have been involved with, Bruce Ross label it the best Tour of his time and Hayden Roulston say it is the sweetest victory of his four means things went pretty well. Even Mother Nature played her part.
But all of it would not be possible without the unwavering support from the whole PowerNet Tour “family”. Special thanks to PowerNet, our volunteers, Police, sponsors and community funders, the riders and of course Bruce and Pam Ross and family. Bring on 2011.
I am wary of trying to do justice to all that is good about the event in this column. Space limitations mean I can only touch on a few highlights from the past week. So many more serve to be mentioned.
One does stand out though. The major highlight for me was the people. The event is served so well by people who love what they do. Whether it is driving a vehicle, standing on a corner with a flag, setting up the stage finishes, officiating in a pressure-cooker atmosphere for days on end or being part of a team’s support crew , every single one is there because they are passionate about the event and about the sport. A “family” atmosphere like this can’t be manufactured. It happens naturally or it doesn’t at all and the Tour family is recognised by officials and riders alike as the key reason for the PowerNet Tour’s continued success. I’d heard about it, but hadn’t realised what a factor it was until last week.
I spent the week out in front of the event, getting the school kids along the Tour route hyped up and amped for the arrival of the riders. I apologise to the teachers of Southland for any classroom carnage that followed our visits. The kids were great and it is this kind of community support we want to foster even further in coming years.
Then came the emotional rollercoaster of the race itself. Watching 100 plus riders descending on the finish line in Tuatapere at over 70 kilometres per hour will live long in the memory banks, as will the sportsmanship of Hayden Roulston, waiting for then Tour leader Jeremy Yates to rejoin the race following his fall on the Crown Range road. The raw power of Roulston and Jack Bauer over the final stages of Friday’s grind into Te Anau turned the race and set up an incredible finish on Saturday where the perfect race plan was completed to perfection by Roulston, Greg Henderson and their Calder Stewart/BikeNZ team mates. And that was the bike race. After nearly 900 kilometres incredibly, it came down to just two seconds.
To hear the Police say it is the easiest race they have been involved with, Bruce Ross label it the best Tour of his time and Hayden Roulston say it is the sweetest victory of his four means things went pretty well. Even Mother Nature played her part.
But all of it would not be possible without the unwavering support from the whole PowerNet Tour “family”. Special thanks to PowerNet, our volunteers, Police, sponsors and community funders, the riders and of course Bruce and Pam Ross and family. Bring on 2011.
Monday, October 25, 2010
PowerNet Tour Education Complete
When I started in the new role of Cycling Southland’s Chief Executive back in March one event loomed large; the PowerNet Tour of Southland. New to the sport of cycling, my previous experience with this iconic Southland event was limited.
In my previous life in the media world I had chatted with organisers, rider and past winners which gave me a brief insight into the workings of the Tour. Back then I was struck by the colour and speed of the peloton and by how effortless they made their six days in the saddle look.
I had cause to be in Auckland last week spending some time with members of other sporting codes from throughout the country and the moment you mention what you do and where you are from, two things come up – the ILT Velodrome and the PowerNet Tour of Southland. I can see why.
This year my Tour education has stepped up a notch and it has done nothing but emphasise what a great event we have and what wonderful work the organising committee delivers year after year.
Bruce Ross and his team of hardworking volunteers work tirelessly to ensure every detail is covered. In recent years the regulations and compliance required to run public events has increased markedly. Safety is rightfully the highest priority, but it sure does make delivering an event on public roads across 900 kilometres of southern highway a logistical nightmare and the cost in terms of dollars, time and manpower sure isn’t getting any cheaper.
Another great field has been assembled. Last week I covered off just a few of the names we may well see up in lights by next Saturday. But the PowerNet Tour always throws up some surprises.
I was shocked also to note the long range forecast for the start of next week. Fine, calm, 20 degrees. There’s obviously been some mistake! Mind you if we can get a fine calm Labour Weekend, then anything’s possible.
Another delightful aspect of this year’s Tour preparation has been the support from Southland businesses. We all recognise that for the south’s small/medium enterprises the last year has been challenging, however the financial support in terms of sponsorship has been on par with previous years, with very few turning down the opportunity to again be involved. A special thank you to each of our sponsors, large and small for your generosity.
So all is in readiness. We start with the PowerNet Tour’s Stage Zero – Riding With The Stars from the Feldwick Gates in Queens Park on Sunday at 1.30. Bring your bike and helmet and come ride with some of the best in the business. Then comes six days of torment before we crown the 2010 champion in Gala Street mid-afternoon next Saturday.
You can watch, read and listen to all of the action thanks to our wonderful media partners, including The Southland Times, but nothing beats getting out there and seeing it for yourself. So, we’ll see you out there.
In my previous life in the media world I had chatted with organisers, rider and past winners which gave me a brief insight into the workings of the Tour. Back then I was struck by the colour and speed of the peloton and by how effortless they made their six days in the saddle look.
I had cause to be in Auckland last week spending some time with members of other sporting codes from throughout the country and the moment you mention what you do and where you are from, two things come up – the ILT Velodrome and the PowerNet Tour of Southland. I can see why.
This year my Tour education has stepped up a notch and it has done nothing but emphasise what a great event we have and what wonderful work the organising committee delivers year after year.
Bruce Ross and his team of hardworking volunteers work tirelessly to ensure every detail is covered. In recent years the regulations and compliance required to run public events has increased markedly. Safety is rightfully the highest priority, but it sure does make delivering an event on public roads across 900 kilometres of southern highway a logistical nightmare and the cost in terms of dollars, time and manpower sure isn’t getting any cheaper.
Another great field has been assembled. Last week I covered off just a few of the names we may well see up in lights by next Saturday. But the PowerNet Tour always throws up some surprises.
I was shocked also to note the long range forecast for the start of next week. Fine, calm, 20 degrees. There’s obviously been some mistake! Mind you if we can get a fine calm Labour Weekend, then anything’s possible.
Another delightful aspect of this year’s Tour preparation has been the support from Southland businesses. We all recognise that for the south’s small/medium enterprises the last year has been challenging, however the financial support in terms of sponsorship has been on par with previous years, with very few turning down the opportunity to again be involved. A special thank you to each of our sponsors, large and small for your generosity.
So all is in readiness. We start with the PowerNet Tour’s Stage Zero – Riding With The Stars from the Feldwick Gates in Queens Park on Sunday at 1.30. Bring your bike and helmet and come ride with some of the best in the business. Then comes six days of torment before we crown the 2010 champion in Gala Street mid-afternoon next Saturday.
You can watch, read and listen to all of the action thanks to our wonderful media partners, including The Southland Times, but nothing beats getting out there and seeing it for yourself. So, we’ll see you out there.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Two Weeks to Tour ... And Counting
Now I’m getting excited.
The start of the 2010 PowerNet Tour of Southland is a fortnight away. Nineteen six-man teams have been confirmed to start this year’s tour. Most attention has centred on two all-star teams – Calder Stewart/BikeNZ and Share The Road, but as you cast your eye over the field you quickly realise this will be more than a two-horse race.
We are delighted to bring two of our international superstars Greg Henderson and Hayden Roulston to the Southland sporting public. It is thanks only to the outstanding support we have received from Calder Stewart and the tremendous work on the international front by BikeNZ which has combined to make it possible.
After losing UCI classification a few short months ago the door to Pro-Tour riders competing in the PowerNet Tour opened slightly. Calder Stewart set its sights on this opportunity immediately (ie: that very day) and BikeNZ has negotiated the sometimes murky waters of the UCI rulebook to ensure we deliver the result which serves all masters. We can showcase our premier bike riders in a way which ensures the riders’ and our event’s future international aspirations are not damaged in the process. A brilliant result.
Many of us sat glued to our TV sets last Sunday night watching the brilliant performance by the NZ mens’ team in the Commonwealth Games Road Race. This phenomenal team effort which ultimately led to a silver medal for Roulston has been hailed as one of the great team performances. Through the first week in November we will feature the bulk of that team battling each other around Southland’s highways and that is truly mouth-watering prospect. Gordon McCauley and last year’s runner-up Jack Bauer line up in Share The Road colours and Clinton Avery in Ascot Park Hotel.
But wait, there’s more. Jeremy Vennell has been in blistering form for his Bissell Pro Cycling team and boosts the Calder Stewart/Bike NZ stocks further. Subway-Avanti again line up with no weak links in their team, featuring leader Joe Cooper, new Trek/Livestrong signing Michael Vink and Alexandra’s James Williamson. Benchmark Homes has dominated the Benchmark Series with teammates James McCoy and another Trek/Livestrong acquisition Josh Atkins battling all season for top honours. Pure Black Racing will take its first steps down the path of what it hopes will be NZ’s first Pro-Tour racing team in a few years time. PowerNet features the returning Tom Scully alongside fellow NZ reps Myron Simpson and Shane Archbold while George Bennett who has been in hot form will be one to watch in Team SVS colours. And the local flag will be flown as high as ever with Cam Karwowski in the form of his young career along his Southland Times/H&Js Outdoor World team mate Matt Marshall returning from a winter racing campaign across the Tasman.
This is a whistle-stop trip over our field of 2010 and I apologise as I don’t have the space to mention every story-line. But can you see why I’m getting excited?
The start of the 2010 PowerNet Tour of Southland is a fortnight away. Nineteen six-man teams have been confirmed to start this year’s tour. Most attention has centred on two all-star teams – Calder Stewart/BikeNZ and Share The Road, but as you cast your eye over the field you quickly realise this will be more than a two-horse race.
We are delighted to bring two of our international superstars Greg Henderson and Hayden Roulston to the Southland sporting public. It is thanks only to the outstanding support we have received from Calder Stewart and the tremendous work on the international front by BikeNZ which has combined to make it possible.
After losing UCI classification a few short months ago the door to Pro-Tour riders competing in the PowerNet Tour opened slightly. Calder Stewart set its sights on this opportunity immediately (ie: that very day) and BikeNZ has negotiated the sometimes murky waters of the UCI rulebook to ensure we deliver the result which serves all masters. We can showcase our premier bike riders in a way which ensures the riders’ and our event’s future international aspirations are not damaged in the process. A brilliant result.
Many of us sat glued to our TV sets last Sunday night watching the brilliant performance by the NZ mens’ team in the Commonwealth Games Road Race. This phenomenal team effort which ultimately led to a silver medal for Roulston has been hailed as one of the great team performances. Through the first week in November we will feature the bulk of that team battling each other around Southland’s highways and that is truly mouth-watering prospect. Gordon McCauley and last year’s runner-up Jack Bauer line up in Share The Road colours and Clinton Avery in Ascot Park Hotel.
But wait, there’s more. Jeremy Vennell has been in blistering form for his Bissell Pro Cycling team and boosts the Calder Stewart/Bike NZ stocks further. Subway-Avanti again line up with no weak links in their team, featuring leader Joe Cooper, new Trek/Livestrong signing Michael Vink and Alexandra’s James Williamson. Benchmark Homes has dominated the Benchmark Series with teammates James McCoy and another Trek/Livestrong acquisition Josh Atkins battling all season for top honours. Pure Black Racing will take its first steps down the path of what it hopes will be NZ’s first Pro-Tour racing team in a few years time. PowerNet features the returning Tom Scully alongside fellow NZ reps Myron Simpson and Shane Archbold while George Bennett who has been in hot form will be one to watch in Team SVS colours. And the local flag will be flown as high as ever with Cam Karwowski in the form of his young career along his Southland Times/H&Js Outdoor World team mate Matt Marshall returning from a winter racing campaign across the Tasman.
This is a whistle-stop trip over our field of 2010 and I apologise as I don’t have the space to mention every story-line. But can you see why I’m getting excited?
Monday, October 11, 2010
Juniors Impress on ILT Velodrome
After last weekend’s wonderful Yunca Junior Tour of Southland, Cycling Southland’s focus switched indoors to Stadium Southland’s ILT Velodrome last Tuesday and Wednesday nights for the staging of our Trans Tasman Junior Track Cycling Challenge.
A large contingent of junior bike riders from New South Wales, Western Australia, Brisbane and Wagga Wagga lined up under the green and gold banner to take on this country’s best and brightest over two great nights of racing.
Watching big fields circulating the ILT Velodrome at pace is truly spectacular and the crowds were treated to some of the closest racing across the full programme in recent times. In the end, New Zealand etched its name on the silverware but you can’t help but be impressed with the visiting Australians. We got a glimpse at the long term development planning the country employs, the fruits of which have been very apparent in Dehli over the past week. I have little doubt that we will hear more from some of the visiting names, brought to our shores last week.
There were also some eye-catching displays from our Kiwi boys and girls also. Cycling Southland’s own Matt Archibald is a name to watch. Sure I’m a little biased because I employ the bloke, but he was untouchable whenever he got a sniff of the finish line last week and as he continues to refine his craft he is likely to feature prominently at the highest levels. It’s not inconceivable that Sam Webster might be sandwiched between two Southlanders in the NZ Team Sprint line up before too long.
Pieter Bulling also showed his unquestioned class (when doesn’t he?) and young South Canterbury lad Dylan Kennett underlined his name as one of the best in the business. He is likely to be one of our best chances when the UCI World Juniors Track Championships are staged in Invercargill in 2012.
A number of those on the boards last week will pull the New Zealand skinsuit on for the Oceania Championships at the end of next month at the Super-Drome in Adelaide. The early-season form shown on the ILT Velodrome last week points to a cracking track season ahead.
The frenetic last few weeks locally has also coincided with the shop window for the sport – the BikeNZ Elite NZ team – running into excess baggage issues following their medal haul at the Commonwealth Games, even if a few more God Defend New Zealands and a few less Advance Australia Fairs would have been preferable.
From an event perspective our attention now swings to the PowerNet Tour of Southland which is only three short weeks away. This is a massive undertaking for our Club under the tutelage of long-time Tour Director Bruce Ross and there are some exciting story-lines developing ahead of the 2010 event. We know there will be drama. All that needs to be decided is who will provide it, when and where. Not many local events reach iconic status, but that title sits comfortably around the PowerNet Tour.
A large contingent of junior bike riders from New South Wales, Western Australia, Brisbane and Wagga Wagga lined up under the green and gold banner to take on this country’s best and brightest over two great nights of racing.
Watching big fields circulating the ILT Velodrome at pace is truly spectacular and the crowds were treated to some of the closest racing across the full programme in recent times. In the end, New Zealand etched its name on the silverware but you can’t help but be impressed with the visiting Australians. We got a glimpse at the long term development planning the country employs, the fruits of which have been very apparent in Dehli over the past week. I have little doubt that we will hear more from some of the visiting names, brought to our shores last week.
There were also some eye-catching displays from our Kiwi boys and girls also. Cycling Southland’s own Matt Archibald is a name to watch. Sure I’m a little biased because I employ the bloke, but he was untouchable whenever he got a sniff of the finish line last week and as he continues to refine his craft he is likely to feature prominently at the highest levels. It’s not inconceivable that Sam Webster might be sandwiched between two Southlanders in the NZ Team Sprint line up before too long.
Pieter Bulling also showed his unquestioned class (when doesn’t he?) and young South Canterbury lad Dylan Kennett underlined his name as one of the best in the business. He is likely to be one of our best chances when the UCI World Juniors Track Championships are staged in Invercargill in 2012.
A number of those on the boards last week will pull the New Zealand skinsuit on for the Oceania Championships at the end of next month at the Super-Drome in Adelaide. The early-season form shown on the ILT Velodrome last week points to a cracking track season ahead.
The frenetic last few weeks locally has also coincided with the shop window for the sport – the BikeNZ Elite NZ team – running into excess baggage issues following their medal haul at the Commonwealth Games, even if a few more God Defend New Zealands and a few less Advance Australia Fairs would have been preferable.
From an event perspective our attention now swings to the PowerNet Tour of Southland which is only three short weeks away. This is a massive undertaking for our Club under the tutelage of long-time Tour Director Bruce Ross and there are some exciting story-lines developing ahead of the 2010 event. We know there will be drama. All that needs to be decided is who will provide it, when and where. Not many local events reach iconic status, but that title sits comfortably around the PowerNet Tour.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Magnificent Yunca Junior Tour
An outstanding weekend of racing concluded in McIvor Road yesterday afternoon as the Yunca Junior Tour of Southland finished its 26th edition.
I am in the fortunate position of enjoying events like the Yunca for the first time and yet again I was blown away by the magnificent racing, the fantastic atmosphere around the event and, as always, the incredible level of support from a huge number of volunteers and supporters.
As I write, the results team are furiously tapping away beside me to determine final classifications and in some age-groups to say it is close is an understatement.
The wind certainly made it tough on this year’s fields and following Friday’s Prologue at Teretonga the youngsters were put through their paces over another four stages around Otautau, Tuatapere, the Central City and finally around Mabel Bush/Springhills yesterday afternoon. You’ll find the final results elsewhere in this fine publication but all 160+ who lined up at the start line on Friday will certainly have earned their kip last night. I commend each and every one of them from for the level of commitment and mateship they showed over the three days of this year’s Tour.
The strong Australian contingent added another element to the racing. These relationships have been formed over many years and to hear yesterday afternoon just how highly our Aussie mates rated the event was very heartening. And let me tell you, they know how to handle a bike.
This also provides the opportunity for me to publicly thank the organising committee. The huge number of parents and Cycling Southland members and supporters who so willingly put their hand up to give up three days of their free time is astounding. You are the heartbeat of our organisation and I thank you greatly. A special thanks to Sier Vermunt, Phil Culling and Shane Brazier and their organising committee for delivering the best Yunca Tour yet.
We’re giving ourselves today off and then we follow up with our Trans-Tasman Challenge Track Carnival on Tuesday and Wednesday evening. The only problem we have is that we have too many riders! Not a bad position to be in. Over 170 will line up over the two nights and there should be some spectacular racing.
It doubles as the first major local sporting event to be held in Stadium Southland’s ILT Velodrome since the Stadium collapse a fortnight ago. The way things have come together through the recent dramas is nothing short of extraordinary.
I know the whole community supports the Stadium team’s efforts over the last two weeks and the best way we can all show that we’re in behind them is by getting down to the ILT Velodrome this week. Curtain-raiser racing and happy hour starts at 6pm with the Race Programme beginning at 7pm both nights. My advice, get your ticket and get down early. We’ve come off a massive weekend on the road and we’re not planning on slowing down any on the track. See you down here.
I am in the fortunate position of enjoying events like the Yunca for the first time and yet again I was blown away by the magnificent racing, the fantastic atmosphere around the event and, as always, the incredible level of support from a huge number of volunteers and supporters.
As I write, the results team are furiously tapping away beside me to determine final classifications and in some age-groups to say it is close is an understatement.
The wind certainly made it tough on this year’s fields and following Friday’s Prologue at Teretonga the youngsters were put through their paces over another four stages around Otautau, Tuatapere, the Central City and finally around Mabel Bush/Springhills yesterday afternoon. You’ll find the final results elsewhere in this fine publication but all 160+ who lined up at the start line on Friday will certainly have earned their kip last night. I commend each and every one of them from for the level of commitment and mateship they showed over the three days of this year’s Tour.
The strong Australian contingent added another element to the racing. These relationships have been formed over many years and to hear yesterday afternoon just how highly our Aussie mates rated the event was very heartening. And let me tell you, they know how to handle a bike.
This also provides the opportunity for me to publicly thank the organising committee. The huge number of parents and Cycling Southland members and supporters who so willingly put their hand up to give up three days of their free time is astounding. You are the heartbeat of our organisation and I thank you greatly. A special thanks to Sier Vermunt, Phil Culling and Shane Brazier and their organising committee for delivering the best Yunca Tour yet.
We’re giving ourselves today off and then we follow up with our Trans-Tasman Challenge Track Carnival on Tuesday and Wednesday evening. The only problem we have is that we have too many riders! Not a bad position to be in. Over 170 will line up over the two nights and there should be some spectacular racing.
It doubles as the first major local sporting event to be held in Stadium Southland’s ILT Velodrome since the Stadium collapse a fortnight ago. The way things have come together through the recent dramas is nothing short of extraordinary.
I know the whole community supports the Stadium team’s efforts over the last two weeks and the best way we can all show that we’re in behind them is by getting down to the ILT Velodrome this week. Curtain-raiser racing and happy hour starts at 6pm with the Race Programme beginning at 7pm both nights. My advice, get your ticket and get down early. We’ve come off a massive weekend on the road and we’re not planning on slowing down any on the track. See you down here.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Crazy Week: From Stadium Collapse to Yunca Tour
Talk about a crazy week. It started in the worst possible way, assisting in some small part with the aftermath of the collapse of Stadium Southland. It ended with cyclists back on Stadium Southland’s ILT Velodrome and a full weekend at the Southland Time Trial and Road Race Championships.
Much has been written since last weekend’s day of destruction. Many opinions have been voiced. Whatever yours is, know this – you should be extremely proud of those working on the ground behind the Stadium scenes. Life tends to throw up its fair share of tragedies and they tend to either bring people together or push them apart.
Certainly the evidence of the last week tells me that the sporting organisations and Stadium Southland team are closer now than ever. Already it’s become obvious what can be achieved when we work together. Yes, there will be challenges, but if this week is anything to go by, nothing should be insurmountable.
The best way to bounce back was to get back to business. It seems incredible to me that just four days after the collapse the Dunkley’s Craft Show was setting up in the centre of the track. Today the Stadium Southland team open ticketing for our OctoberFest Track Carnival next Tuesday and Wednesday night (Tickets only $10 for adults and $5 for students from the Stadium’s new reception). That shows how committed the team is to maintaining their spot as the heart of the Southland sporting community.
After the challenges of the last week, it was great to get out in the fresh air to assist with the Southland Road Racing Champs. A lot of familiar names appear in the results you’ll find in this fine publication today, but one should make us all particularly happy. Tom Scully is back and in winning both the Senior Men’s Time Trial and Road Race he’s shown how to bounce back from adversity. You don’t get bitter and twisted. You just get on with the business. Nigel Skelt’s Stadium team provide another perfect example.
This Friday the 26th Yunca Junior Tour will be staged around Southland. Over 160 junior riders from Australasia will battle each other (and maybe the elements) in the country’s premier junior road race. It’s the last round of the National Junior Points Series so the competition should be hot. That will be true also of the OctoberFest Track Carnival which follows the Yunca next week. It will be a great way to get major local events back in Stadium Southland. We’ve got some exciting things planned for these two nights and if you are looking for a couple of hours of non-stop sporting theatre, I know you won’t be disappointed.
And to finish, yesterday Cameron Karwowski showed just how much he’s benefiting from his recent European racing campaign by winning for his H&Js Outdoor World team at this weekend’s Benchmark Road Race in Christchurch. Apparently he went out on training rides every day this past week. That’s commitment ... or madness.
Much has been written since last weekend’s day of destruction. Many opinions have been voiced. Whatever yours is, know this – you should be extremely proud of those working on the ground behind the Stadium scenes. Life tends to throw up its fair share of tragedies and they tend to either bring people together or push them apart.
Certainly the evidence of the last week tells me that the sporting organisations and Stadium Southland team are closer now than ever. Already it’s become obvious what can be achieved when we work together. Yes, there will be challenges, but if this week is anything to go by, nothing should be insurmountable.
The best way to bounce back was to get back to business. It seems incredible to me that just four days after the collapse the Dunkley’s Craft Show was setting up in the centre of the track. Today the Stadium Southland team open ticketing for our OctoberFest Track Carnival next Tuesday and Wednesday night (Tickets only $10 for adults and $5 for students from the Stadium’s new reception). That shows how committed the team is to maintaining their spot as the heart of the Southland sporting community.
After the challenges of the last week, it was great to get out in the fresh air to assist with the Southland Road Racing Champs. A lot of familiar names appear in the results you’ll find in this fine publication today, but one should make us all particularly happy. Tom Scully is back and in winning both the Senior Men’s Time Trial and Road Race he’s shown how to bounce back from adversity. You don’t get bitter and twisted. You just get on with the business. Nigel Skelt’s Stadium team provide another perfect example.
This Friday the 26th Yunca Junior Tour will be staged around Southland. Over 160 junior riders from Australasia will battle each other (and maybe the elements) in the country’s premier junior road race. It’s the last round of the National Junior Points Series so the competition should be hot. That will be true also of the OctoberFest Track Carnival which follows the Yunca next week. It will be a great way to get major local events back in Stadium Southland. We’ve got some exciting things planned for these two nights and if you are looking for a couple of hours of non-stop sporting theatre, I know you won’t be disappointed.
And to finish, yesterday Cameron Karwowski showed just how much he’s benefiting from his recent European racing campaign by winning for his H&Js Outdoor World team at this weekend’s Benchmark Road Race in Christchurch. Apparently he went out on training rides every day this past week. That’s commitment ... or madness.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Stadium Will Return Stronger
Two weeks ago I wrote about being caught in the middle of Christchurch’s big shake. That surreal feeling returned on Saturday morning as news of the collapse of the Stadium’s court structure spread like wildfire throughout the south.
That feeling turned to one of disbelief upon viewing the destruction first hand. It is truly remarkable that no one was killed. Structures can be replaced, people cannot. The lack of injury is nothing short of a miracle.
The other remarkable thing about this tragedy has been the way Nigel Skelt and his Stadium team have swung into action. Although they have been totally shattered that this cornerstone of their lives and of Southland sport has been brought to its knees, they immediately focussed on the job at hand and on the logistical nightmare that the coming days, weeks and months will present.
The Stadium may be down, but the team behind it is already up off the canvas. This augers well for the challenges ahead. It is our responsibility as the Southland sporting and wider community, to unite positively to ensure this jewel in our crown returns stronger than ever.
We hosted our first ever Starter Team’s Racing Night at the ILT Velodrome on Friday night, where 40 newbie racers charged all over the track for two great hours of entertaining racing. (For the record the Edge Roofing and Spouting team snuck in front of the ILT/Heineken team by a solitary point on the table to earn a first up victory.)
To return just over 12 hours later to witness the devastation was incredulous.
Bruce Ross was hosting a track session in the Velodrome at the time. Just 15 minutes earlier he had run through his standard briefing, “in the unlikely event of an emergency ...” Again it shows why organisations can never fall complacent about safety procedures. So it proved on Saturday.
Now we wait for the thaw. I know you will join me in hoping and praying it is fast and incident-free. The ILT Velodrome will remain closed through today up until Tuesday lunchtime at the earliest.
They say things like this happen in threes. Earthquake, Stadium ... I don’t want to think about what the third might be.
To happier matters, congratulations to all of our newbie racers in Cycling Southland’s inaugural Starter Team’s Race Night on Friday.
This new initiative was designed to give newcomers the chance to race against riders of their own ability and try their hand at a number of different events. Lining up with around 15 others in a Scratch, Points or Elimination race is a challenge our riders relished.
This event is a concept we will develop further to make it as easy as possible for beginners to develop in the sport of track cycling. Having spoken to a number of riders over the weekend, each was surprised with how they backed up after a strenuous night on the bike. Shows what a great low-impact activity biking is, doesn’t it?
That feeling turned to one of disbelief upon viewing the destruction first hand. It is truly remarkable that no one was killed. Structures can be replaced, people cannot. The lack of injury is nothing short of a miracle.
The other remarkable thing about this tragedy has been the way Nigel Skelt and his Stadium team have swung into action. Although they have been totally shattered that this cornerstone of their lives and of Southland sport has been brought to its knees, they immediately focussed on the job at hand and on the logistical nightmare that the coming days, weeks and months will present.
The Stadium may be down, but the team behind it is already up off the canvas. This augers well for the challenges ahead. It is our responsibility as the Southland sporting and wider community, to unite positively to ensure this jewel in our crown returns stronger than ever.
We hosted our first ever Starter Team’s Racing Night at the ILT Velodrome on Friday night, where 40 newbie racers charged all over the track for two great hours of entertaining racing. (For the record the Edge Roofing and Spouting team snuck in front of the ILT/Heineken team by a solitary point on the table to earn a first up victory.)
To return just over 12 hours later to witness the devastation was incredulous.
Bruce Ross was hosting a track session in the Velodrome at the time. Just 15 minutes earlier he had run through his standard briefing, “in the unlikely event of an emergency ...” Again it shows why organisations can never fall complacent about safety procedures. So it proved on Saturday.
Now we wait for the thaw. I know you will join me in hoping and praying it is fast and incident-free. The ILT Velodrome will remain closed through today up until Tuesday lunchtime at the earliest.
They say things like this happen in threes. Earthquake, Stadium ... I don’t want to think about what the third might be.
To happier matters, congratulations to all of our newbie racers in Cycling Southland’s inaugural Starter Team’s Race Night on Friday.
This new initiative was designed to give newcomers the chance to race against riders of their own ability and try their hand at a number of different events. Lining up with around 15 others in a Scratch, Points or Elimination race is a challenge our riders relished.
This event is a concept we will develop further to make it as easy as possible for beginners to develop in the sport of track cycling. Having spoken to a number of riders over the weekend, each was surprised with how they backed up after a strenuous night on the bike. Shows what a great low-impact activity biking is, doesn’t it?
Monday, September 6, 2010
Proud to Become A MAMIL
This past week has been notable for a couple of personal milestones.
The first occurred on Thursday when I officially entered the realm of Masters’ cycling, ticking over to 35 years of age. This, I am told, is a landmark in any cyclist’s life and it means I now enter the fastest growing age category in the sport.
I’ve noted a number of newspaper stories recently from home and abroad which have discussed the topic of cycling’s growth amongst middle-aged men particularly. Cycling’s been labelled the new mid-life crisis. Instead of trading in a wife or car, men the country and world over are trading in the couch for a road bike. And a carbon fibre road machine is a far healthier option than a sports car or new life partner for your marriage, your bank balance and your stomach circumference.
It has also given rise to a new favourite acronym of mine, the MAMIL or Middle-Aged Men In Lycra. Now, while that may be a visual image we can all do without, I readily admit, even with my rather limited experience in the saddle, that padded bike shorts do make the world of difference!
On a similar note, yesterday I read on the Stuff website Dr Hamish Osborne from Otago University prescribing exercise for its medicinal benefits. He believes the Government should spend more promoting exercise and less on drugs for the treatment of illnesses, the incidence of which could reduce by as much as 50% with daily exercise. So rather than chastise the MAMIL on how he looks in his figure-hugging get up or label his decision as a mid-life crisis, we should celebrate and follow his choice of a healthier lifestyle.
My second milestone could more accurately be described as a crisis.
It occurred at 4.35am on Saturday morning in what was easily the most terrifying moment of my life. Having overnighted in Christchurch on Friday, I was awoken from my slumber in my hotel room by the damaging earthquake which shook the garden city like never before.
I can think of no greater feeling of helplessness than to know you are completely at the whim of Mother Nature and I don’t think I have ever had a greater sense of relief than when the plane I was finally on lifted off on Saturday night bound for Invercargill.
Stories at the airport and on-board were swapped between friends and strangers, all with common themes of drama, fear and ultimately survival. Like most, I have mates who reside in Christchurch. Some had the good fortune to escape major damage while others had their homes and a lifetime of possessions ruined in less than 60 seconds.
There is something very crystallising about being reminded of your own mortality as we all were in the small hours of Saturday. That’s why I have made the lifestyle and wardrobe choice to join the ever increasing band of MAMILS and it’s why you should seriously think about doing the same.
The first occurred on Thursday when I officially entered the realm of Masters’ cycling, ticking over to 35 years of age. This, I am told, is a landmark in any cyclist’s life and it means I now enter the fastest growing age category in the sport.
I’ve noted a number of newspaper stories recently from home and abroad which have discussed the topic of cycling’s growth amongst middle-aged men particularly. Cycling’s been labelled the new mid-life crisis. Instead of trading in a wife or car, men the country and world over are trading in the couch for a road bike. And a carbon fibre road machine is a far healthier option than a sports car or new life partner for your marriage, your bank balance and your stomach circumference.
It has also given rise to a new favourite acronym of mine, the MAMIL or Middle-Aged Men In Lycra. Now, while that may be a visual image we can all do without, I readily admit, even with my rather limited experience in the saddle, that padded bike shorts do make the world of difference!
On a similar note, yesterday I read on the Stuff website Dr Hamish Osborne from Otago University prescribing exercise for its medicinal benefits. He believes the Government should spend more promoting exercise and less on drugs for the treatment of illnesses, the incidence of which could reduce by as much as 50% with daily exercise. So rather than chastise the MAMIL on how he looks in his figure-hugging get up or label his decision as a mid-life crisis, we should celebrate and follow his choice of a healthier lifestyle.
My second milestone could more accurately be described as a crisis.
It occurred at 4.35am on Saturday morning in what was easily the most terrifying moment of my life. Having overnighted in Christchurch on Friday, I was awoken from my slumber in my hotel room by the damaging earthquake which shook the garden city like never before.
I can think of no greater feeling of helplessness than to know you are completely at the whim of Mother Nature and I don’t think I have ever had a greater sense of relief than when the plane I was finally on lifted off on Saturday night bound for Invercargill.
Stories at the airport and on-board were swapped between friends and strangers, all with common themes of drama, fear and ultimately survival. Like most, I have mates who reside in Christchurch. Some had the good fortune to escape major damage while others had their homes and a lifetime of possessions ruined in less than 60 seconds.
There is something very crystallising about being reminded of your own mortality as we all were in the small hours of Saturday. That’s why I have made the lifestyle and wardrobe choice to join the ever increasing band of MAMILS and it’s why you should seriously think about doing the same.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Feeling the Need For Speed
It started with a casual conversation at the ILT Velodrome in Invercargill in March with New Zeland Track cycling coaches Tim Carswell and Dayle Cheatley who were about to take their charges to Copenhagen for the World Track Cycling Championships. In between their tortuous final training sessions down on the track we collared the two of them to unashamedly mine them for information on the types of track events which really pack in the crowds around the world.
Early in the conversation Tim piped up, “there’s a window of opportunity later in the year between World Cups,” he said. “When we’re over at the Worlds, why don’t I tap a few guys on the shoulders and see if there’s any interest in some of them coming over for an event between the Melbourne and Cali World Cups in December.”
“Righto” we said, while at the same time wondering how he’d ever find the time to follow through with that statement. A few weeks after he’d returned from his successful Worlds campaign, true to his word he phones and said, “Mate, the response was huge.” And so the ILT Festival of Speed was born.
Over the last four years the ILT Velodrome has been privileged to host some top international talent, but nothing like this. Thanks largely to the work of Tim, Dayle, Justin Grace and co, we have a tremendous opportunity to bring together one of the greatest international track cycling fields ever assembled in New Zealand. Interest is already being fielded from Europe, America, Asia, Australia and of course here at home, guaranteeing some of the best endurance and sprint racing imaginable. We’ve lined up three full nights of full-on racing from December 7th to 9th including the National Madison Championships on the first night of competition.
But the ILT Festival of Speed is about more than just what’s happening on the track. Our aim is to turn this into one major party for three nights. Being a long time sports fan and a relative newcomer to cycling, I don’t think I’ve found a more addictive spectator sport. Certainly the world class facility we are lucky enough to call home in Invercargill helps, but when the gun goes, few sports can match the thrill of track cycling. The ILT Festival of Speed offers a unique opportunity to get up close with some of the world’s best.
Add the calibre of riders to a thumping atmosphere, live music, corporate hospitality options in the track centre, lighting, prize draws and fireworks and we believe we’ve got the perfect combination to launch the sport as a true spectacle to the wider sporting public.
Tickets will go on sale over the next month so keep an eye on www.cyclingsouth.org.nz. You can also register to stay up to date with the event and receive all of the information on the ILT Festival of Speed as soon as it is available by emailing office@cyclingsouth.org.nz or by phoning 03 2173215. It’s going to be some ride.
Early in the conversation Tim piped up, “there’s a window of opportunity later in the year between World Cups,” he said. “When we’re over at the Worlds, why don’t I tap a few guys on the shoulders and see if there’s any interest in some of them coming over for an event between the Melbourne and Cali World Cups in December.”
“Righto” we said, while at the same time wondering how he’d ever find the time to follow through with that statement. A few weeks after he’d returned from his successful Worlds campaign, true to his word he phones and said, “Mate, the response was huge.” And so the ILT Festival of Speed was born.
Over the last four years the ILT Velodrome has been privileged to host some top international talent, but nothing like this. Thanks largely to the work of Tim, Dayle, Justin Grace and co, we have a tremendous opportunity to bring together one of the greatest international track cycling fields ever assembled in New Zealand. Interest is already being fielded from Europe, America, Asia, Australia and of course here at home, guaranteeing some of the best endurance and sprint racing imaginable. We’ve lined up three full nights of full-on racing from December 7th to 9th including the National Madison Championships on the first night of competition.
But the ILT Festival of Speed is about more than just what’s happening on the track. Our aim is to turn this into one major party for three nights. Being a long time sports fan and a relative newcomer to cycling, I don’t think I’ve found a more addictive spectator sport. Certainly the world class facility we are lucky enough to call home in Invercargill helps, but when the gun goes, few sports can match the thrill of track cycling. The ILT Festival of Speed offers a unique opportunity to get up close with some of the world’s best.
Add the calibre of riders to a thumping atmosphere, live music, corporate hospitality options in the track centre, lighting, prize draws and fireworks and we believe we’ve got the perfect combination to launch the sport as a true spectacle to the wider sporting public.
Tickets will go on sale over the next month so keep an eye on www.cyclingsouth.org.nz. You can also register to stay up to date with the event and receive all of the information on the ILT Festival of Speed as soon as it is available by emailing office@cyclingsouth.org.nz or by phoning 03 2173215. It’s going to be some ride.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Recreational Debut Proves Point
Cycling Southland’s road racers descended on Mabel Bush on Saturday for an 81 kilometre Handicap race around the Woodstock circuit.
Kylie Young was able to hold off Tony Raggett over the final 500 metres to snatch a deserved victory with Mike Matheson in the points again in third ahead of a fast finishing bunch. Garth Cooper was the first scratch rider home in sixth place overall to also claim the fastest time of the day, 2 hours 6 minutes and 30 seconds.
Three weeks in to the new season and our Points Series leaders are Robert Huisman (A Grade), Ray Robinson (B Grade) and Mike Matheson (C Grade).
Given the rather chilly conditions and the absence of our Junior riders who were in camp in Heriot for the weekend, numbers were again strong and included a great group of recreational riders. It was great to be part of that bunch on Saturday and I can now speak from experience when I say this Recreational Ride is the perfect way to get into cycling. We had some experienced heads to guide us in Nick Harris, Graeme Irvine and Neil Jamieson and they even offered a tow up the hills if required (although I’m still waiting for mine).
As someone who hasn’t done any competitive cycling in my life it was great fun and proved to me yet again what a great recreational activity cycling is. The bunch travelled at the speed of the slowest rider, you could have a chat along the way and an hour later you were off the bike and watching the competitive cyclists hammer their way around the circuit to the finish line. The best news is you don’t wreck your body in the process. Even I woke up the next day feeling fresh ... a minor miracle.
The recreational ride has quickly become an important part of our Club activities. I’d encourage you to contact the Cycling Southland office for details on how you can join the ride on Saturday afternoons and try road cycling in a fun, safe and supportive environment.
This weekend we host our annual Memorial Weekend. This is unquestionably one of our Club’s most important weekends. It provides the chance to remember and recognise the contributions made by our cycling forebears. The 100 kilometre handicapped race follows the course of the old Glengarry 100 Club Classic. A Grade competes for the McLeay Memorial, B Grade for the Bunty Hewitt Memorial, C Grade for the Martin Verbeek Memorial and the Juniors race for the Curtis Dunn Memorial.
Each has a special place in our Club’s history and identity and this weekend offers the chance to salute their memory is the most appropriate fashion possible – by going out and racing hard.
This year we are also fortunate to have close to a full complement of the McLeay family in town to either ride or support the event. We are very appreciative of their personal effort to be part of our Memorial event on Saturday.
Kylie Young was able to hold off Tony Raggett over the final 500 metres to snatch a deserved victory with Mike Matheson in the points again in third ahead of a fast finishing bunch. Garth Cooper was the first scratch rider home in sixth place overall to also claim the fastest time of the day, 2 hours 6 minutes and 30 seconds.
Three weeks in to the new season and our Points Series leaders are Robert Huisman (A Grade), Ray Robinson (B Grade) and Mike Matheson (C Grade).
Given the rather chilly conditions and the absence of our Junior riders who were in camp in Heriot for the weekend, numbers were again strong and included a great group of recreational riders. It was great to be part of that bunch on Saturday and I can now speak from experience when I say this Recreational Ride is the perfect way to get into cycling. We had some experienced heads to guide us in Nick Harris, Graeme Irvine and Neil Jamieson and they even offered a tow up the hills if required (although I’m still waiting for mine).
As someone who hasn’t done any competitive cycling in my life it was great fun and proved to me yet again what a great recreational activity cycling is. The bunch travelled at the speed of the slowest rider, you could have a chat along the way and an hour later you were off the bike and watching the competitive cyclists hammer their way around the circuit to the finish line. The best news is you don’t wreck your body in the process. Even I woke up the next day feeling fresh ... a minor miracle.
The recreational ride has quickly become an important part of our Club activities. I’d encourage you to contact the Cycling Southland office for details on how you can join the ride on Saturday afternoons and try road cycling in a fun, safe and supportive environment.
This weekend we host our annual Memorial Weekend. This is unquestionably one of our Club’s most important weekends. It provides the chance to remember and recognise the contributions made by our cycling forebears. The 100 kilometre handicapped race follows the course of the old Glengarry 100 Club Classic. A Grade competes for the McLeay Memorial, B Grade for the Bunty Hewitt Memorial, C Grade for the Martin Verbeek Memorial and the Juniors race for the Curtis Dunn Memorial.
Each has a special place in our Club’s history and identity and this weekend offers the chance to salute their memory is the most appropriate fashion possible – by going out and racing hard.
This year we are also fortunate to have close to a full complement of the McLeay family in town to either ride or support the event. We are very appreciative of their personal effort to be part of our Memorial event on Saturday.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Piet Shows The Way
It’s great to be a Southlander. On Saturday evening we watched another gutsy Southland Stags’ effort and 12 hours earlier, 18,000 kilometres away in Italy, Southland’s Pieter Bulling was just as courageous, coming within an ace of standing on the podium at the Junior World Track Cycling Championships.
I awoke Saturday to a text from coach Stu Macdonald in which he used the term “pure Southland pride” to describe Bulling’s ride in the Points Race. Piet was one of five riders who lapped the rest of the field and finished just a point behind the bronze-medal winner. With two fourths from his first two events, (his final ride is this morning NZ time in the Madison) Bulling will certainly not lack for motivation as he eyes a second shot at the Worlds in 12 months time.
Without wanting to buck the trend of Aussies claiming credit for a Kiwi when it suits them, we can also claim a small piece of the performance of our Trans-Tasman neighbour. Again Australia has shown its class as a world cycling powerhouse at the Junior Worlds and over recent years a number of its 2010 Junior team has spent time around Southland in the Yunca Junior Tour and on the ILT Velodrome. It’s a pointer to the quality events and facilities our young riders are blessed with in the south and the wonderful opportunity it presents Southlanders to achieve on the world stage.
Already a large Australian contingent is lining up for this year’s edition of the Yunca Tour. With renewed focus over recent years this event has enjoyed a real growth spurt. It has always provided a launching pad for top southern talent, Glenn McLeay, Matt Randall, Glen Thomson have all cut their teeth in the event, but more recently it has quickly become one of Australasia’s premier Junior events. This year it also has the honour of being the last event in the National Junior Points Series and like all of the events in the Cycling Southland calendar, it is only possible thanks to the unwavering support of an army of parents and Club volunteers. This year’s Yunca Tour runs from October 1st to 3rd and is followed by our OctoberFest Track Event on the 5th and 6th.
Saturday also saw another record turn-out for Cycling Southland’s Road Race at Woodlands. A total of 114 riders lined up at the start line across Junior, Senior and Recreational Divisions. The major lesson I have learnt in my four months in this role is that Cycling Southland is first and foremost a sporting club. The single most important thing we do is provide the best opportunities for our Club members to ride. While hosting major national and international road and track events is wonderful, it is merely the by-product of a strong local riding scene. If we continue to do the best job possible for local riders, everything else will follow. And the really exciting thing is that we are just getting started.
I awoke Saturday to a text from coach Stu Macdonald in which he used the term “pure Southland pride” to describe Bulling’s ride in the Points Race. Piet was one of five riders who lapped the rest of the field and finished just a point behind the bronze-medal winner. With two fourths from his first two events, (his final ride is this morning NZ time in the Madison) Bulling will certainly not lack for motivation as he eyes a second shot at the Worlds in 12 months time.
Without wanting to buck the trend of Aussies claiming credit for a Kiwi when it suits them, we can also claim a small piece of the performance of our Trans-Tasman neighbour. Again Australia has shown its class as a world cycling powerhouse at the Junior Worlds and over recent years a number of its 2010 Junior team has spent time around Southland in the Yunca Junior Tour and on the ILT Velodrome. It’s a pointer to the quality events and facilities our young riders are blessed with in the south and the wonderful opportunity it presents Southlanders to achieve on the world stage.
Already a large Australian contingent is lining up for this year’s edition of the Yunca Tour. With renewed focus over recent years this event has enjoyed a real growth spurt. It has always provided a launching pad for top southern talent, Glenn McLeay, Matt Randall, Glen Thomson have all cut their teeth in the event, but more recently it has quickly become one of Australasia’s premier Junior events. This year it also has the honour of being the last event in the National Junior Points Series and like all of the events in the Cycling Southland calendar, it is only possible thanks to the unwavering support of an army of parents and Club volunteers. This year’s Yunca Tour runs from October 1st to 3rd and is followed by our OctoberFest Track Event on the 5th and 6th.
Saturday also saw another record turn-out for Cycling Southland’s Road Race at Woodlands. A total of 114 riders lined up at the start line across Junior, Senior and Recreational Divisions. The major lesson I have learnt in my four months in this role is that Cycling Southland is first and foremost a sporting club. The single most important thing we do is provide the best opportunities for our Club members to ride. While hosting major national and international road and track events is wonderful, it is merely the by-product of a strong local riding scene. If we continue to do the best job possible for local riders, everything else will follow. And the really exciting thing is that we are just getting started.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Bulling To Lead Charge
The World Junior Cycling Championships are being staged in Italy this week. The Road Championships have already begun but from a Southland perspective our interest will focus on the Track Championships in Montichiari, where on Thursday morning our time, our own Pieter Bulling and the rest of the Kiwi Track squad will line-up for the start of a busy five days.
Bulling is unquestionably one of the most talented all-round riders in the Men’s squad and even though this is his Junior Worlds debut he represents New Zealand’s best medal chance in a majority of the endurance track events.
However, due to the congested nature of the programme, team management have been forced to make some strategic decisions about which events he enters to ensure he is at the peak of his powers when he lines up in the black skin-suit. The question for coach Stu MacDonald and co is where to focus Piet’s attention to give him the best chance of emulating Southland’s Cameron Karwowski’s medal winning effort in Moscow 12 months ago.
Bulling will start his campaign in the early hours of Friday morning our time when he lines up in the Teams Pursuit Qualifying. Early Saturday he will compete in the Points Race, before teaming up with Canterbury’s Alex Frame in the Madison on Monday morning.
Bulling adds another name to a long list of Southland youngsters who have represented their country on the World Junior stage. Last year Karwowski won gold in the Team Sprint, while Hamish Tomlinson just missed out on a podium finish in the Teams Pursuit.
In 2008, Southland’s Cathy Jordan and Sequoia Cooper teamed with Gemma Dudley to claim silver in the Women’s Team Pursuit in South Africa and in 2007 Jordan had a couple of Southland lads by the name of Dawkins and Scully who have gone on to be reasonable bike riders.
The build-up to Piet’s trip to Italy has also provided a reminder that Invercargill’s hosting of the 2012 event is now just two years away. This week’s UCI Management Committee meeting should provide us with confirmed dates and our planning will then be able to begin in earnest.
If you are going to host any World Championship the Juniors is the one to get. Depending on how optimistic you are, there could be anywhere up to a thousand international visitors descending on Invercargill in a couple of years.
Already we have engaged the service of Arthur Klap to assist with our initial planning and organisational structure. If there is a major event to be staged in New Zealand, Arthur’s normally involved somehow. His insights have already been invaluable and our international promotional campaign begins this week in Italy. We are making sure New Zealand (and Southland) is on the radar a long way out.
Seeing a young Southlander in the silver fern on the top step of the podium sometime over the next week would provide a nice helping hand to our efforts. Go hard Piet.
Bulling is unquestionably one of the most talented all-round riders in the Men’s squad and even though this is his Junior Worlds debut he represents New Zealand’s best medal chance in a majority of the endurance track events.
However, due to the congested nature of the programme, team management have been forced to make some strategic decisions about which events he enters to ensure he is at the peak of his powers when he lines up in the black skin-suit. The question for coach Stu MacDonald and co is where to focus Piet’s attention to give him the best chance of emulating Southland’s Cameron Karwowski’s medal winning effort in Moscow 12 months ago.
Bulling will start his campaign in the early hours of Friday morning our time when he lines up in the Teams Pursuit Qualifying. Early Saturday he will compete in the Points Race, before teaming up with Canterbury’s Alex Frame in the Madison on Monday morning.
Bulling adds another name to a long list of Southland youngsters who have represented their country on the World Junior stage. Last year Karwowski won gold in the Team Sprint, while Hamish Tomlinson just missed out on a podium finish in the Teams Pursuit.
In 2008, Southland’s Cathy Jordan and Sequoia Cooper teamed with Gemma Dudley to claim silver in the Women’s Team Pursuit in South Africa and in 2007 Jordan had a couple of Southland lads by the name of Dawkins and Scully who have gone on to be reasonable bike riders.
The build-up to Piet’s trip to Italy has also provided a reminder that Invercargill’s hosting of the 2012 event is now just two years away. This week’s UCI Management Committee meeting should provide us with confirmed dates and our planning will then be able to begin in earnest.
If you are going to host any World Championship the Juniors is the one to get. Depending on how optimistic you are, there could be anywhere up to a thousand international visitors descending on Invercargill in a couple of years.
Already we have engaged the service of Arthur Klap to assist with our initial planning and organisational structure. If there is a major event to be staged in New Zealand, Arthur’s normally involved somehow. His insights have already been invaluable and our international promotional campaign begins this week in Italy. We are making sure New Zealand (and Southland) is on the radar a long way out.
Seeing a young Southlander in the silver fern on the top step of the podium sometime over the next week would provide a nice helping hand to our efforts. Go hard Piet.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Record Field To Start New Season
Frenetic racing and big numbers marked the start of Cycling Southland’s Road and Track Club racing this weekend.
Friday night featured the sixth round of the Baxter and Neilson Junior Track Points Series at the ILT Velodrome, followed by the first roll-out for our more experienced senior riders in our new Senior Racing Night.
After an eight week break over winter, Saturday saw the first of the new season’s road races with 100 riders descending on Winton to stretch their legs and blow-out any cob-webs from the break. I have only been on the scene for five minutes but I am reliably told by those who have been involved in the club scene for a lot longer that this was one of the biggest fields ever assembled.
That support is heartening, but don’t think we are about to finish there. This Saturday will see the launch of our Recreational Rides, on the same course as our Club races. This is designed for those new to the sport or those who just want a quiet roll over some fabulous country-side. We will only be riding as fast as the slowest rider (which will likely be me) so check out cyclingsouth.org.nz this week for details. And yes, we will be starting early to let you get to Rugby Park in time for kick-off.
Friday night at the ILT Velodrome was just as large. The junior racing was fast and furious and shows how highly sought-after the Yellow Baxter and Neilson jerseys are. Remarkably both Under 17 Men and Women categories has to be split by count-backs with the top three in each age-group tied together at the end of night. Tom Beadle and Georgia Timpany took the honours courtesy of their Time Trial victories. The Under 15s were clear cut. Both Michael Culling and Sophie McMurdo kept their unblemished Baxter and Neilson seasons intact with comfortable wins. The Under 13 Boys continued an arm-wrestle that has swung back and forth all year between Hamish Beadle and Josh Carpenter. Beadle was able to but another couple of points on his rival in the overall standings with a narrow win on Friday. And if the points table wasn’t proof enough of how evenly matched the two are, on Friday their 250m Time Trial times were separated by one one-hundredth of a second. 22.72 seconds played 22.73. Congratulations also to Madeline Gough who rode well to claim the U13 Girls jersey. Mark in the last Friday of the month for the next exciting chapter.
The seniors then suited up to start their Friday Night series. Features of the night included Brehan Cairns drawing first blood in the 8km A-Grade Motor-Paced scratch race, covering the distance in 9’44. Karl Watson showed why he has such a fine future in the sport, holding off the rest of the A-Grade field for a debut win in the 2.5k Scratch.
I can’t wait for more of the same this weekend. Hope you can enjoy the ride with us.
Friday night featured the sixth round of the Baxter and Neilson Junior Track Points Series at the ILT Velodrome, followed by the first roll-out for our more experienced senior riders in our new Senior Racing Night.
After an eight week break over winter, Saturday saw the first of the new season’s road races with 100 riders descending on Winton to stretch their legs and blow-out any cob-webs from the break. I have only been on the scene for five minutes but I am reliably told by those who have been involved in the club scene for a lot longer that this was one of the biggest fields ever assembled.
That support is heartening, but don’t think we are about to finish there. This Saturday will see the launch of our Recreational Rides, on the same course as our Club races. This is designed for those new to the sport or those who just want a quiet roll over some fabulous country-side. We will only be riding as fast as the slowest rider (which will likely be me) so check out cyclingsouth.org.nz this week for details. And yes, we will be starting early to let you get to Rugby Park in time for kick-off.
Friday night at the ILT Velodrome was just as large. The junior racing was fast and furious and shows how highly sought-after the Yellow Baxter and Neilson jerseys are. Remarkably both Under 17 Men and Women categories has to be split by count-backs with the top three in each age-group tied together at the end of night. Tom Beadle and Georgia Timpany took the honours courtesy of their Time Trial victories. The Under 15s were clear cut. Both Michael Culling and Sophie McMurdo kept their unblemished Baxter and Neilson seasons intact with comfortable wins. The Under 13 Boys continued an arm-wrestle that has swung back and forth all year between Hamish Beadle and Josh Carpenter. Beadle was able to but another couple of points on his rival in the overall standings with a narrow win on Friday. And if the points table wasn’t proof enough of how evenly matched the two are, on Friday their 250m Time Trial times were separated by one one-hundredth of a second. 22.72 seconds played 22.73. Congratulations also to Madeline Gough who rode well to claim the U13 Girls jersey. Mark in the last Friday of the month for the next exciting chapter.
The seniors then suited up to start their Friday Night series. Features of the night included Brehan Cairns drawing first blood in the 8km A-Grade Motor-Paced scratch race, covering the distance in 9’44. Karl Watson showed why he has such a fine future in the sport, holding off the rest of the A-Grade field for a debut win in the 2.5k Scratch.
I can’t wait for more of the same this weekend. Hope you can enjoy the ride with us.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Dean Shows How It's Done
By the time you read this, the 2010 Tour de France has rolled under the Champs Elysees and mercifully, sleep patterns can return to normal. This year’s event was filled with high drama headlined by the “to wait or not to wait” debate following Alberto Contador’s attack, taking advantage of Andy Schleck’s mechanical issues in what has unfortunately proved to be the decisive moment of this year’s event.
Whatever side you take (and there is no middle ground on this one) if nothing else, it has guaranteed this year’s Tour will live long in the memory banks.
From a Kiwi perspective, it has also been notable for Julian Dean’s outstanding effort in earning multiple podium finishes. At the same time he continued his habit of being caught in the middle of some of the Tour’s most bizarre instances.
Last year he had pellets dug out of his fingers after being shot at by an air-gun wielding spectator. This year he was on the receiving end of Mark Renshaw’s head at 70 kilometres per hour and was crash tackled by a gendarme who mistook him for a member of the public on the race route prior to Friday morning’s stage. I would have though the gaudy orange Garmin-Transitions team kit might have been a giveaway. Throw a hospital visit in to the mix and Dean’s 2010 Tour experience also fits into the memorable category.
Further outstanding news over the weekend as Eddie Dawkins created a little piece of history on Saturday by becoming the first New Zealander to win the prestigious Keirin Cup in Trexlertown, Pennsylvania. With the number of Brits (the latest being Sir Chris Hoy) withdrawing from the Commonwealth Games to concentrate on Olympic qualification at the new European Championships, Dawkins and his fellow sprint men could be eyeing some excess baggage charges when they return from Dehli later in the year.
Whilst on the subject of Dehli, Cycling Southland’s Graham Sycamore is wearing out another passport, officiating at the Commonwealth Games test event at the track cycling venue this week. Syccie tells us the new Dehli velodrome is amazing, as it should be with a price tag of US$52 Million – although even all those zeros haven’t stopped some rather shoddy workmanship. He confirms (totally unbiased of course) it still falls short of the ILT Velodrome.
And while all of the above was going on, Pieter Bulling slipped quietly out of the country last week, bound for Montichiari, Italy and the World Junior Track Cycling Champs. We have watched Piet put the finishing touches on his preparation under the watchful eye of mentor (and legend) Laurie Tall.
As Andy Schleck has found out, many sporting fairytales don’t always have a happy ending, but if one young man deserves to taste success it’s Bulling. His work ethic and level-headed nature have made him a great ambassador for his family, his province and his sport.
Fingers crossed he can provide a golden glow for Big Eddie to follow in October.
Whatever side you take (and there is no middle ground on this one) if nothing else, it has guaranteed this year’s Tour will live long in the memory banks.
From a Kiwi perspective, it has also been notable for Julian Dean’s outstanding effort in earning multiple podium finishes. At the same time he continued his habit of being caught in the middle of some of the Tour’s most bizarre instances.
Last year he had pellets dug out of his fingers after being shot at by an air-gun wielding spectator. This year he was on the receiving end of Mark Renshaw’s head at 70 kilometres per hour and was crash tackled by a gendarme who mistook him for a member of the public on the race route prior to Friday morning’s stage. I would have though the gaudy orange Garmin-Transitions team kit might have been a giveaway. Throw a hospital visit in to the mix and Dean’s 2010 Tour experience also fits into the memorable category.
Further outstanding news over the weekend as Eddie Dawkins created a little piece of history on Saturday by becoming the first New Zealander to win the prestigious Keirin Cup in Trexlertown, Pennsylvania. With the number of Brits (the latest being Sir Chris Hoy) withdrawing from the Commonwealth Games to concentrate on Olympic qualification at the new European Championships, Dawkins and his fellow sprint men could be eyeing some excess baggage charges when they return from Dehli later in the year.
Whilst on the subject of Dehli, Cycling Southland’s Graham Sycamore is wearing out another passport, officiating at the Commonwealth Games test event at the track cycling venue this week. Syccie tells us the new Dehli velodrome is amazing, as it should be with a price tag of US$52 Million – although even all those zeros haven’t stopped some rather shoddy workmanship. He confirms (totally unbiased of course) it still falls short of the ILT Velodrome.
And while all of the above was going on, Pieter Bulling slipped quietly out of the country last week, bound for Montichiari, Italy and the World Junior Track Cycling Champs. We have watched Piet put the finishing touches on his preparation under the watchful eye of mentor (and legend) Laurie Tall.
As Andy Schleck has found out, many sporting fairytales don’t always have a happy ending, but if one young man deserves to taste success it’s Bulling. His work ethic and level-headed nature have made him a great ambassador for his family, his province and his sport.
Fingers crossed he can provide a golden glow for Big Eddie to follow in October.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Relief to Hear From UCI ... Finally
The feedback since our announcement last week on the PowerNet Tour’s parting of ways with the UCI has been interesting.
Internally, the overwhelming sense is one of relief. Relief that finally, after 18 months of trying, cycling’s international body has provided some belated direction on our Tour’s ability to continue to operate under the UCI’s onerous road rules. Clarity at last.
In any sport, gaining the endorsement from your international body should be the ultimate – something to aspire to, something that once you have it you don’t want to live without it. In this case however, I am still struggling to find anyone who can provide a concrete benefit in favour of fighting to retain UCI status.
After reading this paper on Saturday, I suspect the only benefit might be to offer “bragging rights” over other similar events. I apologise to our Tour of Wellington friends if that appears a “loser attitude,” but on the evidence of the torrent of correspondence and calls I have received since our announcement late last week, it seems team managers, officials and cyclists generally agree.
The rules have become so prescriptive there seemed a real danger the life could be squeezed out of the “friendly Tour.” With the outstanding support we receive from volunteers, riders and sponsors, headlined by PowerNet, I know we all now have that little bit extra motivation to make this year’s PowerNet Tour the best in recent memory.
Here’s the crux of it for me. As New Zealand’s reputation continues to rise in the world of cycling, the number of Kiwi riders in UCI racing teams around the globe will also increase. How ridiculous would it be, in time, if the country’s top twenty bike riders couldn’t take part in the PowerNet Tour because of UCI fineprint?
Last week we couldn’t entertain the thought of seeing the likes of Greg Henderson, Julian Dean, Hayden Roulston, Tim Gudsell or Sam Bewley on tour. This week we can. (Yes, we’re already on it, don’t worry).
At its highest level the UCI is questioning the lack of events registered on its Oceania Tour calendar for this season. There is only one UCI calendar event in New Zealand and Australia. Instead of sending correspondence down under, the UCI should be asking itself serious questions as to why that might be.
Don’t get me wrong, UCI accreditation has served us well in the past. It elevated the Tour to the international stage at the perfect time in its life cycle. But we now have a timely opportunity to again re-focus our energies into what has always made the Tour of Southland great for 53 years and counting.
It’s a sad indictment on the international body, but last week’s news was truly a weight off our shoulders. We can now get on with running the country’s best Tour, with the riders we want and continue to showcase the racing, the hospitality and the experience that is the PowerNet Tour, without being suffocated by rules and regulations.
Internally, the overwhelming sense is one of relief. Relief that finally, after 18 months of trying, cycling’s international body has provided some belated direction on our Tour’s ability to continue to operate under the UCI’s onerous road rules. Clarity at last.
In any sport, gaining the endorsement from your international body should be the ultimate – something to aspire to, something that once you have it you don’t want to live without it. In this case however, I am still struggling to find anyone who can provide a concrete benefit in favour of fighting to retain UCI status.
After reading this paper on Saturday, I suspect the only benefit might be to offer “bragging rights” over other similar events. I apologise to our Tour of Wellington friends if that appears a “loser attitude,” but on the evidence of the torrent of correspondence and calls I have received since our announcement late last week, it seems team managers, officials and cyclists generally agree.
The rules have become so prescriptive there seemed a real danger the life could be squeezed out of the “friendly Tour.” With the outstanding support we receive from volunteers, riders and sponsors, headlined by PowerNet, I know we all now have that little bit extra motivation to make this year’s PowerNet Tour the best in recent memory.
Here’s the crux of it for me. As New Zealand’s reputation continues to rise in the world of cycling, the number of Kiwi riders in UCI racing teams around the globe will also increase. How ridiculous would it be, in time, if the country’s top twenty bike riders couldn’t take part in the PowerNet Tour because of UCI fineprint?
Last week we couldn’t entertain the thought of seeing the likes of Greg Henderson, Julian Dean, Hayden Roulston, Tim Gudsell or Sam Bewley on tour. This week we can. (Yes, we’re already on it, don’t worry).
At its highest level the UCI is questioning the lack of events registered on its Oceania Tour calendar for this season. There is only one UCI calendar event in New Zealand and Australia. Instead of sending correspondence down under, the UCI should be asking itself serious questions as to why that might be.
Don’t get me wrong, UCI accreditation has served us well in the past. It elevated the Tour to the international stage at the perfect time in its life cycle. But we now have a timely opportunity to again re-focus our energies into what has always made the Tour of Southland great for 53 years and counting.
It’s a sad indictment on the international body, but last week’s news was truly a weight off our shoulders. We can now get on with running the country’s best Tour, with the riders we want and continue to showcase the racing, the hospitality and the experience that is the PowerNet Tour, without being suffocated by rules and regulations.
Monday, July 12, 2010
The Race for a Cycling Centre Begins
The cycling week has been dominated by Le Tour, features being Kiwi Julian Dean’s outstanding lead-out work and Mark Cavendish’s total domination of stage sprint finishes.
Closer to home this week we received further information from SPARC regarding its proposed Cycling Centre of Excellence.
Last month, Sports Minister Murray McCully announced that a hub of cycling excellence is to be developed to provide for all cycling disciplines (road, track, BMX, mountain bike). This week we learned a little more about the process.
Expressions of interest documentation will be released on July 30th and will be submitted to the SPARC High Performance Board by the end of August. Those expressions will be reviewed and from there a yet to be determined number will be confirmed to take part in the second phase. Request for Proposals will be released to the targeted regions/cities at the end of October and be submitted by the end of January 2011. Following a review of these proposals and presentations to its HP Board, SPARC will identify its preferred proposal. Then, subject to the Minister’s and the SPARC Board’s approval the decision will be confirmed by mid-April next year.
There is a lot we don’t know. The devil will be in the detail to be released later this month. The process outlined above would tend to suggest that politics will play its part. Bill and Eric, take this as a heads up to expect a call. What we do know is that a number of regional centres have lodged an interest and we are one of them.
We have an incredible facility which gives us a head-start. We have runs on the board with Bike NZ given that the ILT Velodrome has been the nation’s home of track cycling for the last four years. We have strong mountain-biking and BMX clubs and a proven ability to firstly build and then resource facilities which are world class. Sure, we could do with a few more hills for road racing, but a Central Otago base for a road programme would be a perfect fit.
Even given all of this, to my mind the biggest asset we will have in this process is community support. Many centres have talked about building a Velodrome, some for years. We just got on and built one. That is due to the commitment of passionate Southlanders and the outstanding support from funders, headlined by the Invercargill Licensing Trust and Community Trust of Southland. Those organisations make us the envy of the cycling community.
Back in my former life in radio I used to talk to businesses about point-of-difference. What’s the one thing that separates you from the guy across the road, pedalling the same goods or services.
Southland has a huge strategic advantage with the ILT Velodrome. This process isn’t just about cycling. It’s about answering whether we as a region want to give up an advantage like this and become just one of the crowd.
I know my answer.
Nick Jeffrey
nick@cyclingsouth.org.nz
Closer to home this week we received further information from SPARC regarding its proposed Cycling Centre of Excellence.
Last month, Sports Minister Murray McCully announced that a hub of cycling excellence is to be developed to provide for all cycling disciplines (road, track, BMX, mountain bike). This week we learned a little more about the process.
Expressions of interest documentation will be released on July 30th and will be submitted to the SPARC High Performance Board by the end of August. Those expressions will be reviewed and from there a yet to be determined number will be confirmed to take part in the second phase. Request for Proposals will be released to the targeted regions/cities at the end of October and be submitted by the end of January 2011. Following a review of these proposals and presentations to its HP Board, SPARC will identify its preferred proposal. Then, subject to the Minister’s and the SPARC Board’s approval the decision will be confirmed by mid-April next year.
There is a lot we don’t know. The devil will be in the detail to be released later this month. The process outlined above would tend to suggest that politics will play its part. Bill and Eric, take this as a heads up to expect a call. What we do know is that a number of regional centres have lodged an interest and we are one of them.
We have an incredible facility which gives us a head-start. We have runs on the board with Bike NZ given that the ILT Velodrome has been the nation’s home of track cycling for the last four years. We have strong mountain-biking and BMX clubs and a proven ability to firstly build and then resource facilities which are world class. Sure, we could do with a few more hills for road racing, but a Central Otago base for a road programme would be a perfect fit.
Even given all of this, to my mind the biggest asset we will have in this process is community support. Many centres have talked about building a Velodrome, some for years. We just got on and built one. That is due to the commitment of passionate Southlanders and the outstanding support from funders, headlined by the Invercargill Licensing Trust and Community Trust of Southland. Those organisations make us the envy of the cycling community.
Back in my former life in radio I used to talk to businesses about point-of-difference. What’s the one thing that separates you from the guy across the road, pedalling the same goods or services.
Southland has a huge strategic advantage with the ILT Velodrome. This process isn’t just about cycling. It’s about answering whether we as a region want to give up an advantage like this and become just one of the crowd.
I know my answer.
Nick Jeffrey
nick@cyclingsouth.org.nz
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Southlanders Taking on the Cycling World
With the Corporate Pursuit now confined to the memory banks, aside from a few lingering aches and pains, Cycling Southland is busy planning for its upcoming road and track racing seasons.
Last week’s Harrex Group-sponsored event was an outstanding success with record fields, record crowds and record times. The atmosphere created in the ILT Velodrome was superb and provides the benchmark for future events. Since taking up the role of Chief Executive I have been blown away by the potential which exists in our sport. We have a world-class facility and a world class spectator sport. Our key focus is providing the overall package which delivers a great experience for riders and spectators alike in this magnificent arena.
Last week’s Harrex Group-sponsored event was an outstanding success with record fields, record crowds and record times. The atmosphere created in the ILT Velodrome was superb and provides the benchmark for future events. Since taking up the role of Chief Executive I have been blown away by the potential which exists in our sport. We have a world-class facility and a world class spectator sport. Our key focus is providing the overall package which delivers a great experience for riders and spectators alike in this magnificent arena.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Why Tom Scully Will Bounce Back Stronger Than Ever
This morning I arrived at work to be greeted by news I had spent a week praying wouldn't come to pass.
Tom Scully's crash in last week's RAS Tour in Ireland has ended his cycling year and with it, his hopes of representing his country at the Commonwealth Games in Dehli.
When news filtered through last week of the crash within sight of the finish line of the third stage on the RAS we all felt sick to our stomachs but we knew that if anyone could find a way to come out of a 60km/h crash with a power pole unscathed, it would be someone like Scud.
Unfortunately the luck of the Irish deserted him and this morning's email from his hospital bed in Galway confirmed our worst held fears - his year is done. No Commonwealth Games. Surgery in Ireland, followed by a couple of weeks to stabalise and then what I guess will be an uncomfortable flight home.
His pre-Games campaign which was to take him from Ireland to Belgium, Pennsylvania, Bordeaux and then Dehli ends just three days in.
Now, mere mortals like I would be lying in my hospital bed, staring at the ceiling, in the depths of gloom, wrecked with self-pity. But that's not Tom's style.
I replied to his emailed update to supporters this morning to add to what I'm sure is a long list of well-wishers. Within half an hour he was back to me (I guess he has time on his hands to reply) with, and I quote, "it's a wee set-back." He is really positive and believes something like this "is all part of it eh."
(Note: You can read his full update by clicking here.)
I know it's easy to say things like this, but having known Tom for only a brief time, I know it's more than just talk. It's the reason he's achieved such phenomenal things on a bike in such a short amount of time and quickly become such a key member of Bike NZ's HP programme. He's level-headed and takes things in his stride.
Example two ... he blows up in his World Championship debut in the Points Race in Copenhagen and two nights later he's powering to seventh in the Scratch Race.
It's not how you fall ... it's how you get back up.
He's already talking about getting back on the bike, setting his sights on the end of this year or the start of next for his competitive return.
I'm reminded of the famous quote, "that which does not kill us, only makes us stronger."
Even though right now he struggles to make it down the corridor, I'm sure you'll agree that it won't be long before the Scud is back on target.
Tom Scully's crash in last week's RAS Tour in Ireland has ended his cycling year and with it, his hopes of representing his country at the Commonwealth Games in Dehli.
When news filtered through last week of the crash within sight of the finish line of the third stage on the RAS we all felt sick to our stomachs but we knew that if anyone could find a way to come out of a 60km/h crash with a power pole unscathed, it would be someone like Scud.
Unfortunately the luck of the Irish deserted him and this morning's email from his hospital bed in Galway confirmed our worst held fears - his year is done. No Commonwealth Games. Surgery in Ireland, followed by a couple of weeks to stabalise and then what I guess will be an uncomfortable flight home.
His pre-Games campaign which was to take him from Ireland to Belgium, Pennsylvania, Bordeaux and then Dehli ends just three days in.
Now, mere mortals like I would be lying in my hospital bed, staring at the ceiling, in the depths of gloom, wrecked with self-pity. But that's not Tom's style.
I replied to his emailed update to supporters this morning to add to what I'm sure is a long list of well-wishers. Within half an hour he was back to me (I guess he has time on his hands to reply) with, and I quote, "it's a wee set-back." He is really positive and believes something like this "is all part of it eh."
(Note: You can read his full update by clicking here.)
I know it's easy to say things like this, but having known Tom for only a brief time, I know it's more than just talk. It's the reason he's achieved such phenomenal things on a bike in such a short amount of time and quickly become such a key member of Bike NZ's HP programme. He's level-headed and takes things in his stride.
Example two ... he blows up in his World Championship debut in the Points Race in Copenhagen and two nights later he's powering to seventh in the Scratch Race.
It's not how you fall ... it's how you get back up.
He's already talking about getting back on the bike, setting his sights on the end of this year or the start of next for his competitive return.
I'm reminded of the famous quote, "that which does not kill us, only makes us stronger."
Even though right now he struggles to make it down the corridor, I'm sure you'll agree that it won't be long before the Scud is back on target.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
A Crash Course in Cycling
I've had my feet under a desk in the Cycling Southland office for something like six weeks now. I'm not sure whether it's because I feel so at home, or whether it's because I've had a bit on, but it feels like I've been here for months, rather than days.
It's been a crash course for the last month and a half and boy, have I learnt a lot!
My background was outside the sports industry. Media actually (16 years in radio ... although I try to keep that quiet.) I came into the role with a commercial background. I'd readily admit that in my blissful ignorance I thought that my role would have been mostly around commercial opportunites - sponsorships, increasing funding streams, developing new programmes and events and revenue sources.
Now, after my crash course, I won't say I've gone 180 degrees ... but it's not far off it. What I've realised is that all those commercial aspects are very important. To be fair there is limitless potential for this organisation. Naturally a key part of my role is making sure the balance sheet stays looking good and the risk around the organisation is minimised. But I now believe it is secondary to the most important function in my role. Members.
Cycling Southland is a sports club. A large one admittedly, but one none the less. I've come to the realisation that the balance sheet can look good, but unless we have a happy, healthy membership, we are as good as bankrupt as an organisation.
There is so much goodwill around this organisation, so much experience and expertise and so many ideas. Although I shouldn't publicly state this ... my job is pretty straight-forward. 1. Listen. 2. Put the people to make thing happen together. 3. Give them all the support they need to get the job done.
At the risk of sounding like a local body politician in election year ... it's about putting Members first. The best part about that, is that I know all the commercial stuff will start roaring along too if we make sure the most important person in Cycling Southland, you the member, is in the middle of every thing we do.
Hope you're enjoying the ride. I know I am
Nick
It's been a crash course for the last month and a half and boy, have I learnt a lot!
My background was outside the sports industry. Media actually (16 years in radio ... although I try to keep that quiet.) I came into the role with a commercial background. I'd readily admit that in my blissful ignorance I thought that my role would have been mostly around commercial opportunites - sponsorships, increasing funding streams, developing new programmes and events and revenue sources.
Now, after my crash course, I won't say I've gone 180 degrees ... but it's not far off it. What I've realised is that all those commercial aspects are very important. To be fair there is limitless potential for this organisation. Naturally a key part of my role is making sure the balance sheet stays looking good and the risk around the organisation is minimised. But I now believe it is secondary to the most important function in my role. Members.
Cycling Southland is a sports club. A large one admittedly, but one none the less. I've come to the realisation that the balance sheet can look good, but unless we have a happy, healthy membership, we are as good as bankrupt as an organisation.
There is so much goodwill around this organisation, so much experience and expertise and so many ideas. Although I shouldn't publicly state this ... my job is pretty straight-forward. 1. Listen. 2. Put the people to make thing happen together. 3. Give them all the support they need to get the job done.
At the risk of sounding like a local body politician in election year ... it's about putting Members first. The best part about that, is that I know all the commercial stuff will start roaring along too if we make sure the most important person in Cycling Southland, you the member, is in the middle of every thing we do.
Hope you're enjoying the ride. I know I am
Nick
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Strong Southland Contingent Off To World Champs
Dawkins, who has been in blistering form over recent months, is part of a five-strong men’s sprint squad and Scully will ride the Points race and the two-man Madison alongside Timaru’s Marc Ryan.
Cycling Southland’s Chief Executive Nick Jeffrey said, “we are delighted to see Eddie and Tom’s continued development to the point where they now form a key part of the national squad. The NZ squad has been in camp at the ILT Velodrome for the last two weeks and certainly have been driven hard by Tim Carswell and his coaching team. We’ve been lucky enough to see Ali Shanks wearing world championship colours while training and it would be outstanding if we see a few more of those white uniforms when the squad returns for its next camp in Invercargill after Copenhagen.”
“I know I speak for all of the Southland sporting public and certainly for Tom and Eddie’s fellow club members when I wish them and the rest of the squad the very best for their World Champs campaign,” Jeffrey said.
Cycling Southland member Chris O’Connor from Invercargill also joins the team as mechanic.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
How Long Does It Take To Become A Cycling Fan?
For sixteen years I was very lucky. I worked in an industry that I loved and was passionate about. Radio was my life and I had a heap of fun. The only way I was going to leave the industry that gave me so many good times through the years was if I found something I could get equally passionate about. And it hasn't taken me long to confirm that cycling was the best possible choice.
In fact I know the exact amount of time it took to confirm my thinking - 44.632 seconds. Let me set the scene ... I had been appointed to the role of Cycling Southland CEO early in January, to start March 1st. Even though the Elite National Track Champs were scheduled for mid-February I knew it was too good an opportunity to not get an early look behind the scenes. What I saw blew me away.
On the Friday night with the track and the talent running hot, the programme finished with Ethan Mitchell, Sam Webster and local hero Eddie Dawkins suiting up with the Team Sprint record in their sights. They blew it (and me in the process) away.
The seats at the ILT Velodrome were probably three quarters full - but those eight or nine hundred people lifted the roof off the place for a tick under 45 seconds, roaring to get those boys home.
Coming into my new role, it's pretty obvious that we need to bottle that 45 seconds and give it to the paying public as often as we can.
I've been converted in less than 45 seconds. Now my aim is to do the same with you.
Enjoy the ride
Nick
In fact I know the exact amount of time it took to confirm my thinking - 44.632 seconds. Let me set the scene ... I had been appointed to the role of Cycling Southland CEO early in January, to start March 1st. Even though the Elite National Track Champs were scheduled for mid-February I knew it was too good an opportunity to not get an early look behind the scenes. What I saw blew me away.
On the Friday night with the track and the talent running hot, the programme finished with Ethan Mitchell, Sam Webster and local hero Eddie Dawkins suiting up with the Team Sprint record in their sights. They blew it (and me in the process) away.
The seats at the ILT Velodrome were probably three quarters full - but those eight or nine hundred people lifted the roof off the place for a tick under 45 seconds, roaring to get those boys home.
Coming into my new role, it's pretty obvious that we need to bottle that 45 seconds and give it to the paying public as often as we can.
I've been converted in less than 45 seconds. Now my aim is to do the same with you.
Enjoy the ride
Nick
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)