Post date: Apr 11, 2016 9:57:31 AM
Hello Vets,
In this week's Bleat;
• From the Desk of the President
• Cycle 2016 for Ronald McDonald House Canberra
• Interstate Events
• Racing this Week
• Race Reports
Please send me your contributions at: TheBleat@actvets.cc
Ian Morton
Loud shouting and hollering, a very confused, sleepy dog, a TV set tuned to SBS-2: it's 12.58am on Monday morning and Canberra 'boy' - actually a Vets-eligible 38 year old - Mathew Hayman has just crossed the legendary Roubaix velodrome finish line to take first place in the queen of the classics race, the legendary Paris-Roubaix. Welcome to the world of cycling, Canberra-style.
The ACT Vets Club congratulates Matt on his magnificent and hard fought victory. We marvel at his courage to ride this brutal race, just weeks after breaking his arm, his recovery after weeks on the wind trainer, but most of all, his self-belief and confidence in taking on the worlds best and fighting back after getting dropped, leading out the final sprint and overcoming the demons to take the win.
We then saw this self belief falter in the minutes after crossing the line. Could he really have won the queen of the classics, the one race all pro riders want to win, the race he had started, but not won, 14 times previously, let alone only ever won a small handful of pro-races, ever. We then saw his self-belief return with an almost audible Aussi epithet as his face broke into a rapturous smile before he climbed the winners podium to hoist the famous mounted boulder (its a monster of a cobble).
Hopefully Haymam's win will inspire ACT Vets to get out there and do the training miles, to compete in our challenging winter series road races, whatever the conditions, and to strive for an eventual win - maybe after trying for 14 or 15 times. We have a wonderful variety of races coming up to challenge us like: Saturday 15, a graded scratch at Uriarra Homestead; 23 April, Old Federal Hwy; 30 April, a Dairy Flat points race - all great preparation for our own 'classic' the Gunning 2 Day on 7 & 8 May. Look forward to seeing you out there, striving for an eventual win - just like Matty Hayman - go you good things!
Alex O'Shea
The Rotary Club of Woden Daybreak is running Cycle 2016 for Ronald McDonald House Canberra on Saturday the 14th May 2016. The event will help raise funds for our local house.
This fantastic ride is not competitive and showcases our beautiful local area, while providing an opportunity to fundraise to help support the families of seriously ill children throughout the ACT and surrounds.
Two courses will be available to cater for different skill levels, both starting and finishing at Stromlo Forrest Park. Both rides will be fun and casual.
Commencing at 7am. If you enjoy the challenge of climbing 2,700 meters, then this riding experience is definitely for you! A great climbers’ ride with scenic views as you pedal your way to Corin Dam and back. This ride is suited for experienced riders.
You can view more detail about the 135km course by clicking HERE
Commencing at 10am. Take in the spectacular views over Canberra with some small hills and an interesting little pinch as you climb to the top of Mt Stromlo. This will be a casual ride with no drops.
You can view more detail about the 50km course by clicking HERE
• Tolland Cycling Club Wagga Wagga
- 16-17 April
90 km Handicap and 71km/54km Graded Scratch. Details and registration https://eventdesq.imgstg.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=main&EventDesqID=16484&OrgID=20999. For more information contact Barry O'Hagan 02 69252404 or 043191803.
• Tour De Riverina interclub dates;
- 24 April - Geoff Dixon Memorial - Albury CC
For more information http://riverinainterclubracing.com/tdr/.
• 2016 BATTLE ON THE BORDER
- 3-5 June
Now in its 8th year, the Battle of the Border cycling festival has grown to a notable multi-stage tour offering challenging racing in juniors, elite, masters and NRS divisions. The festival courses range from 50km to 150km, crossing challenging terrain and highlighting the beautifully unique volcanic caldera environment. Details at http://www.battleontheborder.com.au/.
Where: Uriarra Rd / Brindabella Rd, T-Junction
When: 1:30 pm.
Sign on: 15 mins before scheduled start time wearing your registered number.
Race Description: Homestead - Blue Range Spur - Top of Crossing - Blue Range Spur - Top of Crossing - Finish
Race Director: Linda Stals
Contact: Email linda.stals@anu.edu.au Ph 0419283599
The nominated marshals for this event are;
• Lindsay Graham
• Reinhard Mauch
The nominated marshals for upcoming events are;
- 23 Apr @ Old Federal Highway: Dale Kleeman, Paul Robey
The winter season kicked off with a magnificent autumn day. Sun shining, not to hot and a light breeze for the first race.
We had a good turnout of time trailists with 35 competitors showing up for the 20km race comprising two laps along Tidbinbilla Rd between Tharwa short turn and the Pt Hut intersection. Standing at the finish, we appreciated the effort that the riders were putting in as they battled up the last hill before the line.
In the Women's category, Sue Powell (-2:08) took the race from Kristi McVay (+1:04) and Jan Koehler (+1:09).
In the Men's category, Reinhart Mauch (-5:31) came in first followed by Owain Tilley(-4:07) and Anthony Brew (-3:37).
Thanks to the marshals who volunteered to provide their services without which, we wouldn't have been able to run the event; Kerrie Finlayson at the northern turn, Kev Hennessy at the Tharwa turn and Kim Malcolm and Jason McAvoy at the start/finish line. As always, thanks to Graham Hendrie for bringing and setting up the van and the signon and timing.
This represents a good start for the Winter season. We have an exciting season coming up with events like the Gunning 2 Day being the highlight of the program. To make the season a success, we need strong support both in participants and volunteers for officiating.
Ian Morton