VET'S IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Veterans Express Weekly Roundup S.A Veteran Cycling

with Richard Surfield

all photographs copyright impact internet services 2000 SDV&LCC WRAP-UP reports thanks to SDV&LCC MEDIA ..... Barry Timmins reporting
Further information on the SDV&L CC please contact
Press officer Barry Timmins ph 8323 8634
email ...........here 27-5-01 Joe Skibinski put in a superb effort to claim the 51km Southern veterans’ Club race Handicap on Sunday 27 May. His first time ride showed that he will be a force to be treated with respect in future races but on todays strong form the handicapper could be a little cruel before his next start.
Joe began the race as a front marker and soon was riding solo increasing the distance between himself and the field. Despite a large pack forming which tore through the early starters Joe rode his own personal time trial to finish well ahead of the field.
Conditions where very tough with rain, hail and strong winds causing riders to work very hard. The race behind Joe saw a large pack of riders form on lap two of the three lap event. This group had some in form riders who have dominated in recent weeks and the names at the top of the list are of no surprise.
Vicki Birks rode a splendid race finishing with a strong time of 1: 29: 14. She was able to latch on to the lead group on the third lap and sprinted well to take second. In very good form of late has been Geoff Hillman who took third. Recent results and an Impact Consistency Encouragement Award presented last week saw his run of outstanding results and confident riding continue. Geoff has continued to show style following up his success in the Milang Classic when he took second in D grade.
The names of the other placegetters have been featured in recent weeks. Dave Clarke, Peter Blackburn, John Dawson, Barry Bullivant and Russell Osmond have all featured in recent races. Dave Clarke and Peter Blackburn are getting very used to winning with both taking out C and E grade in last weeks Trek Cycles Scratch races at the Range. Dave was also successful in the recent Milang Classic. Fastest time on the day went to Carl Mc Millian with 1: 21: 22. He clocked a average speed 37.7km an hour for the 51km event and was unlucky not to catch the pack before the line. Carl was placed a very creditable fifth in A grade in last weeks Trek Cycles event and on this form the markers will have to work harder in future events to stay in front. full results click here RACE FOR POINTS Gill brothers upset the balance in race for points The latest round of the SAVCC-IMPACT consistency awards sponsored by HERB VALLEY has thrown the race for points score wide open after local veteran cyclists and brothers Shane and Alan Gill took the top points at the TREK CYCLES GSR contested on the demanding "Range" circuit sponsored by BICYCLE EXPRESS. The course took its toll on many riders with many being dropped at the notorious climb up Penneys Hill Road prior to the finish line. Conditions were pretty good all morning though and competition fierce in all grades. In all some 110 riders gathered to compete for points racing in six grades and varying distances. It was good to see a number of new faces in the big points including riders like Peter Blackburn, Laurie Pearce, Tony Vincent, Dave Clarke, James Russell and Shane Gill. The annual event, hosted by the SDV&L CC was in the main well conducted with a few minor incident due in part to the large size of the bunches and the ignorance of a few. In future the riders should be aware that road rules over ride race rules at all times and that a RED FLAG means you damn well stop. I hate to harp on this subject, but the council must ensure the safety of both the public, its riders and officials. Perhaps they [the council] should take a keener interest in some of these events and advise clubs on what standards are expected from both the council, the police and the community at large.

Peter Blackburn lead the bunch after the climb

John Giles lead race winner Shane Gill

Results

A GRADE 1ST SHANE GILL 2ND ALAN GILL 3RD PETER GRIVEL 4TH PETER MOORE 5TH CARL MCMILLIAN

B GRADE 1ST JAMES RUSSELL 2ND MARTIN REFERMAT 3RD RICKY STAEHR 4TH JAMES BODROGHY 5TH PAUL BELL

C GRADE 1ST DAVE CLARKE 2ND ROB GAGGINI 3RD CHRIS FARRANT 4TH BRIAN MARTIN 5TH DAVE WARD

D GRADE 1ST TONY VINCENT 2ND MARCUS ROBERTS 3RD KEITH WONG 4TH JUSTIN DAWSON 5TH FRANK MOORE

E GRADE 1ST PETER BLACKBURN 2ND DAVE MILNE 3RD MATIN MINGE 4TH MARTIN BOAS 5TH PAUL TANGEY

F GRADE 1ST LAURIE PEARCE 2ND BILL PEDERSEN 3RD DOUG GOODE 4TH STAN WILTON 5TH RAY HILL

TIME FOR A CHANGE Time for SAVCC to take charge of race programmes Having been a strong supporter of the SAVCC, its two affilliated clubs and all its members since its insception it may come as a bit of a surprise that I am not very happy with the way some things are at present within the ranks and the biggest beef I have is, just who is running the SAVCC. I for one thought it was the executive, that amiable bunch of people who were nominated and voted in at two agm's, the latest executive coming from the AGM last November 2000. While they [the executive] are doing a pretty good job much is left to the two clubs who seem to be able to do just about anything they see fit as long as it doesn't cause a problem. This means the clubs operate independantly and in many ways the SAVCC council is just a figure head executive that meets when it needs [not on a regular basis], makes descisions by consensus when urgent matters arise and are only seen by a small handfull of members [the last AGM attracted a very, very small number of members] at an AGM. Now while they shouldn't be telling clubs day and night what to do, they should be telling clubs that some items affecting the image of the SAVCC are important. Let me give you an example. Do you think the SANFL, the Netball or the Lawn Bowls association would let every club do there own thing. Certainly not! But, you say, don't the two clubs get together for a little chat and sort out their dates. Yes, but if that's the case why did we have a clash of two major events yesterday.
First there is the Derek Stanley Memorial [a V&LCC event] a tradition at "the harbour" and then there was the Peter Nelson Charity Day [SDV&LCC] at the Vales. Both were very worthy events but have created a fair bit of tension between the two clubs. Yes, the Peter Nelson event has been running for a number of years but the Derek Stanley has a tradition of being on the first weekend closest to the anniversary of Dereks passing. Now I for one thought that the V&LCC was being a bit hard to get on with when I was told that statements had been made that the "Peter Nelson" should be run on another day if they [the organizers of the "Peter Nelson"] wanted to run it. But then I thought back and I remembered that the "Peter Nelson" was run in January not May and was changed to this month because it was [as I was told at the time], near the end of school holidays and being the middle of summer, the weather was too hot. So why wasn't the "Peter Nelson" moved. I mean there were other dates available, because I've checked the calendar. Having spoken to V&LCC President Len Nieuwenhoven his suggestion is that perhaps next year both clubs charity days are run on the same day leaving the V&LCC Memorial Day free. Now that is something I am not in agreeance with because I think these two charity days give both clubs a wonderful oportunity to make a big contribution to both the "Peter Nelson Leaukaemia Foundation" and the "Multiple Sclerosis Society" and the bigger the donation the better. I say leave the Derek Stanley there where it is and have two seperate days for charity works.
Next up is the Ron Whitehorn Memorial [a V&LCC event]. The track event has gone down the gurgler so the Adelaide CC asked the V&LCC if they wanted to use the trophy for a race day. Now they [the V&LCC] already have a memorial day on the 17th of June but wait for it, the very next weekend we have the Consistency Awards listed as the Ron Whitehorn OPEN Memorial for veterans. Now when I, as the major sponsor of the consistency awards agreed to the dates I was never consulted about a memorial race and let me tell you I am very unhappy and have already told the V&LCC that under no circumstances will I have my name on the event next year. Lets face it, either the Adelaide CC should have given up the event and just donated the trophy to the club or let them run an event themselves on the road. My arguement here is that their [ACC] race was a track race and NOT a road, the vets already had a memorial race and we don't need every weekend cluttered up with memorial races [and thats no disrespect to any riders (or families) of those who have passed away].
Last item is the Kevin Woods Memorial [a V&LCC event]. Having known Kevin I was once again at the race this year. Now it used to be an open event [or invitation as they were called in the "good old days'] but the V&LCC decided to run it as a club event. This year during the presentations Audrey Donsen mentioned that the race should be an open event that involved all veteran cyclists. Rhonda Woods thought that was a good idea, but club president Len Nieuwenhoven said that the problem was the SDV&LCC showed a lack of interest in the event. Now over the last few years riders from the SDV&LCC have often asked me why weren't they invited to the Kevin Wood. So why do we have a one-eyed perception that we can't have a joint race and make it an open. It doesn't have to be at the "harbour" all the time because Kevin rode anywhere there was a race from my memory. It could be the "harbour" one year and say Lobethal the next.
I guess what I am getting at is there still seems to be a division between two clubs and it's time for that to come to an end. Let the two clubs sort out their individual race programmes and when they come to an agreement put it to the SAVCC for ratification and after that any changes have to be approved by the SAVCC. Perhaps then the SAVCC won't be seen [as one high ranking club official described them], "as a toothless tiger". Perhaps also the V&LCC might think on this too. If the club conducts one race sponsored by a funeral service [thankyou Pegelley Knabe] and 11 memorial races a year wouldn't it be more appropriate to have say a "Memorial Day" like the SDV&LCC? I am sure that all those who have passed away would be more than happy to see that happen. Perhaps it is time to move on and use the spirit of those riders past and present, to harness the energy of our hard working officials at both club and state level and concentrate on a quality programme for all those new riders who are coming in to our ranks each week. Thats not too hard an ask is it, eh!! WEEKEND WRAP-UP 6-5-01 PETER NELSON CHARITY DAY Brett Bellchambers and Brenton Macdonald in full flight on the long run home They've done it again, another crack a jack edition of the Peter Nelson Leakaemia Fund charity race day at the home of racing down south, McLaren Vale. This year 132 riders took part in events which offered no prize money but just a simple plaque for the effort of increasing the donation to the fund that honours former cycling great Peter Nelson. This year the days racing raised nearly $1300 dollars breaking two records. The first to go was for the number of entries [up by 12 on last year] and then the donation money reached an all time record too. Majorie Nelson [nee Jackson] was thrilled with the day once again. Only black spot of the day was when young Matthew Rex came off, breaking his foot in an accident. I am sure everyone wishes him a very speedy recovery. Once again congratulations to riders, officials and those who contributed. Results OPEN TEAM Kristin Lewis & Jade Lean ... 58.41[cafe` paesano] OPEN HANDICAP Tony Mcloughin & Peter Moore[team mittiga] MIXED TEAM Lisa Albinus & Claude Altin MIXED HANDICAP Carolyn Salisbury & Syd Carter IMPACT TANDEM OPEN David Ross & Keith Wong [cafe` paesano] MORE PHOTOS IN THE GAZETTE GALLERIES click here 29-4-01 THE 2001 MILANG OPEN Steve Nash, Ricky Staeher and Syd Carter[rear center] work hard in "A" grade. A new course, fine, sunny autumn weather and 89 riders was the ideal combination to make round two of the Impact SAVCC Consistency awards sponsored by Herb Valley a resounding success. The new course proved a winner for both the organizers and the competitors with hardly a motor vehicle sighted throughout the six graded scratch races which were contested keenly in the ideal conditions. Team Mittiga riders were out to capitalize on the abscence of Super Elliott rider Alan Gill and gain as many points as possible. By the end of the first lap of 41km three riders were hanging just off the front. Those three [Syd Carter, Ricki Staeher and Steve Nash]would be brought back to the pack before Tony Mcloughlin and Peter Moore made the descisive move that would split the field. Carter tried hard to get over but he would be left in no-mans land before the toll of 4 laps at the range the previous day would see him blown out of the race. Nash though managed to go with the two Mittiga riders but McLoughlin was a clear winner in the sprint to the line at the end of 82km.
"B" grade provided the first bunch sprint after they managed to stay together for two laps but it was a win to Peter Fry [when he timed his run perfectly] that caused the biggest upset of the day. Thats not taking anything away from Peter, after all he had great form last year after an elevation to "A" grade and Scratch before having surgery which put a real dent in his riding. "Big Kev" Ayres took the rest of the honours over the consistent Greg Chivers and Martin Refermat [just back from Maryborough Victoria].
"C" Grade I'm told had plenty of action and by the end of lap one they were making time up on "B" grade very quickly. But it was near the end of the race as riders were jostling for wheels that the action hotted up. Dave Ward unfortunately locked up with another riding and in the ensuing moments split the field wide open. Even so it was a great finish with puffing Bill Wilson not quite quick enough for Jon Amos who blew them away in the mad dash for the line.

Former Australian International Graham Banks well clear as he crosses the line to convincingly win "D" grade

Rob Lee had too much strength for the sprint bunch in "E" grade at Milang

MORE PHOTOS IN THE GAZETTE GALLERIES click here "D" grade saw another bunch sprint but former international Graham Banks was in no mood to give anyone an easy ride home. He made mincemeat out of the bunch just cruising to victory in consumate style while the minors were more fiercely contested. First round Encouragement Award winner Geoff Hillman just managed to hold off the much improved Geoff Barnes with both Lisa Albinus and Eddie Collins breathing down their necks. Most probably the best finish of the day.
"E" grade went to the "general" Robert Lee who was too good for Clem Kelly, the consistent Rob Bihet, senior veteran Brian Doecke and Caroline Salisbury.
"F" grade and those golden oldies who are racing meet after meet, usually in either E or F grade[and sometimes "G" when the fields are really big]. It may have been just one lap but with a long leg in to a head winds and a very dead road surface they all managed to finish. Dave Clark and Keith Knockles rode clear down the long scenic finishing straight to finish in that order. The "flying scotsman" Bob Adams third from Noel Myatt and [yes he's still racing] Freddie Smith.
It seemed everyone enjoyed the new course, particularly the lack of traffic but remarked that even though it was pretty flat, the road surface being "dead" meant it was pretty tough going. VETERANS CONSISTENCY ENCOURAGEMENT AWARDS click here

A GRADE 1ST TONY MCLOUGHLIN 2ND PETER MOORE 3RD STEVE NASH 4TH JOHN GILES 5TH MARK PIRO

B GRADE 1ST PETER FRY 2ND KEVIN AYRES 3RD GREG CHIVERS 4TH MARTIN REFERMAT 5TH JAMES RUSSELL

C GRADE 1ST JOHN AMOS 2ND BILL WILSON 3RD DAVE CLARK 4TH ROB GAGGINI 5TH GLEN STURMAN

D GRADE 1ST GRAHAM BANKS 2ND GEOFF HILLMAN 3RD GEOFF BARNES 4TH LISA ALBINUS 5TH EDDIE COLLINS

E GRADE 1ST ROB LEE 2ND CLEM KELLY 3RD ROB BIHET 4TH BRIAN DOECKE 5TH CAROLINE SALISBURY

F GRADE 1ST DAVE CLARKE 2ND KEITH NOCKLES 3RD BOB ADAMS 4TH NOEL MYATT 5TH FREDDIE SMITH

22-4-01 KEVIN WOODS MEMORIAL [L-R]Chris Farran(div 1)-Rhonda Woods-Geoff Barnes(div 2) Cold, wet conditions decimated the field for this years 11th running of the Kevin Woods Memorial at Outer Harbour on the weekend. Heavy rain continued to fall across the metropolitan area resulting in many riders scratching from the race which ended up being run in quite good conditions after rain cleared around start time. With just 45 riders left to contest two divisions the handicap [Doug Kaisler] was left with a nightmare job of adjusting the marks as many riders would have otherwise suffered the fate of riding impossible handicaps on their own. In fact the Division One field was cut by half leaving just 17 riders while Division Two lost 18 from its field of 43. After a minor delay of around 10 minutes the race got underway in overcast condition and a chilly southerly breeze. For both the scratch bunches in Div 1 & 2 it was soon obvious that they had a big struggle on their hands to contain the outmarkers and no where was this obvious than in Div 1 where the limit bunch led the field on a merry chase for six laps of the 10km course with nary a sniff of being caught. Division two provided a major upset when the block with just two riders left [after Dave Rootes was relegatedback to the scratchies] virtually maintained its mark throughout the race. In the end the scratch bunch would just get fastest time by 8 seconds. In div 1 the scratch bunch could only erode the limit bunches mark of 9 minutes by just 5 min 47 secs and by the last lap were resigned to fighting out 4th-8th spots and taking fastest time.

Chris Farren and John Mattews lead the winning bunch

Inaugural Woods Trophy winner Brian Doeke at the front

In the end though it was a good mornings racingt in both divisions which is really what it's all about. In Div 1 1998 runner-up Chris Farren worked hard to win what is the most sought after trohpy event on the V&LCC calendar beating home CT Tyres team rider John Matthews in a spirited sprint. Former "Goodwood Tech" boy Geoff Barnes[the "Gazettes" future star pick for 2000] was just too strong for the inaugural Woods Trophy winner Brian Doeke today. For the Woods family it was another day to get together with old friends, meet the new faces at the V&LCC while reviving old memories of a great guy and a damn good bike rider. Results

DIV ONE - 60KM 1 Chris Farren 2 John Matthews 3 Vern Braithwaite 4 John Williams 5 Peter Williams 6 Steve Kinder 7 Rick Staehr 8 Deane Stephens F/T Peter Williams 1.32.22

DIV TWO - 40KM 1 Geoff Barnes 2 Brian Doeke 3 Martin Boas 4 Stan Malbut 5 Brian Hargreaves 6 Rod Bihet 7 Audrey Donsen 8 Len Nieuwenhoven F/T Grahem Banks 1.07.30

SDV&LCC Conditions for racing today favoured only the brave. Strong winds and pounding rain made the hilly tough course more difficult especially for any rider who got dropped. The race was dominated by some very energetic riders in both divisions. Division One was contested at high speed considering the severe winds and steep climbs. A group of ten riders formed between Meadows and Strathablyn. Norman Hoy commented that the group was dragged along by the intense riding of Peter Moore and Peter Grivel. They stayed together but the demanding climb back in to Macclesfield saw the two Peters drop the pack and fight it out on the line. Peter Moore claimed victory on the day. Mike Ellaway, Carl Mc Millan and Tony McLoughlin took out the minor placings. Division Two was dominated by Ian Oswald who despite having a very relaxed training schedule for the last two weeks [" I haven’t even looked at the bike"] was clearly the outstanding rider on the day. Ian began the race with a group of four riders who themselves are renowned for pace and ability, Barry Bullivant, Peter Blackburn and David Milne. This group worked together until Paris Creek when Ian started his solo effort of the day and pulled away working his way through the field ahead before reaching Strathablyn and going on to finish clear winner driving up the difficult climb back in to Macclesfield. Peter Blackburn and Clem Kelly both rode impressively handling the steep climb with ease to take out second and third. Bullivant put in a strong finish to catch Dave Symmonds on the line. full results click here reports thanks to SDV&LCC MEDIA ..... Barry Timmins reporting
Further information on the SDV&L CC please contact
Press officer Barry Timmins ph 8323 8634
email ...........here SDV&LCC WRAP-UP reports thanks to SDV&LCC MEDIA ..... Barry Timmins reporting
Further information on the SDV&L CC please contact
Press officer Barry Timmins ph 8323 8634
email ...........here 15-4-01 Another superb solo effort dominates this weeks race report. with Noel Myatt ruining his handicap after riding alone at the head of the field for this 50km event . Noel began the race as the limit rider and could not be caught.
Conditions today where perfect for riding. A large field of riders had to struggle with the unusual amount of traffic on the road for Easter. The race was not without some drama. The worst was the fall of Trevor Gregory. Trevor started with a group just off scratch. His accident happened before his group caught the rest of the field. He got the spokes of his front wheel tangled with the rear wheel of another rider as he was passing on the outside and came down heavily. His injuries required him to be taken to hospital. We wish him a speedy recovery. Norman Hoy gave up his race to assist Trevor and warrants the good Samaritan award this week. Several other near misses occurred. Two groups of riders where menaced by the Mad Easter Horse Float Maniac and are lucky not to have joined Trevor in casualty care. Barry Timmins fell at the start after tangling with Dave Symonnds wheel at the start but got back on to finish. President Dave Milne had a puncture and enjoyed a leisurely ride by himself back to the clubrooms.
The race was fast with the limit riders not getting caught until the climb on Binney Road. A very large pack of riders formed on Kangarilla road on the long steady descent to McLaren Flat. This group contained about thirty riders from 16 minute group onwards. At this stage only the limit rider and leader Noel Myatt and those starting prior to the 16 minute group where still in front. The scratch and later starters found it difficult to catch this fast moving pack. The pack punched its way to McLaren Vale where Chapmans Ave once again provided an opportunity with a smaller group of about eight breaking away. This group led by Brian Martin, Bob Seymour, Chris White, and Geoff Hillman went on to catch the rest of the field with the exception of Noel who mastered his way to line having ridden solo for the whole race. full results click here IMPACT AWARDS The first round of the IMPACT CONSISTENCY AWARDS has been run and won at the annual Ray Smith Tour of Minlaton. Good to see that 90 riders participated but not good to see is the narrow attitude that still prevails with what is a class event. Its about time that this event was promoted to encourage a national theme which would raise the bar a step further. I see little point in putting up what was reported to be around $4800 in prizemoney to run what is virtually a club race away from home. Maybe next year the event can reach a new maturity, after all it's been 20 odd years now since its inception. The major results and latest points list is available through the link below but great to see Alan Gill providing some stiff competition for the Mittiga boys Tony and Peter. Alan made it back to back wins after cleaning up in last years event. This year Alan took out three stages to win by 9secs. Reports tell me that the three sure put some pressure on the "A" grade bunch. How about that Bobby Cotton, still a regular at the tour and winning his division. Down from the riverland Hamish McKirdy made the long trip worthwhile. Lets hope he is able to contest further rounds this season. Having a great year is the flying plumber Steve Kinder who must be on top of the world after the biggest win of his career. Now remember, there are still plenty of races to go and lots of points on offer at events. So hang in there, because its a long way to go yet and anything can happen. full details PLUS special offer click here Enquiries for the Southern Veterans(McLaren Vale) can be directed to Peter Blackburn on (08)8373 0224.
Enquiries for the Outer Harbour Veterans can be directed to Len Nieuwenhoven on (08)826 03181.


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