VET'S IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Veterans Express Weekly Roundup S.A Veteran Cycling

with Richard Surfield

Back Valley Handicap RR 21/7/02 this report thanks to SDV&LCC MEDIA ..... Barry Timmins
Hillman adds further to his winning record Geoff Hillman led a determined enterprising group of riders to a credible victory in the Back Valley race day run in excellent conditions through Inman Valley and the outskirts of Victor Harbor. The Event was sponsored by Russ Osmond Lawn Service, Victor Harbor Excavations, Victor Harbor Cycle and Skate and Bandy's Deli.
Dads Army came from a strong twelve minute starting group consisting of Geoff Hillman, Wayne Stephens, Laurie Pearce and Dave Symmonds. They caught the 11 minute group before the first turn in less than four kilometres and formed a formidable peloton which picked up the 14 and 18 minute starters before the end of the first lap. They rode like winners and it was only a matter of time before the rest of the field was picked up. The chasing packs did their best but had no answers to the grinding machine of the Dads Army. A number of late starters put in heroic efforts but could not make up the gap. Syd Carter deserves praise for a solo lap in which he made up ground but could not catch before the finish line. John Watters also laboured hard to take the fastest time.
Geoff Hillman is the most successful rider with the club with twenty results since 2000 although it has been a barren patch lately with his last victory in February in a Club Race Day handicap. Second placed Laurie Pearce is another rider with a long list of success. He has had fourteen results since the start of 2000 season. Laurie has had two victories this year with a Timetrial Championship and a first in a club handicap in April. Third placed Wayne Stephens has had eight results since 2000 and continues his impressive start to the season following up his two other thirds in the Club Time Trial and Road Race Championships.
Fourth placed Paul Weatherall was the youngest rider in the top five today and rode strongly to keep in with the forging Dads Army. He has been placed second three times this year and based on todays form will break through for a victory soon. Peter Blackburn took fifth to take his fifth result of the year and to take his tally since 2000 to eleven major results. Jeff Bates and Mark Benjamin followed up excellent riding last week to get on the results board yet again this week taking sixth and seventh. Dave Symmonds took eighth after riding strongly as part of the eleven minute Dads Army team. Mary Callahan and Connie Wharton hung on well to take the remaining places having rode at the front of the race for 40 kilometres only to be passed by the Army and their followers with a short distance to go. full results click here Club RR 14/7/02 this report thanks to SDV&LCC MEDIA ..... Barry Timmins
Victory in first race for Spence A committed Chris Spence rode a dynamic race to claim a victory with his first ride with the Southern Vets this weekend. The club event had demanding conditions with rain and cold making the going challenging for those who lost their groups.
Chris Spence and his fifteen minute group rode a potent race keeping riders at bay despite the fastest time yet again going to scratch rider James Russell with an impressive 1:18:07 an average speed of 39.23 kph.
The fifteen minute group claimed four out of the top ten places. They rode as a tight group for most of the race making it difficult for other groups to catch. A number of other groups splintered early leaving only small numbers to make up the ground. Endeavour and courage was shown by a number of riders for no reward. A determined Neil Theis worked solidly by himself and caught the front runners but didn't have enough at the finish. Dave Symmonds and Geoff Hillman laboured robustly together showing considerable grit just missing out.
Second placed Mark Benjamin has now had three results since his first ride in May and has become a rider to treat with respect at race end. He had good results in the Dean Stephens and Trek Cycles Open placing third and fourth. His second today is a warning to all that he will break through for a victory in the near future.
New riders featured strongly in the places today. Third place Chris Sutcliffe produced his best result to date. He has only been riding with the club for a short time and had collected two fifth places before today. Another new rider Fhiloppo Imessi took fourth and claimed his third result with the club in just over a month.
Fifth place was taken by another new talent Rolf Goodacre to follow up his victory in the Dean Stephens Scratch Race last month. A trio of Southern Vets seasoned riders took the next three places with Norman Hoy, Vicki Birks and Noel Myatt showing some good form. full results click here 2002 Twin Peaks RR 7/7/02 this report thanks to SDV&LCC MEDIA ..... Barry Timmins
Bassett rides to maiden victory A determined Tony Bassett rode an inspiring race to claim his first victory with the Southern Vets in this weekends Megabike Twin Peaks Classic. The Classic is the most challenging and exhaustive on the club calendar with two difficult climbs up Willunga and Wickhams Hills. There were a number of riders who found the going demanding with some retiring and finding a shorter way home after the Willunga Hill.
Tony started the race vigorously and demonstrated powerfully to his 27 minute starting group that he was going to be a contender with forceful surges to the front. The Willunga Hill climb saw him power away with Trudy Fenton in pursuit. Showing strength and confidence Peter Blackburn and Paul Weatherall had broken away from their starting group on the same climb and early in the race looked likely to catch the front runners. The climb had a number of groups split but a strong team formed from the 10 and 13 minute starters led by Wayne Frost with Marcus Roberts and the clubs 'Marco Pantani' Ian Davis showing strong riding.
Tony Bassett now has four major results to his name this year, he has made three second places besides his first today. His last result was a second in the Trek Cycles Open event in May. Second placed Paul Weatherall is still waiting for a victory but his form suggests that this will not be far away. Paul has three second places to his name this year. Peter Blackburn is no stranger to success. His record is very impressive. With todays result Peter now has ten major results with the club and three of these have been in 2002. He has been very successful lately with a Champions medal in the Club Road race Championship in his age division and a runner up medal in the Club Time Trial.
Fourth placed Lyn Grivel began as the out marker and had to work exceptionally hard to keep the field at bay. She has shown form this year with a second place in a club event in January. Fifth place went to new rider Wayne Frost who is making an impact with the club. This is his second result with the club following up a second place in June in the Dean Stephens Scratch Races.
Spare a thought for James Russell who worked hard with his Scratch group and earned the fastest time on the day yet was unable to claim a place. All riders who finished deserved recognition today as the course was unforgiving. Trevor Gregory worked hard and picked up a prize for the first unplaced over sixty five year old and Jenny Kemp earned a prize as the first unplaced lady. full results click here 2002 Club Road Championships 23/6/02 this report thanks to SDV&LCC MEDIA ..... Barry Timmins
Gomer Champion of Champions Riders faced a difficult 70 kms with cold foggy conditions in this weekends Southern Veterans Club Road Race Championships. Despite a very steep climb and wet and breezy weather a number of riders produced exceptional rides to clock average speeds in excess of 35km per hour.
In a display of forceful riding Dave Gomer held off a masterful challenge from John Watters on the finishing line in one of the closest finishes for a Club Championship for some years. Dave Gomers time in Category three of 1:54 (average speed in excess of 35km/per hr) was the fastest on the day and earned him the Champion of Champions trophy. This is yet another superb effort from Gomer who took out the Club Time-trial earlier this year in a similar convincing fashion. Unlucky on the line in the sprint John Watters can feel he has accomplished a eminent effort by matching Dave Gomers time. John has seen a number of successes this year and promises more on this form. Third and the bronze medal went to Paul Bell who finished in 2:04. Paul has continued his commendable run of form in 2002 and now has four results this year and a club total of eleven.
Men Category Six had a very close finish with riders finishing only one second apart after seventy kilometres of riding. Jeff Marshall a new member from WA was victorious from Trevor Gregory and Wayne Stephens.
In category One James Russell continues his impressive season just holding out a strong finishing Dave Martini on the line. Both riders where given the same time. Third went to Craig Bartlett who has made a very good start with the club and now has two results this year.
Mike Ellaway had to work hard to hold off Peter Grivel in another tight finish in Men Category two. Nothing in it on the line saw both riders awarded the same time. Third place was taken by Mike Wilson for his second major result with the Vets.
Standout efforts on the day go to Ray deed winner in category five who blitzed the field to win by close to ten minutes and Peter Blackburn in Category Seven who took a strong lead early and was able to catch riders from Category Six.
In category Four Blair Howell made a break of over two minutes from John Giles. Third went to an improving Chris White whose record with the club continues to impress.
The ladies fields although down on previous years still produced some remarkable efforts. All categories began together but vigorous riding from Jenny Kemp broke the group up before the Willunga Hill climb. Jenny finished in 2:19 more than ten minutes ahead of her closest rival. Spare a thought for Marie Bates who worked exceptionally hard and was on the road for more than three hours.

WOMEN Category One 1ST SARAH GREAVES Category Five 1ST KATE LOGAN Category Three 1ST JENNY KEMP Category Four 1ST MARIE BATES

MEN Category Seven 1ST PETER BLACKBURN 2ND BRIAN ELSE 3RD TOM TROWBRIDGE Category Six 1ST JEFF MARSHALL 2ND TREVOR GREGORY 3RD WAYNE STEPHENS Category Five 1ST RAY DEED 2ND JIMMY OLDS 3RD BOB SEYMOUR Category Four 1ST BLAIR HOWELL 2ND JOHN GILES 3RD CHRIS WHITE Category Three 1ST DAVE GOMER 2ND JOHN WATTERS 3RD PAUL BELL Category Two 1ST MIKE ELLAWAY 2ND PETER GRIVEL 3RD PAUL WILSON Category One 1ST JAMES RUSSELL 2ND DAVE MARTINI 3RD CRAIG BARLETT

Dean Stephens GSR 9/6/02 this report thanks to SDV&LCC MEDIA ..... Barry Timmins
Gill Scores Another Success Shane Gill continues his immaculate form with yet another victory with the Southern Vets in the Dean Stephens Scratch races on the Mageleri Wines circuit this weekend. This is his fourth victory with the club this year. His last was a first in the Trek cycles Open. Club records show that he has taken victory in every start. Only two other riders have more wins. Laurie Pearce with eight and James Russell with thirteen.
A grade had a group of six in the running on the last lap after a number had been dropped. The sprint for the line was fierce with John Watters having to contend with a slow puncture and a rapidly deflating tyre which clearly spoiled his chances. Another rider in the six to miss out was John Giles who has been out of racing with an injury. For his comeback race this was an outstanding performance. He put in a number of vigorous surges and was unlucky not to have claimed a place. One to watch in the weeks to come. Tony Mcloughlin claimed second in front of a swiftly finishing James Russell. Tony has continued to impress after taking a place in the Trek Cycles this year and an excellent effort last year in the Alexandrina Open event. This is his fourth result with the Southern Vets. James Russell continues his impressive season to take his result tally this year to seven and seventeen with the club.
B grade had four riders sprint for the victory with Blair Howell leading the sprint out only to have John Danvers from the Riverland and Jimmy Olds come over the top to take the honours on the line. Ray Deed after a fine race had to settle for fourth.
C grade was a pack finish. Chris White who had led for most of the race was overcome with the finishing line in sight by a strong finish from Patrick Houweling. Patrick has an impressive record this year with five major placings.
D grade had a breakaway of three riders who then fought out a tough battle with Craig Bartlett proving too strong and claiming an easy victory on the line. Eddie Collins finished well and took his first result with the Southern vets since November 2001. Russell Osmond finished third to take his result tally to nine. Les Wharton made an impressive effort to take fourth place to claim his second result with the club.
E grade was a four rider breakaway . Mark Benjamin made an early surge for the line but could not shake off the pursuit with Dave Milne coming over the top only to have victory stolen on the line by Rolf Goodacre. full results click here SDV&LCC RR 26/5/02 this report thanks to SDV&LCC MEDIA ..... Barry Timmins
Club raises $900 for Charity Fund Over $900 was raised in this weekends Peter Nelson Charity Event for Leukaemia research. The large field of 44 teams enjoyed a perfect day racing the two laps around the McLaren Vale district. Presentations were conducted at the clubrooms with Her Excellency the Governor of South Australia Majorie Jackson-Nelson presenting the prizes and making a short speech about the Research Fund. The club have continued to support the fund over the years and the event is a regular part of the SDVLCC calendar.
Bob Ritter a senior club member with the Southern Vets and a rider who had rode with Peter Nelson made the presentations personal by his recall of events when Peter Nelson and he where members of the Sturt Cycling Club.
Majorie Jackson-Nelson and her team of twelve volunteers have now raised over four million dollars for the fund which employs a team of seven researchers. Research is continuing studying programmed cell death and DNA/RNA encoding.
Results
Fastest lady team K & T Modra
Fastet Mixed team Jenny Kemp & Clayton Reeves
Fastest Handicap team Ray Deed & Jimmy Olds
Fastest time team Brenton MacDonald & Dave Martini SDV&LCC RR 19/5/02 this report thanks to SDV&LCC MEDIA ..... Barry Timmins
Gill keeps a perfect record Shane Gill continues his immaculate form with yet another victory with the Southern Vets in the Trek Cycles Open at the Range course this weekend. Shane has tasted victory in all six starts with the club and is a rider with few peers in veterans cycling. This is his third victory with the club this year. His last was a first in February on the same course but in much friendlier conditions. Riders had to contend with strong winds, driving rain and the return of the winter cold.
With the demanding Potters Hill having to be scaled a number of times the going was not for the weak hearted. Not recommended was the daredevil riding seen in A grade with speeds of 70 km on the down hills in very windy and slippery conditions. Notable efforts today are all riders who finished but a number of efforts deserve recognition. Peter Moores second in A grade showed he is a rider for the big occasion. He seems to produce the goods in the open events. This is Peters tenth result with the Southern Vets. Tony Mcloughlin made a welcome return to the results list with a fourth in A Grade for his first for 2002. A formidable James Russell continues to show admirable form with a third in A grade which was his sixth result this year.
Norman Hoy continues his good season claiming second behind Mike Atkinson in B grade and his thirteenth result with the Southern vets since 2000. Jimmy Olds took second behind Mark Koester in C grade for his third result this year. He finished second on the same course in the DETRAC event in February.
Ian Davis matched this feat with a fourth today in C grade to follow up his third last week. His results tally has moved to eleven since 2000. Patrick Houweling showed another turn of strength to take second in D Grade behind Peter Charos. He was featured in results last week with a fifth and claimed a fourth on the same course in February. His record is impressive and since his first result in December 2001 has claimed six places.
Russell Osmond made a return to the winners list to claim his first result for 2002 to take victory in E Grade. Paul Weatherall took his result tally to eight with the club taking second and making his second result for 2002. Barry Bullivants fourth in has produced his fourteenth result since 2000 with the Southern Vets and moves him to third overall on the leading riders table. He is still looking for a victory but is one of the most consistent riders with the club. Tony Bassett made it two results in a row with his third result for 2002 following up his second in the Adelaide Steel last week with another todaybehind Mark Burns in F grade. This impressive effort will see his handicap suffer next time.
Kate Logan winning G grade claimed her third victory and made her second result for the year. In F Grade Mark Burns claimed his first victory and maiden result with the Southern Vets. full results click here SDV&LCC RR 5/5/02 this report thanks to SDV&LCC MEDIA ..... Barry Timmins
Scratch riders on fire James Russell once again showed his class to take victory in Sundays Club Handicap Event. Scratch riders dominated the placings with a very effective showing. The scratch group rode solidly and mercilessly picked up the riders in front in a steady stream. Their only challenge was a earnest working group from the 8 minute starters who had formed an lively rapid moving team early in the race with riders from the five, eleven and thirteen minute starters. Only a resolute Trevor Gregory was able to survive the pace to the finish. The 7 laps of the demanding circuit caused the large field have quite a few retirements.
James Russell has improved an already formidable list of results with the club. This is his second victory for 2002, His fifth major result for the year and brings his overall tally of major placings with the SDVLCC since 2000 to 15. James now has the highest number of victories with the Southern Vets with eight since 2000 and has edged clear of Laurie Pearce on seven. Laurie was the first unplaced rider over sixty-five in todays event.
Paul Bell has continued a very admirable start to the season with his second place. Paul began his agreeable run of form with a victory in the Range Club event in November last year and since then has recorded regular placings each month. He has been placed five times since that victory and now has three placings this year with his most recent being a third in the Milang Open Classic in March.
New rider Brent Telford took third to record his first result with the SDVLCC.
Fourth Placed Brenton MacDonald is another A grade rider with an impressive list of results to his name. Brenton now has nine major results with the club since 2000 and three placings this year. Brenton was a winner in his age division in the club time trial championship and took first in a club event early in February this year.
Trevor Gregory showed ample depth to take fifth in a high class group of finishers. His record with the Southern Vets continues to impress with this taking his tally to seven major placings since 2000. He showed a similar turn of class back in early February when he claimed fourth behind scratch riders Brenton MacDonald, Paul Bell and Peter Fry. Strathalbyn rider Wolfgang Harder took the prize this week for the first rider to finish in the over 60 years category. He will be looking forward to next week with a race scheduled in his home territory. Next week is the Adelaide Steel Security Handicap at Maccelsfield. full results 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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