Hello Vets,

In the Bleat this week;

  • AVCC 2021 Nationals
  • Racing this Week
  • Race Report

Ian Morton

AVCC 2021 Nationals

avv

 

RACING THIS WEEK:

Saturday, 4th July: Old Federal Highway Handicap

Note: Racing is still free this weekend.

Where: Turn left off new Federal Hwy (dual carriageway) onto Shingle Hill Way. The intersection is signposted to Gundaroo and approx 9 km past the Sutton Rd overpass. Park in gravel pit on corner of next intersection about 100 m in from highway.
When: 1:30 pm.
Sign on: 15 mins before scheduled start time wearing your registered number
Race Description:
Old Federal Highway – Tulip Farm
All Grades 3 Laps

Race Director:  Clinton Porteous Contact: Email: clintonporteous@hotmail.com    Ph  0403 369 588

Marshals: Kevin Wells, Tony Sheehan, Bruce Goodfellow, David Gunther

Framework for “Return to Play in a COVID-safe Environment”

This Framework details how cycling events will be delivered by the ACT Veterans Cycling Club to meet the recommendations of Canberra’s Recovery Plan. From 19 June 2020, Stage 2.2 allows for groups of no more than 100 participants. Refer to the ACT Government guidelines at http://www.covid19.act.gov.au.

Stage 2.2 & 3 Arrangements

  • On the day of the event, the race Director will be responsible for ensuring that participants follow these guidelines. Where a participant fails to comply they will be asked to leave the event.
  • Any rider who is feeling unwell should not participate. If a rider experiences symptoms such as fever, cough, headache, sore throat, and tiredness, they should stay at home. Consult a doctor if symptoms persist. Coronavirus (COVID-19) Symptom Checker is available at https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/symptom-checker/tool/basic-details.
  • Riders with higher risks from Covid19 are advised not to participate:
    • People aged 70 years and over;
    • People aged 65 years and over with chronic medical conditions;
    • People with compromised immune systems; and
    • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over the age of 50 with one or more chronic medical conditions.
  • Race Officials will maintain 1.5m separation and hygiene standards during event setup, running and shutdown. When handling equipment such as signs and radios, Officials are to maintain hygiene by cleaning, wearing gloves and/or regular hand cleaning.
  • The Club will organise first aid at each event provided by either a professional organisation or by a Club member with a current first aid certificate.
  • Riders and spectators are to maintain a distance of 1.5m from other participants while at the event.
  • Hand hygiene is imperative and hand sanitiser will be available at the event.
  • No physical contact. Participants are to refrain from shaking hands, pats on the back, etc.
  • Post-race refreshments will be provided. Members should bring their own coffee mug.
  • If any rider feels unwell in the two weeks following the race, they must advise the Race Committee who will follow up with health authorities. The Rider Management System is used to record event attendees and has their contact details.

Thanks,

ACTVets Committee

RACE REPORT:

Lookout Hill Graded Scratch – 27th June

An excellent day for racing, mild temperatures and little to no wind, consequently Club members came out of their Covid induced hibernation to race. 62 riders across the grades was a great turnout.

bunch_new
The pack rearing to go…

The race started from Lookout Hill, travelled approximately 3kms towards Tharwa, returned past lookout Hill for 1km, before returning to the start at Lookout Hill. A,B,C and D grades did 4 laps (36kms), while E and F did 3 laps (28kms). The course was relatively flat with the exception of Lookout Hill which riders had to do 4 times, the last time being the ‘sprint’ for the finish line. So sprinters who could climb a bit were going to be favoured – a Michael Mathews finish!

Given the flat nature of the course times were quick. ‘A’ grade didn’t get much time out on the course completing their race in a little over 50 minutes at a speed of just under 39kph.

The course profile also meant that very few riders were dropped before the last ascent of Lookout Hill, riders gapped in the ascent up Lookout Hill were generally able to get back on in the run down towards Tharwa. Consequently there were big bunches of riders ready to contest for the win at the bottom of Lookout Hill for the last ascent.

Winners were – A grade Gerard Tiffen, B grade Conan Liu, C grade Andrew Metz, D grade Anthony O’Connor, E grade Russell Marston and F grade Mijo Spoljaric.

Special mention goes to Colin Young, his first race with the Club, he came second in C grade (showing early race maturity in not winning and risk being bumped up to B grade??).

Unfortunately I do have a more serious issue to raise. As Race Director it was reported to me that a rider in one of the higher grades spat a number of times whilst in the bunch. This practice is unacceptable in normal times but during the current Covid crisis it is potentially a very serious health risk to not only the other riders in the bunch but the Canberra community in general.

In the event that a rider needs to spit or blow their nose whilst racing in a bunch the rider is to move to the back of the bunch and leave a gap before spitting or clearing their nose. In future, any substantiated case of riders spitting or clearing their nose whilst in a bunch will result in that rider being suspended from future races. This is the last warning.

Thanks to Lindsay Graham, Edward Joliffe and Garry Moffit for marshalling, Graham Hendrie for not only bringing the van out but also doing the set up (as always), and Simon Whitehead our First Aider (who thankfully did not have to show us his expertise). Most appreciated everyone.

Owain Tilley