Hello Vets,

In the Bleat this week;

•  ACTVCC Evaluation Survey: We want to hear from you

•  Race support needed

•  Marshal Swap

•  From the Desk of the Handicapper

•  COVID-19 Restrictions

•  Racing this Week

•  Race Reports

Ian Morton
thebleat@actvets.cc

ACTVCC Evaluation Survey: We want to hear from you

Thank-you to the many people who have already completed this survey over the last week. If you haven’t yet completed the survey, we would be grateful if you could take 5-10 minutes to do so. The survey is for current Vets members (including those not racing), former Vets members, and other cyclists in the ACT and surrounding region aged 30 and over who are interested in cycle-racing, including members of other cycling clubs. This will help to identify how we can better engage with our membership and the broader cycle-racing community.

Responses are anonymous and we value your feedback and thoughts. The findings will assist us to identify what works well and where we can improve, and will support the Committee to make informed decisions to respond to the needs and interests of members. We have engaged an external evaluator to help us with this work.

Access the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ACTVCC_2020

The survey closes on Wednesday 25 November 2020.For more information about the evaluation activities, visit the ACTVCC website: https://actvets.cc/about/have-your-say-actvcc-survey.

Race support needed

The club is extremely lucky to have Graham Hendrie looking after, and bringing out to races, our race van. Graham also manages the timing and results recording and uploading into RMS. This operates like a pro rider, very smooth looking but a lot of hard work going on.

Graham is looking to take a break from marshal duties, so we need to start looking at transitioning some of the tasks that he does to other people. This could be a member of the club, a family member or someone who has spare time and an interest in cycling. If you are interested in helping out, or know someone who would be, please get in touch with the race Committee.

Remember, it’s up to everyone in the club to help ensure we continue to have a viable ongoing race program.

Marshal Swap

Des Brown is unavailable for his rostered Marshalling on Sunday 6 December. He is looking to swap with anyone for another event except 1st or 8th December

He can be contacted on 0405 925 828.

From the Desk of the Handicapper

Did you know?

Rory Sutherland has retired after 20 years in the peloton. Rory was born in Canberra and raced locally early on in his career. His career is summarised in the attachment from Velofacts. Highlights from Wikipedia included podium finishes in the nationals RR and TT, top 10 in the Tour of California and 9 grand tour finishes. According to the RMS, and not mentioned in Wikipedia, current member Michael Payne rode the fastest time in a joint handicap with the Vets and Canberra Cycling Club in November 2005 and beat Rory! Perhaps Michael, Steve Blackburn, Mark Harris or Dave Hennessy who were also there can shed some light on this surprising event.

With the departure of Rory and the retirement of Gracie Elvin, the number of Canberrans in the pro peloton continues to unfortunately dwindle.

Handicaps

This weeks handicaps;
Carmine Spagnoletti C to B road
Des Brown D to C road
Keiran Butler B to A crit

Rob Langridge
Handicapper

COVID-19 Restrictions

There are legal requirements in place for people returning to the ACT from Victoria and particular places in New South Wales to self-quarantine.

Members who have been to any of these locations in the past 14 days should be complying with ACT Government quarantine restrictions.

Members should stay home if you have been feeling unwell or showing symptoms of COVID-19 or been in contact with someone who has felt unwell in the past 2 weeks.

RACING THIS WEEK:

Tuesday, 17th November: Stromlo Criterium

Where: Stromlo Forest Park
Sign on: 15 mins before scheduled start time wearing your registered number.
Race Description:
E/F/G 5:50 20 min + 2 laps
A/C 6:25 A 38m+2, C 33m+2
B/D 7:05 B 38m+2, D 33m+2

Race Director:  Kevin Newhouse Contact: Email: knewhouse@bigpond.com    Ph  0417 132 213

Marshals: Ron Parker

Wednesday, 18th November: Track Racing

The Program for Wednesday is;
5.30pm – 6.00pm: Warm-up and free practice;
6.00pm – 6.20pm: 8-lap graded scratch race;
6.20pm – 6.50pm: Graded 200m fly;
6.50pm – 7.10pm: 10-lap snowball;
7.10pm – 7.30pm: Italian pursuit.

Sunday, 15th November: Uriarra Homestead – Time Trial – Graded

Note: This Sunday’s race at Uriarra is a graded time trial over 40km. In order to give those without the mega budget to afford a topflight TT rig a better chance, we are going to allow a 2 minute time discount for standard road configurations. To qualify for the bonus you must have no aero kit, i.e. no disc wheel or wheels > 25cm rim depth; aero helmet; one-piece suit, over boots, TT specific aero frame, or aero bars. Qualifying is at the discretion of the race director.

ps. Don’t forget Sunday’s race is pre-entry or cash on the day.

Where: Assemble at Uriarra Rd / Brindabella Rd, T-Junction. From North Canberra slightly faster Coppins crossing & right onto Uriarra Road. From Sth Canberra follow Cotter Road down to bridge crossing, turn right onto Brindabella Road.
When: 9:00 am.
Sign on: 15 mins before scheduled start time wearing your registered number
Race Description:
Two laps of Uriarra Homestead – top of Crossing – Short turn – Homestead. Plus Homestead – top of Uriarra Crossing – Homestead.

Race Director:  Brian Peak Contact: Email: brianpeak1@me.com    Ph 0424 403 696

Marshals: Ed Logue ETC, Robert Miller ETC, Frank O’Sullivan ETC, Jeremy Gillman-Wells

RACE REPORTS:

Track Racing – 11th November

Wednesday 11 November saw the fifth track racing session for the 2020-21 season. Weather conditions were excellent for racing. It was warm with a fresh breeze creating a headwind in the back straight. Attendance was good with 19 riders, 11 in A grade and 8 in B grade.

The 8-lap A grade scratch race started at an easy pace that increased as the laps ticked off. John Paul De Sousa and Dougal Torrance led the initial laps. Craig Kentwell raised the pace a notch when he rolled to the front. He and Ben Davis gained a small lead over the pack which began to string out. On lap 5 Michael Langdon put in attack with Wayne Benham in pursuit. Michael and Wayne gained a 5 metre gap before Steve Jones and Dave Mullins sensed the danger and set out in pursuit. As the bell lap approached, a group comprising Wayne Benham, Michael Langdon, Steve Jones and Dave Mullins had a gap on the field. Steve Jones proved strongest in the sprint taking first place from Michael Langdon and Dave Mullins in that order.

The B Grade scratch race was quite orderly for the first six laps. Phil Coulton, Alison Hale, Ian Drayton, Ken Birch and Phil Anderson took turns at the front with the pace gradually rising. On lap 7 Phil Coulton and Ian Drayton put in an attack, quickly gaining 20 metres on the field. Phil Anderson closed on the pair and as the finish approached, Ian Drayton surged out for the win. Phil Anderson eclipsed Phil Coulton as the line approached with the pair taking second and third respectively.

The evening’s second event was a 2-lap standing start time trial. This is a hard event requiring a good initial acceleration and just the right pacing for a good result. In A grade, Michael Langdon took advantage of his first track session to post the standout time of 51.67 seconds. Wayne Benham rode a well-paced pair of laps for second best time of 53.86 seconds. John Paul De Sousa posted third best result at 54.64 seconds. The best results in B Grade were quite close with James Newhouse first at 58.48 seconds, Ian Drayton second by a very small margin at 58.50 seconds, and Bruce Griffin a close third at 59.09 seconds.

The track session closed with the usual, all-in, Italian pursuit. The teams were quite large at 9 riders each, requiring a big effort from the later riders. Team 2 had a starting mishap that looked fatal to their chance of winning. Alison Hale pulled a foot out of the pedal and the team slowed while she recovered. However, Alison recovered quickly and the team reorganised efficiently, losing less than half a lap on Team 1. Normally that lead would be impossible to run down. However, Team 2 were energised and cohesive and made inroads on Team 1 lap after lap. After mid-race, some of the Team 1 riders were tiring noticeably and this gave Team 2 the final impetus to pull clear of Team 1. On the final lap Team 2s anchor took over with about 10m advantage. The advantage was just too great for Team 1s Steve Jones to run down. It was a great performance from Team 2, as it would have been tempting to give up after their starting mishap.

Major place getters were as follows:
8-Lap Scratch: (A Grade) Steve Jones, Michael Langdon, Dave Mullins. (B Grade) Ian Drayton, Phil Anderson, Phil Coulton.
2-Lap SS Time Trail: (A Grade) Michael Langdon (51.67), Wayne Benham (53.86s), John Paul De Sousa (54.64s). (B Grade) James Newhouse (58.48s), Ian Drayton (58.50s) Bruce Griffin (59.09s).
Combined Italian Pursuit: Winner Team 2 (Ben Davis, Dominique Rideaux, Ben Robey, Wayne Benham, Ken Birch, Michael Langdon, Phil Coulton, Alison Hale, Phil Anderson).

Season Point Score Update:
John Paul De Sousa (70), Phil Coulton (68), Phil Anderson (68), Ken Birch (58), Steve Jones (58), Dougal Torrance (58), Ian Drayton (53), Bruce Griffin (51), Ben Robey (51), James Newhouse (48).

Graeme O’Neill

Old Federal Highway – 15th November

Sunday was a perfect day for racing, warm and calm. Three A graders set a cracking pace and stayed together for the entire race. They even managed to catch D grade as they were finishing. The honours went to Gerard Tiffen with Christophe Barberet close behind followed by Paul Welch.

B grade split almost immediately with Al Raitt and Dave Dickson off the front and circulating quickly. They maintained their lead over a splintering bunch behind. Al Raitt won from Dave Dickson with Carmine Spagnoletti the best of the rest.

A big field of 15 C graders stayed together for nearly the entire race. First time rider Emma Padovan did plenty of work on the front. Rafi Khan won the sprint followed by Joel Rahman and Andrew Matz.

11 riders in D grade had to suffer Des Brown’s attacks up each hill which shedded a couple off the back. In the end, Alain Arbaut prevailed over the evergreen Dave Hennessy and Des Brown.

The marshalls were impressed by the speed of the 8 E graders. They were circulating at about the same pace as D grade. The bunch whittled down to 6 after the first lap. I asked Don De Smet how he was feeling after the second lap. There was no ambiguity in his reply! Lance Purdon won the sprint from Alex Sommariva and Greg Mitchell.

2 sole F graders started with E grade but were soon circulating together. They worked together for the whole race with Chris Moffatt taking the honours from Chris Copeland.

Thanks to the wonderful volunteers that made the race seamless. Being a race director made me appreciate what a huge amount of work Graham Hendrie does week in and week out. He’s a legend.

Bruce Griffin
Race Referee

Hello Vets,

In the Bleat this week;

•  ACTVCC Evaluation Survey: We want to hear from you

•  Race support needed

•  Persistence

•  From the Desk of the Handicapper

•  COVID-19 Restrictions

•  Racing this Week

•  Race Reports

Ian Morton
thebleat@actvets.cc

ACTVCC Evaluation Survey: We want to hear from you

Can you please take 5-10 minutes to complete this survey for current Vets members (including those not racing), former Vets members, and other cyclists in the ACT and surrounding region aged 30 and over who are interested in cycle-racing, including members of other cycling clubs. This will help to identify how we can better engage with our membership and the broader cycle-racing community.

Responses are anonymous and we value your feedback and thoughts. The findings will assist us to identify what works well and where we can improve, and will support the Committee to make informed decisions to respond to the needs and interests of members. We have engaged an external evaluator to help us with this work.

Access the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ACTVCC_2020

The survey closes on Wednesday 25 November 2020.For more information about the evaluation activities, visit the ACTVCC website: https://actvets.cc/about/have-your-say-actvcc-survey.

Race support needed

The club is extremely lucky to have Graham Hendrie looking after, and bringing out to races, our race van. Graham also manages the timing and results recording and uploading into RMS. This operates like a pro rider, very smooth looking but a lot of hard work going on.

Graham is looking to take a break from marshal duties, so we need to start looking at transitioning some of the tasks that he does to other people. This could be a member of the club, a family member or someone who has spare time and an interest in cycling. If you are interested in helping out, or know someone who would be, please get in touch with the race Committee.

Remember, it’s up to everyone in the club to help ensure we continue to have a viable ongoing race program.

Persistence

A past member of the club shared this tale of persistence:

“Just thought I would update you on an altercation I had with an ACTION bus driver. Unfortunately my rear video was turned off, but my daughter reminded me an ACTION bus would have its own video on!!

I was in the right turn lane from Hindmarsh Drive into Tyagarah Street O’Malley. I was stopped waiting for traffic to clear to allow me safe passage across Hindmarsh Drive into Tyagarah Street. I was at the head of the lane and there were no other vehicles in front of me. An ACTION bus, travelling behind me, then pulled up immediately next to me on my left hand side, such that there was less than 50cm separating me and my bike from the bus and the driver’s side window. I remonstrated with him that he was not giving me the mandatory 1.5 metre clearance. He did not reply and immediately accelerated the bus across the intersection forcing me to push myself away from the bus to avoid being run over or crushed. The bus clearly had enough room to stop behind rather than alongside and wait for me to cross the intersection. I only narrowly avoided the bus pushing me of my bike or being run over by the rear wheels. In fact as the bus pushed past me I had to lever myself away from it. Not only did he not provide me the mandatory by law 1.5 metre clearance but also overtook me on my left hand side which is also an offence and drove in a manner dangerous by nearly running over me and my bike. I considered the drivers actions to be provocative, unnecessary and dangerous.

So I made a complaint;

First reaction from ACTION. Your feedback has been reviewed and the driver has been reminded of their safe driving responsibilities.

OK but NOT HAPPY!

My response: I do not consider reminding the driver of his responsibilities in regard to the passing within 1.5 metres rule is adequate considering the drivers actions were deliberately provocative and aggressive. Had it not been for my actions in trying to get away from the bus as he attempted to force me off the road I could have been killed or seriously injured. With such an inadequate response I request the drivers name so that the matter can be reported to Police.

Second response from ACTION

I can advise that the driver has been interviewed regarding the incident and the matter reviewed with the driver. The driver has been advised to stay behind cyclists in similar circumstance and where the cyclist is turning a corner to give them room to safely travel around the corner. A copy of this incident does remain on the driver’s record and any future incidents of a similar nature will lead to driver retraining and further action through the Transport Canberra internal disciplinary process.

If you report the matter to the AFP, Transport Canberra will provide any required information to the police as a part of any investigation of the incident.

So I reported matter to Police. Initially unwilling to take my complaint but when I reminded them ACTION would have video and I was prepared to make a statement the matter was referred to Traffic Police.

Eventually they responded and viewed video footage but decide to only caution the driver!!! Accused me of remonstrating with the driver (yes I did, so what!!) and hitting the bus. I explained that was me pushing myself of the bus to avoid being run over. Drivers reason for overtaking on left was the bike was stationary??? My reply to police was that an ACTION bus driver was supposed to be a professional driver and aware of road rules! I stated still not happy and would explore other options which would be to complain about to Police Professional Standards about ‘POLICE INACTION’. Investigation officer said he would review matter in light of my response.

End result; Traffic Infringement Notice with $$ fine issued!

Moral of story if going to report matters keep following up and do not accept an inadequate response. Also the investigating officer informed me that they were about to start an operation regarding ‘safe passing distances’ with police on bikes with go pros radioing ahead of infringements!!”

From the Desk of the Handicapper

Big fields and safety considerations

Perfect weather and who knows whatever other factors are resulting in huge fields on Tuesday nights. If only there was as much enthusiasm for turning up to the Old Federal Highway or Breadalbane when it’s blowing a gale and close to zero wind chill!. Nonetheless, this is still less than half the club’s members. Imagine if nearly 300 riders turned up to race? So far the fields have been well strung out and conducted safely. Here are some points to remember when racing in large bunches.

Rider safety is the race director’s number one priority

All riders finishing safely with no results is far more important than having a podium decided but others sprawled out on the course. Therefore, the race may be shortened or lengthened at any time owing to safety considerations. If you are keen on getting a good result, make sure you look at the boards on every lap towards the end of the race. On Tuesday, the ‘D 2’ boards were put out twice, so for two laps the riders had two laps to go. This was not a mistake but was designed to allow B grade to pass before the D grade final lap. The race director wanted to avoid D finishing their last lap while being overtaken by B grade. In dangerous or chaotic situations some riders will sense the increased risk and back off, others will plough on oblivious to what’s developing while others will attack to capitalise on the situation. Everyone has differing levels of skill and acceptable risk, but it’s the race director’s role to ensure that races are conducted safely for all.

Flags

In addition to the boards, we also have three flags to indicate changes in conditions.

Red

Red means race abandoned. Riders should ride slowly to the finish, and results will not be recorded. If a crash occurs, stop when safe to do so and render assistance by alerting the race director and first aid attendant, usually by furious arm waving.

Yellow

Yellow signifies the race has been neutralised, either because of a crash where the affected riders are able to move off the course or can rejoin the race, or because the grades have become mixed up. If the grades are mixed, the race director will show a grade board and wave the yellow flag. The grade affected should slow to less to around than 30km/h and allow the two groups to separate. Rider/s ignoring this instruction may next receive a red flag, indicating they have been disqualified. Using the speed of the higher grade to gain an advantage is is obviously unfair to other riders in the same grade.

Green

Green signifies a resumption of friendly hostilities!

Overtaking

So far most of the overtaking by grades has been done cleanly and safely. Some points to remember are:
1. Do not use the draft of the passing grade to surge onto the back of it, and in the process drop riders from your own grade;
2. Follow the instructions of the passing grade regarding which side of the course to be on. If it’s ‘right’ stay right, and by the way, right is the side your chainrings are on.

Handicaps

Michael Hanbury C to B
Sean Ifland B to A
Mark Harradine D to B

Rob Langridge
Handicapper

COVID-19 Restrictions

There are legal requirements in place for people returning to the ACT from Victoria and particular places in New South Wales to self-quarantine.

Members who have been to any of these locations in the past 14 days should be complying with ACT Government quarantine restrictions.

Members should stay home if you have been feeling unwell or showing symptoms of COVID-19 or been in contact with someone who has felt unwell in the past 2 weeks.

RACING THIS WEEK:

Tuesday, 10th November: Stromlo Criterium

Where: Stromlo Forest Park
Sign on: 15 mins before scheduled start time wearing your registered number.
Race Description:
A/C 5:50 A 38m+2, C 33m+2
B/D 6:35 B 38m+2, D 33m+2
E/F/G 7:15 25 min + 2 laps

Race Director:  Susan Frost Contact: Email: suefrost@tpg.com.au    Ph  0408 636 975

Marshals: Leeanne Tennant

Wednesday, 11th November: Track Racing

The Program for Wednesday is;
5.30pm – 6.00pm: Warm-up and free practice;
6.00pm – 6.20pm: 8-lap graded scratch race;
6.20pm – 7.00pm: 2-lap SS time trial;
7.00pm – 7.20pm: Italian pursuit.

Sunday, 15th November: Old Federal Highway Graded Scratch

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: 9:00 am.
Sign on: 15 mins before scheduled start time wearing your registered number
Race Description:
Old Federal Highway Gravel Pit to Lake George and back.
ABCD 4 laps for 48km.
EFG 3 laps for 36km.

Race Director:  Bruce Griffin Contact: Email: griffy996@gmail.com    Ph 0402 000 619

Marshals: Robert Solomon, Ben Healy, Anthony Dick, Heath Wade

RACE REPORTS:

SFP Criterium – 3rd October

A wonderful evening for riding Crits – and the turnout was exceptional. We had a bigger crowd than the Melbourne Cup! Welcome to the new members and a couple of visitors on the night, and thanks to Jim for moving the ever-present roos off the bottom loops.

The B/D race was the first of the evening, with 33 B grade riders and 35 from D grade filling the track. To my eye, the 68 riders looked like a capacity race. Soon enough the fast-moving B Grade overtook the D-grade bunch; nevertheless at the D-Grade ‘Two Lap’ call it became clear we were in for a challenge, as the B-Grade bunch was gaining fast. D-Grade was sent for an additional lap; if not called this way, D-Grade would have been crossing the finish line just as B-grade overtook them. Thanks to the trusty Handicapper for supporting this call. In B-grade, Paul Watson took line honours, with Sean Ifland and visitor Gerard Walsh in second and third spots. Mark Harradine was first over the line in D-Grade, with David Buckley and Ian Drayton in hot pursuit.

The E/F/G grade race was a welcome breather for the marshals; two bunches (E + F/G) formed quickly. Good riding by the sole G-grade rider (Mijo Spoljaric) which saw him stay with the F-grade bunch for most of the ride. Congratulations to new E-grade rider Sara Korevaar van der Meer for a convincing win off Mick Donaldson and Philip Anderson. F-grade was won by Pat Rooke, followed by Adrian Breen and Mike Hayes in places 2 and 3.

We were back to the bigger numbers for the A/C grades, with 17 and 29 starters respectively. There were breakaways early for both grades. A-Grade split quickly, with an early attack from a group of 5 riders. Three dropped back, leaving Jeremy Gillman-Wells and Steve Crispin in a fast-moving ‘group of two’ for the rest of the race. The sprint to the line was strong, with a convincing win by Jeremy with Steve not far off his wheel. We had another sprint to the line from the next A-Grade group, with Gerard Tiffen leading the group to finish in third place overall. In C-grade, there were several break-away groups, first across the line was Michael Hanbury, followed by Rodney Welch and Jay Reid.

Fantastic turnout – thanks to all committee members for your support on a busy night.

Penelope Anderson

Track Racing – 4th November

Wednesday 4 November saw the fourth track racing session for the 2020-21 season. Initial weather conditions were good for racing. It was warm with a slight breeze. However, the sky became increasingly overcast over the session. Ultimately, the race program was cut short due to impending rain. Attendance was good with 15 riders, 10 in A grade and 5 in B grade.

The 8-lap A grade scratch race started slowly and increased in pace as the laps ticked off. Dougal Torrance, Craig Kentwell, John Paul De Sousa, Ben Robey and Rowan McMurray took turns at the front. It was not until Lap 7 that a rider attacked. Craig Kentwell took the initiative about halfway through lap 7 gaining 10 metres on the bunch before Dougal Torrance burst from the pack to pursue. As the bell lap approached, Dougal rolled over Craig and headed for home with a comfortable margin. Craig began to tire over the final lap and a small bunch overtook him with John Paul De Sousa gaining second place ahead of Ben Davis in third.

The B Grade scratch race was not too different from A grade. Riders swapped the lead in an orderly fashion for six laps with Phil Coulton, Alison Hale, Phil Anderson and Ken Birch taking turns at the front. James Newhouse had mechanical problems and dropped out early in the race. By lap 7, the bunch was compact with riders jockeying for position into the bell lap. Ultimately Ken Birch attacked from the bunch with Phil Coulton and Phil Anderson in hot pursuit. The trio finished in that order.

The evening’s second event was a 4-lap handicap. The A and B grade fields were mixed into two races. The longer handicap races provide A grade riders with time to chase down B graders. However, it takes quite an effort. In Race 1 Alison Hale made the most of her handicap and almost pulled off a win. She was just beaten by Craig Kentwell in first place and Dave Mullens second. Alison held on courageously for third place. Race 2 was dominated by A grade with Warwick Wilson, Dougal Torrance and Hamish Anderson taking the podium places in that order.

Because of approaching bad weather, the scheduled mystery races were abandoned and the track session closed with an all-in, Italian pursuit. Teams 1 and 2 each had 5 riders. The race was anticlimactic, because Team 1 had major pacing problems and largely abandoned normal track craft. Team 2 were much more cohesive with no gaps in the paceline. This gave them an easy and decisive win.

Major place getters were as follows:
8-Lap Scratch: (A Grade) Dougal Torrance, John Paul De Sousa, Ben Davis. (B Grade) Ken Birch, Phil Coulton, Phil Anderson.
4-Lap Handicap: (Race 1 A&B Grade) Craig Kentwell, Dave Mullens, Alison Hale. (Race 2 A&B Grade) Warwick Wilson, Dougal Torrance, Hamish Anderson.
Combined Italian Pursuit: Winner Team 2 (Craig Kentwell, Dominique Rideaux, John Paul De Sousa, Rowan McMurray, Ken Birch).

Season Point Score Update:
John Paul De Sousa (59), Phil Coulton (54), Phil Anderson (54), Ken Birch (46), Steve Jones (45), Dougal Torrance (44), Bruce Griffin (40), Ben Robey (39), Hamish Anderson (38), Ian Drayton (36).

Graeme O’Neill

Sutton Driver Training Centre – 8th November

On a very pleasant Sunday morning 57 riders came out to play. To make the riding a bit different we introduced a water crossing near the second hill, where about 10cm deep water was running over the track. Apart from a puncture and a dropped chain, which ruined the day for two riders, it was an uneventful day with clear winners in all grades.

Results:

A Grade – 50 minutes plus 1 lap
Steve Crispin was a clear winner half a lap ahead of a bunch of 5 riders lead in by Callum Henshaw and Marc Vroomans

B Grade – 50 minutes plus 1 lap
In a field of 14 riders Peter Zygado was a clear winner with Sean Ifland and Kieran Butler taking the minor placings

C Grade – 40 minutes plus 1 lap
In a field of 13 riders newcomer Mark Porter was first across the line (welcome to B grade!!) but regular placings went to Rodney Welch with Clinton Porteous and Peter Balim in the minor placings

D Grade – 40 minutes plus 1 lap
12 riders took to the track and stayed together until the last lap with John Stokman victorious followed by Andrew Hislap and Alain Barbaret

E Grade – 30 minutes plus 1 lap
In a field of 8 riders Alex Sommariva was a clear winner followed by Terry Moore and Ian Morton.

F Grade – 30 minutes plus 1 lap
The two ladies in F rode together until the last lap when Pat Rooke took a commanding lead to the line from Polly Templeton

Thanks to:

Anthony O’Connor for timekeeping and getting the finish order sorted.
Simon Whitehead for being ever vigilant as our first aider, and,
Ian McVay for getting the van to the start line and keeping us all in order.

Dennis Puniard
Race Referee

Hello Vets,

In the Bleat this week;

•  Cycling study at the University of Canberra

•  COVID-19 Restrictions

•  Racing this Week

•  Race Reports

Ian Morton
thebleat@actvets.cc

Cycling study at the University of Canberra

I’m Felicity, a third-year PhD candidate in Environmental Physiology at the University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport and Exercise. I’m currently recruiting cyclists for my second study, which investigates the effect of variations in relative humidity on thermal and physiology responses during a cycling time trial in the heat.

What we are looking for;
– Trained male cyclists and triathletes (18-55 years)
– Cycling a minimum of 250km per week
– Can reach 5W/Kg during a VO2max test

What we require from you;
– ~3 weeks of testing at UCRISE
– 2 x 2hr familiarisation trials
– 4 x 2hr 30km time trials in varying relative humidity in a hot environment

What we will be measuring;
– Performance – average power output (W), cadence (rpm), speed (kph)
– Thermal response – core and skin temperature, sweat loss
– Cardiorespiratory response – VO2max, heart rate, cardiac output

What we will give you;
– Your VO2max
– A comprehnsive physiological and performance profile

At the end of study completion, participants receive their VO2max and a comprehensive performance and physiology profile. It’s a great chance to fit in extra training sessions and collect data you may not normally be able to collect. It’s also a great chance to see how well you perform in a variety of environments!

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Kind Regards,

Felicity

Felicity Bright
BAppSc (Ex&SpSc) (Hons)
University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport and Exercise (UCRISE)
Bruce | ACT 2617 | Australia
PhD Candidate
Phone: +61 400 413 895
Email: felicity.bright@canberra.edu.au

COVID-19 Restrictions

There are legal requirements in place for people returning to the ACT from Victoria and particular places in New South Wales to self-quarantine.

Members who have been to any of these locations in the past 14 days should be complying with ACT Government quarantine restrictions.

Members should stay home if you have been feeling unwell or showing symptoms of COVID-19 or been in contact with someone who has felt unwell in the past 2 weeks.

RACING THIS WEEK:

Tuesday, 3rd November: Stromlo Criterium

Where: Stromlo Forest Park
Sign on: 15 mins before scheduled start time wearing your registered number.
Race Description:
B/D 5:50 B 35m+2, D 30m+2
E/F/G 6:25 22 min + 2 laps
A/C 6:55 A 35m+2, C 30m+2

Race Director:  Penelope Anderson Contact: Email: penelopeanderson100@gmail.com    Ph  0458 651 046

Marshals: Dale Riley

Wednesday, 4th November: Track Racing

The Program for Wednesday is;
5.30pm – 6.00pm: Warm-up and free practice;
6.00pm – 6.20pm: 8-lap graded scratch race;
6.20pm – 6.40pm: 4-lap handicap race;
6.40pm – 7.10pm: Graded mystery race;
7.10pm – 7.30pm: Italian pursuit.

Sunday, 8th November: Sutton Driver Training Centre – Criterium – Graded

Reminder: Ride in your Road Grade.

Where: Approx 0.5 km along Sutton Rd from intersection of Sutton Rd and Pialligo Avenue.
When: 9:00 am.
Sign on: 15 mins before scheduled start time wearing your registered number
Race Description:
E/F/G: 9.00am 30 mins + 1 lap
A/B: 9.40am 50 mins + 1 lap
C/D: 10.40am 40 mins + 1 lap

Race Director:  Dennis Puniard Contact: Email: puniard@grapevine.com.au    Ph 0407 220 885

Marshals: Anthony O’Connor

RACE REPORTS:

SFP Criterium – 27th October

It must have been the inclement weather early in the day, but not many people turned up to the race. The track was wet but no rain and no wind.

First to go we had E,F,G E grade with two riders went first followed by F & G together. Penelope in E grade took off in the first lap then TT for the rest of the twenty minutes with Chris Copeland coming home for second. F&G did roll softly together with Mike Hayes doing few big pull at the front, this ended with a close spring won by Adrian Breen followed by a fast finishing Mike Hayes and David Witteveen for third. Special mention to Mijo Spoljaric, the lone G grade, who did finished with F grade.

Only six A grade riders did show up, the low number did not stop them to go full gaz from the mark! Early a rider got dropped, and then half way through the race Ben Morisson had a flat. The riders did not relent right to the finish with a fast and close sprint, won by Jimmy Carol, a very close second Liam O’Dea, third Patrick Quade.

C grade the bunch stayed together for ten minutes when Joel Rahman took off, the bunch must have been asleep, Joel just keep pulling away . No real chase was organized and Joel finished with a good gap. (“Welcome in B grade” – I could hear the Handicapper). The bunch was happy to fight for second and third, the close sprint was won by Adam Strickland and Wayne Donchi.

B grade the bunch was going nicely around the track until Daniel Crocker went away, the pressure was on the bunch to chase, this was getting more exciting. The bunch got split few times but went back together until bell lap. Bruce Goodfellow won the sprint, second Craig Tozer, third Colin Kelley

D grade rolled away pleasantly very social for ten minutes then David Row put the pressure on and broke the bunch, of the eleven starter five got dropped, the race had finally started, we saw lots of surges which were chased down and more riders getting dropped .Of the four riders still in the fight for a podium, the fast finisher David Row won the sprint by few bikes length, second Ian Morton and third Mark Harradine.

Thanks to the committees members to have helped to set up the sign in. Special thanks to Greg Collis to marshal and run a smooth event. And of course the First Aid Officer Simon Whitehead.

Alain Arbaut

Track Racing – 28th October

Wednesday 28 October saw the third track racing session for the 2020-21 season. Conditions were overcast and cool. Fortunately, rain held off until the session was completed. There was a stiff headwind in the back straight. Attendance was satisfactory for the conditions, with 14 riders, 8 in A grade and 6 in B grade.

The 8-lap A grade scratch race started at a modest pace, with Dougal Torrance, John Paul De Sousa and Ben Robey taking turns up front. On lap 3 Steve Hirsler kicked up the pace before rolling over to give Tony Beasley, Ben Davis, Steve Jones and Kerry Knowler turns on the front. On lap 5 Dougal Torrance rotated back to the front and took off, soon gaining 15m on the bunch. Ben Robey and John Paul De Sousa pursued, without result, as Dougal increased his lead to around 20m going into the bell lap. Over the bell lap Steve Jones launched from the trailing pack and put in a mighty pursuit, gradually reeling in Dougal and overtaking him as the finish line approached. Dougal hung on for second place and John Paul De Sousa won the pack sprint for third place.

In the B Grade scratch race, Phil Coulton, Ian Drayton, Ken Birch, Phil Anderson and Bruce Griffin swapped the lead in an orderly fashion for the first five laps. On Lap 6 Ian Drayton took the lead and attacked. Ken Birch pursued immediately and the rest of the bunch streamed around a slowing rider, also in pursuit. By the bell lap there were three riders close to Ian, but unable to overtake. Ian took a comfortable win with Phil Anderson and Ken Birch emerging from the pursuing group to take second and third places respectively.

The evening’s second event was a 20-lap graded points race. This race had 4 sprints at 5 lap intervals. The A grade event was initially dominated by Dougal Torrance who attacked early and banked the first two sprints. The latter half of the race was dominated by Steve Jones and Kerry Knowler who gapped the field and set themselves up for the final two sprints. Kerry took the third sprint with Steve in tow. However, by the last sprint Kerry was tiring in front of a fast closing pack. In this situation, Steve Jones took the initiative and sprinted out for a double points win. Kerry hung on for second. The final points tally was interesting. Steve Jones and Dougal Torrance were tied on 20 points for first place. Kerry Knowler and John Paul De Sousa were tied on 8 points for second place. Ben Robey was third with 7 points.

The B grade points race was dominated by Ian Drayton who won 3 of the 4 sprints. Phil Coulton managed to pip Ian for one of the sprints. The points wash up was Ian Drayton (24), Phil Coulton (20), Bruce Griffin (13).

After a small delay to patch up Graeme O’Neill after a spill, the track session closed with a hurriedly organised Italian pursuit. Only 8 riders volunteered for this race. However, it was the usual close fought contest. Both teams rode flawlessly and circulated with a gap that was never more than a few metres. Team 2 took the win with John Paul De Sousa putting in a solid final lap to gain the small winning margin over Ben Davis. It was another good race to watch.

Major place getters were as follows:
8-Lap Scratch: (A Grade) Steve Jones, Dougal Torrance, John Paul De Sousa. (B Grade) Ian Drayton, Phil Anderson, Ken Birch.
20-Lap Points Race: (A Grade) Steve Jones & Dougal Torrance (20), Kerry Knowler & John Paul De Sousa (8), Ben Robey (7). (B Grade) Ian Drayton (24), Phil Coulton (20), Bruce Griffin (13).
Combined Italian Pursuit: Winner Team 2 (Phil Anderson, John Paul De Sousa, Ben Robey, Ian Drayton).

Season Point Score Update:
Steve Jones (45), Phil Anderson (44), John Paul De Sousa (43), Phil Coulton (41), Bruce Griffin (40), Ian Drayton (36), Tony Beasley (32), Ken Birch (31), Ben Robey (31), Steve Hirsler (30).

Graeme O’Neill

Dog Trap Road – Handicap – 1st November

A surprisingly warm, sunny but breezy spring day greeted 34 riders on Sunday morning for the Dog Trap Road Memorial handicap race. E2 were first off the line with riders heading into the wind to the short turn before turning and flying with the wind to the long turn. At the end of the 1st lap, most of the grades were still together except B Grade, who had split into two bunches. A, B & C grades had, at this stage, made up some time on D & E grades, with the trio of E2s – Penny Anderson, Mark Taylor and Ian Morton – working well together to maintain their lead.

Coming into the final return leg E2 were still leading, with the other grades coming together behind them. In the final sprint for the checkered flag, Penny Anderson got the better of Mark Taylor and Ian Morton to take the win, closely followed by a mix of A & B graders. Fastest time of the day, no surprises, went to Steve Crispin with 1hr 9mins 3sec.

Ian Morton (3rd), Penny Anderson (1st), Mark Taylor (2nd)

Many thanks to Graham Hendrie for driving the van and doing the timing. Thanks to the marshals, Grant Shaw, Shirley-Anne Taylor, Kurt Andrews, Rodney Welch and Tristan Dimmock for all their help. And thanks to Ian McVay for all his behind-the-scenes organising.

Ian Preston
Race Referee