Hello Vets,
In the Bleat this week;
• 2021 Annual General Meeting
• From the Desk of the Handicapper
• From the Race Committee
• First Aid Courses – 27 February and 3 March
• Cycling study at the University of Canberra
• COVID-19 Restrictions
• Racing this Week
• Race Reports
Ian Morton
thebleat@actvets.cc
2021 Annual General Meeting
The AGM for 2021 will be held on Monday 15th February 2021 at 7:00pm in the Loft Meeting Room at the Raiders Club Weston.
Due to COVID restrictions, there is a limit of 32 attendees. For those that wish to attend, could you please pre-register by sending email to the Secretary (secretary@actvets.cc). Any additional attendees or those that can’t attend in person, use the following zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/96643225470?pwd=TTV1OSsxcUZMdGR3aUcvMGpKdEZKZz09
For those that use zoom we need you to register your attendance. Use Chat in zoom to fully identify yourself. For example “Joe Blow is attending ACTVETS CC AGM”.
NOTE: Any Apologies should be advised to the secretary.
Russell Marston
Secretary ACT Veterans Cycling Club
secretary@actvets.cc
From the Desk of the Handicapper
This week’s promotions
– Felipe Lopes Reis D to C road
– Andrew Terracini C to B crit
Vets Out and About
A few vets were busy down at the National Road Championships at Ballarat last week riding for Canberra Cycling Club. Steve Crispin, Tristan Dimmock and Anthony Willemsen and one other CCC rider won the club teams time trial for their age group. Tristan also won his age group for gran fondo while Steve was second in his age group and 9th overall.
Young Tom Chester was ninth in the open men’s criterium, attributing this breakthrough performance to the inspiration gained from his dad (Heath) coming second in B grade on Tuesday night. “Vets B grade is just about the pinnacle of crit racing in the world, and 9th in the Nats nearly matches that. I’ve got some bragging rights too, Dad!”, announced an ecstatic Tom Chester to the awaiting media on Sturt St just after the race.
Rob Langridge
Handicapper
From the Race Committee
Finish chute
After a race finish, grades need to maintain their finish positions and file slowly through the finish chute to have their race number recorded. Sunday’s race had B grade not following this process which caused frustration for the race officials trying to sort out the results. Remember that you could face the same problem when it is your turn to marshal.
Sunday’s Race at Corin
Sunday’s race at Corin is scheduled as a graded scratch with an initial leg out and back from the intersection south to the power line. Then a final climb up Corin Dam Rd to the top.
This is to replace our usual race up Honeysuckle which is closed due to the bush fire.
We have approval for the Corin climb section but are awaiting approval for the 1st section of the race. Further updates to follow in the Bleat, RMS and on Facebook.
Race Van Update
After some testing, with the help of CCC, we have found that storing the van and race equipment in a shipping container at Stromlo is a viable option. We are looking to purchase a suitable container and to be able to park it at Stromlo.
We have not however had anyone volunteer to take on the role of looking after the van and the equipment on an ongoing basis. One other option is for the race officials for each race to prepare the van and take it to the race and to manage the race registration and timing. This could be difficult as there are quite a few things that need to be learned and managed, e.g. ensuring the van is fuelled, kit is charged and consumables have been replaced as well as learning and operating SORS for race entries and results. This would be a steep learning curve and as people would most likely do this at most once a year, soon forgotten prior to having to do it again.
Another option could be to have 11 people assigned, each for 5 weeks at a time over the year (allowing a break over Xmas & New Year). The 1st week would be a hand over from the previous person where you learn what is required. The last week would be a hand over to the next person ensuring they know what to do. Given the impact this would have on people’s racing, they would not be expected to help out again for a considerable period of time.
The committee is open to suggestions from members as how best to continue supporting our races.
NSW Race Approvals
We are yet to receive approvals for NSW races. Upper Lachlan Council have come back to us requiring we revise our application. They have set some conditions that have significant impacts on getting approvals and running races. The committee will be working on this to try and find a means of continuing to race in the shire at Gunning, Dalton and Yass. Members should be aware that all NSW races in RMS are subject to getting approval from councils and NSW Police.
Ian McVay
Race Committee
First Aid Courses – 27 February and 3 March
For some time now, ACT Vets’ has been offering First Aid courses to members on a reimbursed basis with thanks to a Road Safety grant from the ACT Government.
With take up being lower than anticipated, we still have significant unexpended funds, and so with the ACT Government’s approval, we have extended the offer to other clubs and Pedal Power. Our expectation is that with the broader membership base of Pedal Power in particular, we will be able to get the required numbers for a couple of group courses in late February – early March.
If you still have an interest in undertaking a First Aid course and you are able to attend a group class on either of the two prospective dates, please click on the link below to register your interest.
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/first-aid-for-cyclists-tickets-137577763795Please note that places on the course will be limited to grant funds available.
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 next study, which investigates the effect of airflow on thermophysiology and self-paced cycling performance.
What we are looking for;
– Male cyclists (18-55 years)
– Cycling approx 200km per week
– Free from injury and illness
What we require from you;
– 2 x 2 hr preliminary tests (VO2max test and a 15km familiarisation time trial)
– 4 x 30 km cycling time trials in a hot environment with varying wind speeds (testing session 2 hrs in total).
– Measures include: Cycling performance, cre and skin temperature, sweating response, oxygen uptake and cardiac output.
Where is the teat?;
– University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport and Exercise environmental chamber.
When can you test;
– At a convenient time for you, basically anytime between 6am and 6pm. I’m happy to work around your weekend and weekday schedules.
– Trials are sepearted by a minimum of 48hrs (max 72hrs) and must be done around the same time of day.
What do you get;
– Your VO2max
– A comprehnsive physiological and performance profile
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 conditions for travelers from other states.
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, 9th February: 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 28 min + 2 laps
A/C 6:25 A 40m+2, C 35m+2
B/D 7:20 B 40m+2, D 35m+2
Race Director: Andrew Terracini Contact: Email: aterra1972@iinet.net.au Ph 0430 239 007
Marshals: Nigel Smith
Wednesday, 10th February: 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: 200m-fly (flying start TT – Omnium Event).
6.50pm – 7.10pm: 2-lap handicap races.
7.10pm – 7.30pm: Italian pursuit.
Note: Thanks to a generous donation from Robert Langridge, the club now has a spare track bike for temporary loan to anyone who wishes to give track racing a go. If you are interested, bring your own pedals, tyre pump and tools to set saddle height etc. Users will be responsible for checking the bike and ensuring it is safely set up for racing. Come early if you wish to take up this option.
Sunday, 14th February – Corin – Graded Scratch
Where: Start of course is at the intersection of Tidbinbilla Rd and the Corin Dam Rd. Finish is approx 12km up the Corin Dam Rd at entry to the old Square Rock car park, near the gate.
When: 9:00 am.
Sign on: 15 mins before scheduled start time wearing your registered number
Race Description:
Race toward Tharwa and turn at power lines, then climb to Square Rock car park.
Race Director: Elton Ivers Contact: Email: elton.ivers@gmail.com Ph 0408 418 811
Marshals: Paul Welsh ETC, Darren Blackhurst ETC, John Stokman
RACE REPORTS:
SFP Criterium – 2nd February
Fine and windy conditions saw a good turnout, with plenty of breakaways and chases to keep things interesting. 19 starters in A grade drew in several attacks and breakaways with Gerard Tiffin claiming victory ahead of Rob McLachlan and Mark Harris.
Thirty two riders battled it out from the B team with Daniel Crocker first, Heath Chester second and Mark Vardy third. From the 20 lads and 4 lasses in C grade, visitor Micheal Davis, beat Andrew Terracini (visiting from B grade) over the line; followed by James Tonkin and Wayne Benham.
The twenty one D graders managed to mostly stay together as a bunch, with Linda Stall’s demonstrating her individual time trial skills into the wind. In the end Eoin Rothery claimed the gold from Anthony Dick, silver and David Hennessy bronze.
As the sun slipped behind the mountains E, F and G took to the track. Chris Reis took first in E grade followed by Penelope Anderson second and Geoff Ellacott third. Colin Calderwood beat Mike Hayes followed by Adrian Breen in the top three for F grade. Bernie Crowe and Gai Monahan did a couple of laps together in G before Bernie pulled ahead for a convincing victory.
Rosemary Robinson
Track Racing – 3rd February
The evening weather for the season’s 13th track racing session was warm with a stiff headwind in the Bundadome back straight. Overall, conditions were good for racing. Attendance was good, with 18 riders, 7 in A grade and 11 in B grade.
The 10-lap A grade scratch race started at a steady pace with Ben Robey doing half a lap before Warwick Wilson took over for 1.5 laps. There were steady turns by Craig Kentwell, Steve Jones and John Paul De Sousa before Michael Langdon rolled into the lead on lap 6 and increased the pace. Warwick Wilson quickly closed down the gap caused by Michael’s acceleration and the bunch barrelled around the latter laps becoming increasingly compacted. As the bell lap approached, Craig Kentwell attacked setting up a fast, 1-lap sprint. Michael Langdon, Steve Jones and John Paul DeSousa soon pulled to the front of the sprint with Steve pouncing around Michael as the finish approached. The result was Steve Jones first, Michael Langdon second and John Paul De Sousa third. Craig Kentwell’s enterprise went unrewarded as he was swamped by pursuers and fell back in the pack.
The 10-lap B Grade scratch race started at moderate pace with initial turns at the front by Phil Coulton, Bruce Griffin, Ken Birch and Colin Calderwood. On lap 5 Ian Drayton rolled into the lead and raised the pace a notch. The increased pace continued with further lead outs by Elizabeth Lowe, Alison Hale, Phil Anderson, Colin Calderwood and James Newhouse. When Graeme O’Neill rolled to the front on lap 8, the pack was getting toey. Half a lap later Ian Drayton attacked and a pursuing bunch comprising Tony Beasley, James Newhouse, Phil Anderson, Ken Birch and Phil Coulton streamed around Graeme in hot pursuit of Ian. Ian Drayton held out for the win, closely followed by Tony Beasley and James Newhouse in that order.
The evening’s second event was a series of paired match races over two laps. These races threw up a variety of tactics with some riders opting for a long sprint and others waiting for a short, brutal, final burst. Most of the match races were good close contests, the standout being Craig Kentwell matched against Warwick Wilson. Craig managed to win this race by little more than a tyre width after a final throw at the line. The evenings match race winners were Wayne Benham, Steve Jones, Craig Kentwell, Ian Drayton, Tony Beasley, James Newhouse, Bruce Griffin, Colin Calderwood and Phil Anderson.
The track session closed with the usual, all-in, Italian pursuit. This was a challenging event with big teams (8 riders) putting a strain on the anchor riders. Both teams had good starts and rode without error. Team 1 established an early lead and maintained it for most of the event. However, in the closing laps, Wayne Benham managed a great burst that brough Team 2 virtually level with Team 1. In the final lap Michael Langdon for Team 1 started with a slight advantage over John Paul De Sousa for Team 2. John Paul appeared to be tiring and was unable to make any gain on Michael, thus conceding the win to Team 1. Overall, it was a solid, close contest.
Major place getters for Wednesday were as follows:
10-Lap Scratch: (A Grade) Steve Jones, Michael Langdon, John Paul De Sousa. (B Grade) Ian Drayton, Tony Beasley, James Newhouse.
2-Lap Match Races: (Winners) Wayne Benham, Steve Jones, Craig Kentwell, Ian Drayton, Tony Beasley, James Newhouse, Bruce Griffin, Colin Calderwood, Phil Anderson.
Combined Italian Pursuit: Winner Team 1 (Michael Langdon, Craig Kentwell, Ben Robey, Tony Beasley, Ian Drayton, Graeme O’Neill, Phil Coulton, Elizabeth Lowe).
Season Point Score Update:
Ian Drayton (198), Steve Jones (188), Phil Anderson (176), Ken Birch (163), James Newhouse (164), John Paul De Sousa (160), Wayne Benham (141), Alison Hale (132), Phil Coulton (118), Craig Kentwell (104).
Graeme O’Neill
Lookout Hill – 7th January
Sundays weather was much more agreeable than same time on Saturday in which over 50 starters turned up for a great sunny morning of racing.
A grade 1st off and pretty much stayed together with notable attacks by Stephan Isbal and a great effort by Brendon Byatt coming back after injury. In the end Gerard Tiffen took the win from Marc Vroomans Rainer Wilton.
B grade was also close with Peter Zygadio taking the win from Ben McDuff followed by Luke Bewley. B grades times were only 1 mnute 40 seconds slower than A grade.
C grade was also a good turnout. The ever young John Paul de Sousa won ahead of Kevin Wells followed by Craig Lindenmayer.
In D grade. a smaller field started off at an easy pace to the first turnaround. There were a number of attacks by Pete Harding but the bunch kept him in check. In the end a well deserved win went to Felipe Reis with Peter Evans second in a break away with Sally Thomson winning the bunch sprint for third.
E and F grade started together with solid rides from all. Alex Sommariva took the win from Russell Marston and third was Ian Morton. In her first race, Virginia Lindemayer went the whole distance to take out F grade in a well deserved effort.
Sean Ifland
