Final graded race in Series

by Glenys Taylor | Oct 13, 2014 | Archive(News)

A new course – fine weather and the opportunity to get more points towards prizemoney.

The new course certainly ticked all the boxes for all the riders.

I personally felt like Mother duck sitting on the back of my clutch of ducklings as we headed down Kimbolton Rd to the finish line. And it was nice to just sit back and relax just as a couple of riders were spotted doing on the way to the turn point. Unfortunately they didn’t even get to the official turn point before turning around, with thoughts of what was on offer at the finish line.

And it was these two riders who also held back to allow the old duck a chance at glory and a sprint to the finish. The old duck didn’t dare turn to look to see if they were chasing.

The new course will obviously be used again next year and I only hope that “the ducklings” will be there to pull “the old duck”  back down Kimbolton Rd again.

Prizemoney was awarded to each grade and the amount paid was relative to the entry fees for each grade. So the more riders in a grade the more prizemoney awarded.

Thanks to all helpers over the series and for this weeks event to Grant Shearman at the crossroads who did a very professional job of directing riders. Also Rebecca Allan, Lynley McKenzie who was waiting for a few riders who didn’t get to the turn point and Matt Levin. And also to Louisa Regan who competently controlled the finish line and recorded all the results assisted by Rebecca.

Click here for results. and here for points tally

Long Slow rides

by Glenys Taylor | Oct 13, 2014 | Archive(News)

Catriona and I are going to do some long slow rides again. The first one will be on Sunday the 19th starting from Memorial Park at 7.30am.

This Sunday we are going to do the 80 km Tour De Manawatu course.   Anyone is welcome and it would be a good chance for beginners to get a look at the course.

We go as fast as the slowest rider. Riders need to bring everything they might need as there will be no outside support.

Look at the calendar for dates for future long slow rides and where they will be going.

The Latest News from New Zealand track cyclist, Simon van Velthooven.

by Glenys Taylor | Oct 8, 2014 | Archive(News)

SIMON VAN VELTHOOVEN

Cambridge, New Zealand

Since the Commonwealth Games I was lucky enough to complete the second half of the Keirin season in Japan incident free with no crashes or training injuries.
Japan post Commonwealth Games was an entirely different feeling as I wasn’t concerned about training for the games, having to be careful about everything and ultimately avoid crashing; I could race a little more ruthlessly and take a few more chances….       

This newsletter update comes with mixed feelings. I had an excellent race win in Ogaki against a number of great Japanese riders, yet it is time to say goodbye to Japan this season, set up shop at the Avantidrome in Cambridge and train my arse off through to Rio, 2016.
However back to Japan and my win in Ogaki – it was a huge milestone for me as it was a dream since getting the initial contract back in 2009 which I remember well as it was on my 21st birthday! To get the 1-1-1 in Ogaki was awesome as it’s bloody hard to get. Many riders get a number of wins, but to get the winning streak is very rare and unheard of.

The following week after the race win I had another great race in Fukui and gave my fellow international rider a lead out and he secured the race win. It was a great battle against two other strong Senko riders which meant I had to start my sprint bloody early and ended up sprinting for around 700m flat out.
After arriving home from Japan I was straight down to Cambridge for New Zealand’s annual Class 1 UCI race meet over the weekend of the 20th September.

I was not expecting much as racing in Japan is like chalk and cheese to the indoor boards however I knew I had some strength in my legs, just not much speed of tactical nous. A mix of Jetlag and lifting boxes into my new pad wasn’t the best build up plan.

The first day was the match sprint and after qualifying in a 10.2 I managed to race my way through the rounds right into the finals and ended up 4th overall being beaten my two Aussies and Sam Webster.  The next day was the Keirin which I knew I had some legs for but was absolutely buggered from the full days racing previously. My heat went well but then drew a harder heat and decided I just had to hit it with full steam which I did whilst also riding a bigger gear than usual! After winning the semi the final was going to be a barn burner with all the top NZ and Aussie Keirin riders.

I drew second wheel behind Shane Perkins which I was very happy with as he had great legs coming off racing in Japan like me. Sam and Matt both attacked early and came over but I stuck to my guns and followed Shane who attacked over the last lap and then I punched it over him around the last corner and crossed the line first. Bloody fantastic.

For now I am tucking into a much needed training block from now until the end of the year. It will be a crucial time as it will help me become stronger in the gym and therefore a reliable team sprint rider and not just a Keirin rider.

Regards,
Simon van Velthooven
New Zealand Sprint Cyclist
World, Commonwealth, Olympic Medalist
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