WCNI Carnival 29th November
What a great day! The weather was great for an early summer track carnival. The racing in all grades was first rate with no mishaps (only 2 punctures) and the commisaires had a quiet day as all riders rode sensibly and safe. Thanks to the group of enthusiastic officials and helpers on the day making it one of the easiest meeting I have managed. Special thanks to Kate Stewart who managed the communications, registrsations and produced good public relations in getting a lot of sponsorships for the meeting.
It was the best number of have seen at Feilding in recent years (48 in total) and also it was the best in the amount of prizemoney PAID out. – Special thanks to the sponsors.
Although the numbers were not great in the A Grade men they showed us top speed, classy racing and expert bike control. Campbell Stewart won the big money in the Feilding Wheel Race and still looked fresh and classy, even after riding the Criterium at Taupo on Friday evening and finishing in the second bunch in the 160km Elite race around Taupo on Saturday.
In the U17 Wheel Race Angus Claasen rode well to win a tight sprint finish to take the premier $50 U17 prize. The U15 Wheel Race was one of the most exciting of the day. Logan Mckinnon made use of his liberal handi-cap on the limit mark and for 6 laps rode really well on his own. With 1/2 a lap to go it looked as if Logan would have a comfortable win, but past the 200M Logan began to tire badly; and with the chasing bunch closing in, it looked likey at 40M to go, Logan would be rolled just before the line. With the crowd cheering Logan on up the finishing straight, Logan willed his tired body to fight hard onto the finish, and he just managed to win by less than 10M for a well deserved victory. Well done Logan! and he earned the top prize for the U15s on the day.
Other riders to impress on the day were Liam Brown in winning the A Grade Keirin and Sophie Bloxham who rode awa to win the U17 4 Lap handi-cap. Michaela Drummond rode strongly all day after winning the Elite Womens Criterium at Taupo on the Friday night.
An excellent day was enjoyed by all!
NEXT MEETING at Feilding-
The next meeting is scheduled for next Sunday (6 Dec) 3pm is logged in as a training day because of a number of people were scheduled to travel up to watch the World Cup in Cambridge – where local Bike Manawatu life member Simon van Velthooven will be competing!
Note- The World Cup (5th-6th Dec) is being screened live on Sky Sports for those remaining in Palmy.
It is strongly recommended for Rookie track riders to attend the training session on Sunday. Brent Zimmerman will be there who has made a special study, including reviewing all literature on the technique of Standing Starts- He will share his expertise in the area and comment on riders starts. We will have a look at riders postitions & fine tune if necessary. Several of the young riders have grown since their bike fits! The motorbike will be there for riders to do some special pace work. Come with any questions and we will hopefully have answers.
Stop Press {Tues 8th} –
It has been decided to run and extra meeting on Tuesday the 8th Dec at 6PM at Feilding. If anybody would like to request a special event or Record Attempt on this evening please reply to this post or Txt Ian Gray-
021-120-57-51. We will favourably consider your requests.
Look forward to again seeing riders improve!
Ian Gray.