In this edition:
-Another World Title for Sue Powell
-Masters shine at Track Nationals 2015
-SuperCrit Thursday
-Other race results
-Upcoming races
-Bunch rides and training sessions
-Call to register accidents
-Road and track coaching course
-I.C.E. stickers for a good cause
Another World Title for Sue Powell
Vikings member Sue Powell defended her third women’s C4 individual pursuit world title at the UCI Para-Cycling Track World Championships in the Netherlands last month. At 4 minutes 8.127 seconds, Sue finished more than 4 second ahead of USA’s Megan Fisher. Sue also claimed bronze two days earlier in the women’s 1km time trial. The Sydney Morning Herald reported on her achievements. Cycling Australia interview.
Masters shine at Track Nationals 2015
The Vikings Masters ACT Cycling Team riders were some of the big performers at the four-day Cycling Australia Masters National Track Championships at Dunc Gray Velodrome last month.
Kerry Knowler and Mark Harris were both presented with the 2015 Champion of Champions Honours after stellar performances, which included 2 gold and 1 silver medal for Mark and 5 gold and 1 silver medal for Kerry. Both riders set new Australian records in the Individual Pursuit (Mark) and the Sprint Qualifier, the 2000m Individual Pursuit, the 500m Time Trial and the Team Sprint (Kerry).
Other medallists included Jim Veal (Bronze: Men’s 65-69 years 500m Track Time Trial), Pat Rooke (Bronze: Women’s 50-54 years Sprint) and Peta Brill (Silver: Women’s +120 Teams Pursuit). Full race report
SuperCrit Thursday
Thursday 26 March was the last race of the VCC Supercrit season for 2014-15. A big thanks to John and Laura Lowe for organising the events, our sponsors (Ride 365, Bright Consulting, The Sufferfest and the Little Pickle Café at the ANU) and all the riders who competed. On the day, cash prizes were handed out to our Sprint Champions Brad Morton and Long Tran. Peta Brill won a Campy Eurus wheel set donated by Ride 365 in the raffle, with the number of tickets for each rider made up of the number of races they competed in this season. Full results for the Match Sprinting and Points Races that were held on the night can be found here.
Other race results
On the Rivett Twilight Series – February/March
The On the Rivett twilight series was held over three weekends on 28 February, 7 March and 14 March. Hosted by CCC, we have seen some great results from some of the VCC riders. Full results can be found here:
Goulburn Interclub Weekend – 21-22 March
A great weekend of interclub racing was held with three clubs (Vikings, Goulburn and Canberra) all competing for the interclub trophy in its second year. A strong showing by Vikings members meant that for the second year in a row, we were able to walk away with the trophy despite the best efforts of the other clubs.
Race 1 (21 March) was held on the ever windy but somewhat flat Breadalbane course and saw 61 riders compete. As a handicap, the race showed just how good the club handicappers are at the moment, with a significant bunch crossing the line just behind a sneaky break from Goulburn’s Troy Herfoss who took the win. Full race report. Full results.
Race 2 (22 March) featured a graded scratch held over the Stromlo – Condor course. Again, 61 riders lined up across five grades. VCC took out B and E grades, CCC took C and D grades with ANUCC taking A. This race also featured as round one of the VCC/CCC joint winter point score competition. Full results.
Pierce’s Creek – 28 March
Round 2 of the winter point score was held over the Pierces Creek course and was hosted by CCC. A very strong showing by VCC riders saw us taking out WA, WB and WC by the ladies. The guys held up their end of the deal as well, taking out MB and MC. In the WA race, we saw Bec Henderson in her off-season from World Cup MTB racing requesting a start in the MB field where she finished with the 9th fastest time. Full results.
Upcoming races
11 April – Uriarra Roubaix (CCC)
12 April – Time Trial Series Round 1 (CCC)
26 April – Lookout Hill – Handicap (VCC)
3 May – Time Trial Series Round 2 (CCC)
17 May – South of Tharwa – Trophy Handicap (VCC) NEW EVENT!
23 May – Pierces Creek – Scratch (CCC)
Bunch rides and training sessions
For insurance purposes, you need a Cycling Australia (CA) licence (Race or Recreational) to participate in club bunch and training rides.
Friday Norman Bunch Ride
Every Friday morning, 6am, starting at the ANU Union Court Bridge (corner of North Rd and Union Ct) finishing at the Little Pickle, ANU for coffee. There are usually at least three groups catering to all levels of experience: fast, medium and ‘lifestyle’ (novice/newbie).
Track training
Every Saturday, 2pm at the Bundahdome in Narrabundah. There is a session at 4pm for new riders and juniors. Email Jim Veal for more information.
Juniors
Following the impressive results of our riders Dylan Weir and Lauren Robards at the Junior National Track Championships in February, the juniors now switch focus to the road and the upcoming local tours.
A group of junior cyclists have been selected to form the inaugural Vikings Junior High Performance Squad and are currently training for the Canberra Women and Juniors Tour and other selection races for the ACT team for the national road champs. More information about the HPS squad can be found on the website.
Call to register accidents
If you’ve been in an accident while riding your bike – whether alone, in a bunch or with a third party – it is important that you record the incident in case you need to make an insurance claim. It will also help make the club and/or the ACT Government aware of potential risks.
All crashes in the ACT should be reported to the ACT police within 24 hours. An AFP Crash Report form can be completed online in 15 minutes and removes the need to visit an ACT Policy Station.
Any accidents that happen in the context of club-endorsed events, including bunch rides and races, should be reported within 10 days using the Cycling Australia Accident Report Form. Completed forms should be emailed to both the club Secretary and CA Membership.
For more information on what to do immediately after an accident, see the PedalPower website.
Road and track coaching course
Over the weekend of 28 and 29 March, six VCC members attended the Road and Track Coach Course held by Cycling Australia. The course was delivered by Sian Mulholland at Stromlo Forrest Park and the Narrabundah Velodrome. The six members participated in theory-based learning as well as practical hands on coaching, including coaching each other as well a group of junior track riders.
By building coaching skills and capability within the ranks of our members, we hope to see a greater level of support for both our junior and ongoing novice programs.
I.C.E. stickers for a good cause
You can support Tour de Cure 2015 by buying I.C.E. (In Case of Emergency) Stickers for your bike helmet. When scanned by a smart phone, the sticker reveals important information for emergency first responders, including medical conditions. An alert can be sent to a pre-nominated person to let them know you’ve been in an accident. Stickers come in packs of two and retail for $12. A portion of the sale price will go to Tour de Cure (against cancer). To order, email Fiona McWhinnie with a quantity and contact details.
V-mail contributions
If you wish to contribute to the V-Mail or suggest an item for inclusion please email news@vikingscycling.org.au
Useful links
Vikings Club Clothing
Bunch rides in the ACT
Vikings Website
Vikings Forum
Club sponsors
The Vikings Group
Bright Consulting
Little Pickle
Ride 365