Cycling WA Omnium Issue 3 April 2010

Cycling WA Issue 3– APRIL 2011

Inside this issue: Athlete Profile: Michael Freiberg

3

UCI Track World Championships

6

Local legends: Murray Hall

10

Junior Track Team

12

Club Profile: South Perth Cycle Club

14

In the media

16

HBF Freeway Bike Hike for Asthma

18

Bicycle Transport Alliance

20

Mountain Biking in WA

22

Michael Freiberg winning the UCI Track World Omnium Title www.wa.cycling.org.au

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Welcome to edition 3 of Omnium, which this month includes interesting articles focusing on the issue of advocacy for cyclists in Western Australia with some insight from the Bicycle Transportation Alliance, a look at Mountain Biking in the state, as well as all of our regular features which include an interview with our newest world chamCycling is a great way to pion, Michael Freiburg, BE ACTIVE, save money and an interview with one of our local legends, and save the environTrack Cycling WA Presiment. It also reduces your risk of disease, im- dent Murray Hall. Each edition is growing and I proves sleep, lowers hope you enjoy the read. blood pressure and choI’d also welcome any lesterol, improves fitfeedback you have in ness, reduces the risk of terms of future articles or injuries, helps control items you’d like us to your weight. include in coming editions.

In writing this forward to edition 3, it means that another two months have flown by, and what a couple of months

they have been. Our Junior Track team produced some fantastic results at the National Championships in Sydney, and WA was well represented at the World Championships in Apeldoorn, resulting in some amazing performances, particularly from Michael Freiburg in the Omnium.

Bikeweek proved a very busy time for us, which included the HBF Freeway Bike Hike, various LGA Breakfasts and functions, and a ride with the ‘pollies’, all of which add to the increasing profile of the sport and activity of cycling in the state. As a result our media presence continues to grow, and Matt Poyner is doing a great job promoting all things cycling on our regular slot of 08.20 on Tuesday’s 91.3SportFM Breakfast Show. If you haven’t done so already make sure you retune your radios to catch all the latest news each and every Tuesday.

Congratulations to all the team that competed at the Junior Nationals, par-

ticularly U15's Matthew Jackson who produced a multiple medal winning performance, and also to the hard working volunteer team of coaches and support staff who did a magnificent job" Plus from the Oceania Championships, congratulations to Brad Linfield and Jessica Allen who produced some outstanding performances.

Looking forwards, April promises to be a big month. The Be Active Cycle Instead Road Series continues with the Peter Clark Classic and Stan Gurney Memorial Race and for the first time the UCWT Masters event takes place the weekend of April 14th, which promises to be a terrific showcase for our sport.

Enjoy your cycling, ride safely and enjoy this edition of Omnium.

Best wishes, Garry Chandler Cycling WA CEO

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Michael Freiberg (c) won Omnium gold with a total points tally of 34, four clear of silver medallist Archbold (l) on 38 points. Belgian Gijs Van Hoecke (r) was third with 41 points. 2011 UCi Track Cycling World Championships, Apeldoorn, Netherlands. Photograph:Hennes Roth

I caught up with Michael Freiberg just days after he was crowned Omnium World Champion. He was staying with close friend Taylor Phinney another successful track champion, in Boulder, Colorado, USA. Taking it easy with some mountain biking and cafe hopping in the university town Michael is relaxing but with a careful eye on the goals. We chatted for a while and moved from facts to philosophy and I reckon he is one of the nice guys of the sport he looks up to!

When did you first start cycling seriously? Was it a family interest?

"I got involved at 16 and

www.wa.cycling.org.au

attended my first national Under 17 and loved it. I was mid pack with some small success, but grabbed a 3rd in my second nationals. Then won the Under 19 Time Trials."

Would you say you’re a "speed Junky"?

"Ha ha, that’s not going to come out right!"

How about a "maximum velocity junky"?

"Yeah, that’s about right, I love the track."

Was there a eureka moment when you first realized you were good enough to develop a career in the sport?

"A Career? It’s never really

hit me as a career, but I have always believed that I can improve and be better."

How competitive is the relationship with the other WA cyclists?

"We are a close community with training camps, regular competitions and travel. Cam Meyer and Luke Durbridge are like brothers, its one happy family. We help each other and that’s part of our success."

So who’s the Dad, if it’s a family? Darryl Benson?

"Ha, ha, OK, we owe him a lot; he’s really helped and still does. The other Na-

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When I asked if Michael had any low points? He paused and it seemed like it had been a smiles all the time. "Missing the National Track team in the Under 19 second year. It knocked me around but I went onto the road and gave it more."

The obvious question on your future goals is -will you be in the 2012 Olympics’?

"Its baby steps. I have to fight for the spot! and a spot in the Tour Down under would be exciting."

“ I am interested in research to make me go faster. “

tionals team support staff like Bobby Barnes volunteering for so long, they are part of the successful family. You take advice from lots of people, like my coach Rick Stern, you never discount the adviceyou choose when to use it."

What have been some of the highlights of your career so far? No 1 in the world?

"For sure, but last years Commonwealth games is the dream I had. I almost gave up and a position opened up and I just made the team. We took Gold in the pursuit and then I got the silver in the Scratch race with Cameron Meyer.

What do you enjoy doing away from the bike? Any other sporting skills?

Here Michael paused again..."Reading. I am interested in research to make me go faster. I spend my time in recovery, plus I love the beach with my family.

Any beaches in Boulder?

“No, its 1650m above sea level l its cold, with snow, but no rain and plenty of hills to climb.”

2011 Career Highlights 1st Omnium UCI Track World Championships NED 3rd Teams Pursuit Cycling Australia Track National Championships NSW 5th Omnium Cycling Australia Track National Championships NSW 5th Omnium 2010/11 UCI Track World Cup - Beijing Round CHN 5th Omnium 2010/11 UCI Track World Cup - Manchester Round GBR 7th Ominium Overall Standings 2010/11 UCI Track Cycling World Cup Classic

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Who is your sporting hero?

"Tom Boonen, before he got into trouble and lost the plot. And Mario Cipollini for his power and sprinting."

What’s the best thing about being a world class touring athlete?

"I like meeting other mad people. At the top these people are chilled out and they think the same as you, they know where you come from and are everyday people."

What advice would you give to aspiring young riders? “Always back yourself! If you can do it your own way, do it and prove them wrong. If your wrong, work it out, do it again."

Cameron, Travis Meyer, Luke Durbridge and Michael Freiberg winning the 2009 Nationals team Pursuit www.wa.cycling.org.au

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Kaarle McCulloch and Anna Meares

The Australian Cyclones team were unstoppable as they stormed to a record result at the 2011 UCI Track World Championship in Apeldoorn, Netherlands 2327 March 2011. The Cyclones won eight of the 19 gold medals on offer at the championships topping the medal tally with eight gold, two silver and one bronze.

Included in the all star line up for the Australian team was WA’s own cycling superstars; Cameron Meyer (Helena Valley), Michael Freiberg (Dianella), Scott Sunderland (Hillarys), Luke Durbridge (Bassendean), Josie Tomic (Perth) and Sarah Kent (Duncraig).

Teamed with WA talent were Australian champions such as Anna Meares (SA), Kaarle McCulloch (NSW), Shane Perkins (VIC), Leigh Howard (VIC) and Jack Bo-

bridge (SA) who with the rest of the team, achieved a record result including claiming gold in six of the ten Olympic events contested at the championships.

all last year and the year before and it's so good to come here and experience it. It keeps you hungry for the next year and I'm really happy and glad I could win it with these guys."

The success for the Cyclones started on day one with a gold medal when the men defended their world title in the team pursuit claiming gold against Russia. 2010 world champions Jack Bobridge, 21, Rohan Dennis, 20, and Michael Hepburn, 19, were joined by debutant Western Australian Luke Durbidge (Bassendean), 19, and were the only team of the competition to ride under four minutes for the four kilometre, 16 lap event.

Defending world champions Anna Meares and Kaarle McCulloch delivered a standout performance on day two defeating Great Britain's Jessica Varnish and Victoria Pendleton and claim their third straight team sprint world title.

"I'm lost for words a little bit and it will take a while to sink in," said Durbridge.

"I trained with these guys

Jack Bobridge (SA) went into the 4km individual pursuit as the red hot favorite after smashing the world record at last month's Australian championships in Sydney. Bobridge qualified four seconds faster than Ja2010 silver medalist Jesse Sergent and then defeated the New Zealander by 2.7 seconds in the gold medal

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final Nineteen year old Queenslander Michael Hepburn claimed the bronze.

In the women's teams pursuit Josephine Tomic (Perth) was the only member of Australia's 2010 gold medal trio to line up. Joining her was two time Olympian Kate Bates, 28, and 2010 triple junior world champion Amy Cure, 18. Unfortunately the quartet failed to qualify for the gold medal final and in their bronze medal match up against New Zealand (3:24.065) came off second best (3:24.422) to finish the competition ranked fourth.

In the men's sprint 2010 silver medalist Shane Perkins along with Mathew Glaetzer, Scott Sunderland (Hillarys) all qualified for the first round. Sunderland and Perkins made it through to the quarter finals where Sunderland was bundled out in straight heats by defending world champion Gregory Bauge from France. Perkins faced British rider Jason Kenny who won the first of

“ I don't think they like us very much," joked Meyer ..

Cameron Meyer in action. www.wa.cycling.org.au

their best of three heats before the Australian fought back to even the score. However in the decider Kenny triumphed putting Perkins out of medal contention.

Cameron Meyer of Helena Valley, WA came into action on day three but missed out on claiming his third straight points race title instead taking away a silver medal. In last year's event the 23 year old West Australian lapped the field three times to win the first of three 2010 track world titles so it was no surprise he was a marked man in this year's 40 kilometre, 160 lap race.

"I was a little bit heavily marked," said Meyer with a wry smile. "And it's definitely not the result I was looking for because I wanted that third gold medal but at the end of the day I had to ride the race to those tactics.”

"The Colombian took a lap quick and before you know it he's 20 points up on you but full credit to him, he made

the right move and at the end of the day he shut me down to make sure he had the gold medal and I could only manage the silver.”

Day three was quick to bring more success for the Cyclones with Anna Meares (SA) knocking out 2008 Olympic sprint champion Victoria Pendleton (Great Britain) in the sprint final. It was an emotional win for Meares who said “I looked at that race as if it was my final.”

Later in the day Shane Perkins won his first world title in the men’s keirin when he gave it everything and in the last 200m came out ahead of triple 2008 Olympic gold medalist and defending world champion Sir Chris Hoy of Great Britain and his team mate Matthew Crampton.

At the end of day three Western Australia’s Michael Freiberg (Dianella) was positioned in third place after completing three out of the

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six events of the men’s omnium. The 20 year old placed 12th in the flying lap and 5th in both the points race and elimination.

Freiberg brought home victory at the end of day four after he claimed 5th in the individual pursuit and 1st in the scratch race and 6th in the kilometre time trial.

"For them to come over it just gave me the lift that I needed to make it in the end. This is a really great day for me. Six months ago I could never have imagined myself here.�

"I had to go out there with everything I had got and going those last few laps, I was not seeing much," said an elated Freiberg who won the gold with a total points tally of 34, four clear of silver medallist Shane Archbold on 38 points. Belgian Gijs Van Hoecke was third with 41 points.

On the final of five days at the track in Apeldoorn Cameron Meyer (Helena Valley) and Leigh Howard (VIC) lined up to defend their 2010 Madison crown. The pair went in as unbackable favourites and they had to work on every one of the 160 laps of the 40km event.

They tried several times to breakaway only to be reeled in as their rivals joined forces to stymie their attacks.

"First Anna, then Shane and now this," said Freiberg whose Mum and sister were on hand to witness his win.

Meyer and Howard timed their winning attack to perfection gaining a lap to leave the rest of the field to

mount a futile chase. On the way to gaining the lap they also collected five points for an intermediate sprint win to placing them on eight points and on top of the standings. For the remainder of the race they made sure they marked every move and secured a well deserved win.

"I don't think they like us very much," joked Meyer after the race. "We were very motivated out there. I think you could see in the last 60 laps we were never going to die until the death.�

"Leigh and I knew that coming into today if we won the world title it would take our (Cyclones) total to seven and that would make us the most successful (team) ever," said Meyer.

Luke Durbridge, Rohan Dennis, Michael, Hepburn, Jack Bobridge

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Cameron who had opted out of the teams pursuit to concentrate on his defence of the points race, in which he placed second, and Madison titles.

The Czech team placed second on one point and hometown favourites Theo Bos and Peter Schep won the final sprint to claim the bronze medal with 21 points but were a lap down on the top two teams.

Sprint sensation Anna Meares (SA) also claimed her final victory on day five in the keirin to secure a gold medal for the Australian Cyclones.

Australian Medal Summary Gold Men's Teams Pursuit - Jack Bobridge, Rohan Dennis, Luke Durbridge ,Michael Hepburn Men's Individual Pursuit - Jack Bobridge Women's Team Sprint Anna Meares and Kaarle McCulloch Women's Sprint - Anna Meares Women's Keirin - Anna Meares Men's Madison - Cameron Meyer and Leigh Howard Men's Keirin - Shane Perkins Men's Omnium - Michael Freiberg Silver Women's Scratch Race - Katherine Bates Men's Points Race - Cameron Meyer Bronze Men's Individual Pursuit - Michael Hepburn 2011 UCI Track World Championships - Cyclones Women's Sprint Events Kaarle MCCULLOCH (Gymea Bay, NSW ) Anna MEARES (West Richmond, SA [formerly QLD] ) Emily ROSEMOND (Thorneside, QLD ) Men's Sprint Events Daniel ELLIS (Ngunnawal, ACT ) Matthew GLAETZER (Adelaide SA,) Jason NIBLETT (Horsham, VIC ) Shane PERKINS (Clayton South, VIC ) Scott SUNDERLAND (Hillarys WA ) Women's Endurance Events Katherine BATES (Northmead, NSW, ) Amy CURE (Penguin, TAS ) Sarah KENT (Duncraig WA ) Josephine TOMIC (Perth WA ) Men's Endurance Events Jack BOBRIDGE (Evaston Park SA,) Rohan DENNIS (Vale Park, SA ) Luke DURBRIDGE (Bassendean, WA) Michael FREIBERG (Dianella, WA) Michael HEPBURN (Brookfield, QLD) Leigh HOWARD (Waurn Ponds VIC) Cameron MEYER (Helena Valley, WA)

Mens Team Pursuit www.wa.cycling.org.au

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of Tasmania, Lau8ncestion to Hobart and the Gryphon Tour.

Giving to his sport as an administrator and leaving a legacy are his current goals. With a background as President of the WA Cycling Federation from 1999 to 2002, his Track Cycling WA 10 year strategy appears to be on course. And that successful calendar owes a lot to local talent coming home to please the fans.

“Putting your heart and Soul into means you get a lot out of it- and that makes me smile!” he said.

Seeing the success of WA athletes you have to think about who is pushing them up, helping them out and taking our sport into the 21st Century. This issue's Local Legend Murray Hall is pushing WA’s track environment to new heights with 2 International quality Grand Prix's a year and a summer and winter calendar.

Born and bred in Melbourne, Murray says he found a better place to live when he moved to Perth in 1985. In Victoria he started Sunday morn-

ings at the Mordialloc Cycling Club, keeping out of trouble and out of his parent’s hair.

Murray’s father was a cyclist of note taking 4th place in the 1955 Austral wheel race in the days of single speeds and dirt tracks.

Murray’s success was track based at first and then a strong road career. Taking 2 Commonwealth Games silver medals on the track his switch to road was fantastic with a 3rd in the Sun Tour and great finishes in the Tour

Murray has been awarded for his effort and is currently one of 2 Cycling Australia appointed National track selectors. Plus 2000 and 2009 Cycling Australia WA volunteer of the Year, When asked about the success of the local talent at the moment, he replied “That’s a buzz! Now don’t forget the Winter Grand Prix on the 26th June!”

“The local talent is amazing and watching them on the world stage is fantastic!.”

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Wearing the Cycling State Team Skinsuit, Pedro Turibaka competed in the Cycling Australia Masters track Championship in Sydney, March 22 March 2011.

Riding in the MM3 Individual Pursuit Championship Pedro took out Bronze. The Winner was the current MM3 World Champion, who broke the world record in the qualifying round.

Other WA competitors at the championships were John Dixon.

Far Right- Pedro Turibaka-

Congratulations Pedro, its always great to seethe Black and Gold on the podium!

Ernie Smith Photography www.erniesmithphoto.com.au www.wa.cycling.org.au

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With a strong representation in the finals, Cycling WA's State Junior Track Team did an outstanding job in Sydney.

The event held in the Dunc

Gray Velodrome from Thursday 17 - Sunday 20th March featured Australia’s finest young talent.

This event is where greats like Cameron Meyer and Josie Tomic have previ-

ously competed in the state colours.

Tian Beckett (City Beach) and Elissa Wundersitz (Bassendean) took Silver in the U17 Womens Team

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Sprint Final missing the Gold by a mere 0.002 sec which was taken out by NSW team mates Rebecca Dunn and Holly Heffernan.

Beckett (City Beach) and Wundersitz (Bassendean) did however claim the gold over TAS, NSW and SA with team mate Kelsey Robson (Tapping) in the Junior Women U17 Team Pursuit Final.

Kelsey Robson (Tapping) won Gold in the Junior Women U17 2000m Individual Pursuit Final beating NSW's Josie Talbot by 5.2sc. Beckett later (City Beach) took out third place in the Junior Women U17 Sprint Final.

Our juniors were fantastic with a strong support team of parents and volunteers.

Matthew Jackson (Lansdale) picked up Gold for the WA team in the U15 Mens 2000m Individual Pursuit Final with Darcy Pirotta (Swan View) taking Silver and Garry Ramshaw (Gidgegannup) in fourth place.

Gary Ramshaw (Gidgegannup) picked up a silver medal for his efforts in the Mens U15 500m Time Trial Final with Pirotta (Swan View) taking out third place and Jackson (Lansdale) in fourth. The strength of the WA Junior U15 Men continued to shine as Jackson, Ramshaw and Pirotta again took second, third and fourth place in the Sprint Final.

Jackson claimed a final Gold in the Junior Men www.wa.cycling.org.au

U15 Scratch Race Final with Pirotta claiming the Silver against NSW Cameron Scott in third place.

In the Junior Men U17 Team Pursuit Final our WA team including T h e o Y a t e s (Rockingham), Brendon Meney (Scarborough), Reece Tucknott (Boya) and Luke Vitler (Mundaring) claimed third place.

Our juniors were fantastic with a strong support team of parents and volunteers. Cycling WA CEO Garry Chandler said “The team produced a magnificent display at the nationals of which they can all be very proud, boasting an array of multiple medal winning performances. “ “This next batch of junior athletes is tracking nicely to emulate the amazing results we have seen at senior level, with the likes of Cameron Meyer, Scott Sunderland, Michael Freiberg and Josie Tomic winning against the world’s best at the UCI Track World Championships in the Netherlands“ he continued.

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The South Perth Cycle Club was founded in mid 2009 by a core group of dedicated cycling enthusiasts. The group itself had only been running for a year previous to that, after leaving the confines of a “shop ride” to create a standalone Saturday morning ride under the name of the South Perth Rouleurs. The ride grew in popularity and provided a pathway for people to enter into both Cyclosportif and organised Cycling WA races. It didn’t take long for the group to realise that they had reached a critical mass and the club looked into becoming affiliated with Cycling WA. As the process of forming a club, getting incorporated and affiliated took its course the Saturday morning ride expanded into Sunday and Thursday morning rides as well. By the end of the first year the club had 57 members with about half of those holding recreational licences whilst the rest purchased full racing licences.

This was, and continues to be a common theme in the club as not everyone

wants to pin a number on and competitively race.

The club continued to evolve and the Saturday morning training rides eventually split into three groups to ensure that it catered for varying abilities and remained safe on the open roads. A Tuesday morning ride also developed as did the Wednesday evening spin class to add a bit of variety to people’s training.

The second year of the club was even more successful as memberships finished the year at a touch under 200 with significant growth in full racing licences. The aim was to provide a pathway for people to take the step from weekend group rider to competitive cyclist.

This was achieved by supporting riders at all events and by providing a common contact point on race days which was the club tent. This allowed riders to feel less isolated at events and nurtured the feeling of being part of a club.

However, racing is not the primary focus of the club and this is most evident in

the participation numbers at the Saturday morning rides. After another year of development, the main ride on Saturday now attracts close to 100 riders every week. The riders split into six groups based on ability and fitness and cater for everyone from novice riders through to “a” grade racers. Other training rides were developed to cater for the need and there are now rides on every day of the week and even two on Saturday and Sunday.

The club defines itself by its four cornerstones: organisation, safety, inclusivity and socialising.

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Organisation – training ride details are posted in advance with the weekend routes changing every week to provide some variety. These routes can be found on the club website so that every rider should be aware of where the group will be riding. Before race events, an idea of participant numbers from the club is established so everyone is aware of whom they can call on for support. Race information packs can usually be found on the website prior to the event with information on getting to the event and what people should bring. For the first time racer, this information helps ease the transition from coffee-shop to organised race.

Safety – the club operates under a fairly strict ride etiquette guide and it is a requirement that members adhere to it whilst on any rides. It is recognised that cycling can be a dangerous sport but the club

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tries to ensure that everyone returns home in one piece.

Inclusivity – the club recognises that riders all have to start somewhere and no-one jumps out of bed one day and expects to be a world class rider. As such the club tries to provide opportunities for riders at every level of ability and aims to help develop them in both fitness and skills.

Socialising – the beginnings of the group ride, before the club was established, revolved around the post-ride coffee. The social aspect to the club continues on today as even though many groups take different routes on a Saturday, they all meet at the same coffee shop at the end. To extend this social aspect, the club also holds a number of breakfasts throughout the year to allow further interaction off the bike.

Looking forward to the coming year, the club continues to develop and provide opportunities for its members. There has already been a successful criterium series held in conjunction with RCCC and there are plans for the club to venture into organising road races as well. To cater for the recreational riders, we will again run our successful 200km challenge where riders are given the opportunity to ride the double century in a safe organised manner.

The club is also in the process of becoming affiliated with MTBA to cater for the riders that also like to ride in the dirt.

So, from humble and very recent beginnings, the South Perth Cycle Club has quickly developed into one of the biggest clubs in the state. It is hoped that this will continue as the club aims to provide for its members at every level.

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It’s official: Amateur cyclists now have the chance to earn a coveted UCI rainbow jersey. Launched for 2011, the UWCT (UCI World Cycling Tour) is a series of events for amateurs. Through qualifier events around the world, riders can obtain a place to participate in the UWCT Final, with a world title for their respective age group as the ultimate goal.

With this new series, the International Cycling Union (UCI) targets well trained amateurs: in other words, the typical profile of the Gran Fondo rider.

In 2011, races will be held on three different continents, providing riders with an opportunity to qualify for the first UWCT final in September.

The 2011 UWCT calendar: 14-16 April: Perth (Australia) 8 May: Gran Fondo New York (USA) 15 May: Gran Fondo Eddy Merckx - Palmela (Portugal) 12 June: Marathon Franja BTC – Ljubljana (Slovenia) 18 June: Gran Fondo Eddy Merckx – Huy (Belgium) 19 and 21 August: Echelon Gran Fondo Colorado - Fort Collins (USA) 28 August: Gruyère Cycling Tour – Bulle (Switzerland) 9-10-11 September 2011: UWCT FINALS 2011 - Stavelot, province of Liège, Belgium Perth – The Great Opening Australia’s passion for cycling will be strongly felt in the kick-off event of the 2011 UWCT. Riders will be required to cover several laps of a

spectacular 14 kilometer circuit through Perth’s magnificent Kings Park. The races will be split into age categories, with participants setting off in four waves (16-29y, 30-44y, 45-59y, 60+) in order to provide fair and exciting competition. The results will be drawn up according to the UCI Masters categories.

A short, steep climb of 440 meters will open the course. All riders will complete eight laps (112 km or 70 miles), with the exception of the 60+ riders, who will finish after seven laps (98 km or 61 miles).

As part of this event, a 20km individual time trial will be held on Rottnest Island on April 14th, two days before the road race. The island can be reached easily by ferry from Perth. Perth is one of Oceania’s biggest cities and boasts numerous and varied accommodation possibilities. Several European airlines fly direct to Perth, whose airport is situated just 20 minutes from the city centre. More information can be found on www.bwa.org.au/events/294/

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Congratulations to Claire Mclean and Carl Lincoln who will be attending the Cycling Australia Paracycling Road National Championships, Sunshine

Coast, Qld on Saturday 9 to Sunday 10 of April.

Carl is new to Cycling WA and has just been classified to H3 for handcycling. Welcome Carl.

Career Highlights 2006 World Champion Road Time Trial 2004 Paralympic silver medal Road T’ Trial 2003 European Champion Road Time Trial Awards and Honours 2007 WAIS Disabled athlete of the year 2005 UWA Sports Star of the year

Cycling WA has been making a big push into the media over the last 5 months.

New relationships are being made with the media and we are seeing greater exposure of our Sport on TV, Print media and the Radio. The www.wa.cycling.org.au website has a MEDIA section monitoring this exposure, ready to view at any time.

On Sport FM 93.1 our regular Cycling news is shared with the comLuke Durmunity by our regular Cycling presenter– Matt Poyner. He does a great job spruiking the sport so lets see what hes’ all about.

When did you first discover competitive cycling?

In the 70's, my father raced.

What have been some of the personal highlights over the years?

Representing Australia at junior worlds 88, oceania games 87, world masters champion 07 scratch race 1989 180k road 100k road and criterium champion in WA.

www.wa.cycling.org.au

What is the camaraderie like amongst the ‘A’ grade/elite riders?

I haven't been in that bunch properly for five years, the young blokes have some magnificent opportunities out there nowadays though.

Who are some of the superstars of cycling that you’ve met/competed against?

Anyone you can think of in Australia.. McEwan O'Grady etc..

Danny Clark was bloody impressive Any advice to up and coming young riders?

Don’t pretend! Too many kids are pushed to early in sport in general.

Claire Mclean is a long time competitor and very successful with many wins on the International circuit.

Best of Luck .

Australian Teams 2003 European Championships CZE 2004 Athens Paralympics GRE 2005 IPC European Championships NED 2006 IPC World Championships SUI 2007 Paracycling World Champs FRA 2008 Paracycling World Cup GBR

If you stop enjoying it let mum and dad know they wont think less of you!!

However having said that if you were like me at 11yrs old and couldn't get enough of it JUST get out there and ride and ride because that's what its all about.

You don't have to shave your legs while your at school so don't worry about (guys) and for the girls wow just look at the magnificent role models we have here in Perth Sarah Kent, Josie Tomic, Mel Hoskins, Bella King, the list goes on and on as well as with our guys Cam and Travis Meyer nuff said!!!!

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Congratulations to all those who participated in the action on Sunday 20th March! It was a great day for one of Perth largest cycling events and Cycling WA enjoyed seeing such great support for cycling on the day.

Women’s 60km WACF Race

Men’s 60km WACF Race

1st Isabella King 2nd Davina Summers 3rd Liz Leydon 4th Lisa Wood 5th Anna Kaufmann

1st Matt Irvine 2nd Andrew Martin 3rd Matt Upton 4th Chris Beeck 5th William Heath

CAB Team, gathered, put on a pretty loud t-shirt and rode off together.

It is a gentle ride from Greenwood with a long up hill leading into Joondalup, an exhilarating downhill towards ECU and finishes off under 2 large arches in Joondalup City.

Once in Joondalup the temporary bike city is awash with bikes, tents, music and everyone jubilant with their efforts.

Claire Parker told Operations Manager, Toby Hodgson “it is something

we have been meaning to do!” and remarked at the end of the ride “This was fantastic we are so proud of Amy”. Amy Parker made the 10 km ride with one stop and as you can see in the photo she’s pretty pleased with herself!

Thankyou to the following groups who promoted the team and we hope to see them, and even you at the next “Cycling for All aBilities” event – a “Come and Try” day in November 2011.

Thankyou to Trievents and HBF for their continued support to make this an exciting ride.

What a beautiful day for a ride!

Sixteen people gathered to promote the message that “Cycling is for all abilities" at the HBF Freeway Bike Hike for Asthma on Sunday 20th March 2011. The group or BACI CAB Team - Be Active Cycle Instead Cycling for All aBilities came from many organisations dedicated to helping people of all abilities get cycling.

Starting at the Greenwood train station in the 10km family ride our BACI

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Full results click here Images by Tony Lendrum- http://www.tonylendrumphotography.com www.wa.cycling.org.au

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The Bicycle Transport Alliance campaigns for better conditions for all cyclists.

Its basic principle is that every person using a bike is one less car in a traffic jam.

The BTA aims to do for cyclists and the Perth Bicycle Network what the RAC does for roads and motor vehicle drivers.

It lobbies for better driver training, better road standards, better road maintenance and hazard identification and correction and a graduated system of paths and laneways that will cater for groups of cyclists with varying ability and confidence.

The BTA is the advocacy group that local councils, Public Transport Authority, Road Safety Council, RAC, Bikewest in the Dept of Transport and other authorities go to when seeking input, comment or feedback on proposals.

It has been doing this since 1994 and has a history of success in securing the Perth bicycle network.

All those bike paths out there? The BTA insisted on them being built, advised where they should go and made sure that government kept to their commitments.

It oc-

curred because BTA and groups lobbied for it and kept at it until it was delivered. BTA effectively secured the funding for Bikewest while doing this.

Another big part of the battle is keeping cycle ways that are threatened by development projects, such as the $400 million Swan River Waterfront development.

Members spend a lot of their time preparing submissions when the government and councils put out proposals for public comment. The BTA made a formal submission to the City of Stirling on its plan for a cycle path network. It also made a submission to the State Government when it called for comment on changing some regulations governing bicycles to bring them into line with other States.

It is vitally important for all cycling groups to work together to create a far more powerful lobby that will secure cycling events, support elite development and access for all cyclists to competition and to ensure that more people in Perth are given the confidence to ride to work or for general transport.

The BTA is working with Cycling WA and Bicycling WA to drive the Cyclewest proposal. To ensure that the cycle network is

built, cyclists need a unified voice and the BTA is enjoying working with Cycling WA to produce a stronger advocacy effort.

The BTA needs members to keep it going and to pay for some staff to so that there is always someone in the office to handle members’ queries and do all the necessary paperwork. It has one person for two days a week who regularly does a lot more because of his passion for cycling and cyclists. The BTA also needs members to be its eyes and ears – to keep us informed of what is happening to paths and where they are needed.

Have a look at the BTA website btawa.org.au and check all the work that we have been doing over the years for cyclists.

BTA Response to City of Stirling Bike Plan: btawa.org.au/2011/02/2 2/response-to-city-ofstirling-cycling-strategy/ Riverside Drive path under threat: btawa.org.au/2011/02/2 3/more-on-plannedredevelopment-of-perthcity-cycle-routes/ BTA submission on the National Road Safety Strategy: btawa.org.au/2011/02/1 0/national-road-safetystrategy-feedback/

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What do a 43 year old father of two, a young man and a 59 year old woman have in common? It could be lots of things, but unfortunately for them, and for all people riding bicycles on West Australian Roads, they were all killed as the result of a crash with a car that was travelling in the same direction as they did. Or, to put it bluntly, they got run over from behind.

Darren Strudwick, a 43 year old experienced bicycle rider was riding his bicycle home from work in November 2010, and was killed by a car travelling in the same direction. In Secret Harbour, in December 2010, an 18-year old cyclist was run over by a four-wheel drive travelling in the same direction and dragged along for 75 metres.

He had to be air-lifted to Royal Perth Hospital with serious injuries. In March 2011 a 59-year old women who was killed whilst cycling in a marked cycle land along Tonkin Highway Nearly 8000 cyclists are admitted to hospitals as the result of traffic crashes in Australia . Australia, and West Australia, is a car dominated culture. Cars are used as the main mode of transport for and leisure work, and when comparing active transport in wealthy countries

Australia is somewhere at the bottom of the league table.

The implications of high car usage permeate our society. The traffic mix on the road has safety implications; countries with the highest car usage have a highest rate of cycling fatalities (Jacobsen, 2003) .

Because most single vehicle bicycle crashes are not reported (Elvik & Mysen, 1999), it is difficult to know how dangerous cycling really is.

The Bicycle Transport Alliance suggests that the following measures would be useful first steps to make cycling less dangerous when sharing roads with cars: Legislate that one metre of clearance is mandatory when a motor vehicle overtakes a person riding a bicycle. This is the aim of the - “A metre matters” campaign by the Amy Gillett Foundation. As a twowheeled vehicle, bicycles are physically unable to travel in a completely straight line. To allow for unexpected directional adjustments, car drivers should leave a meter of clearance when overtaking bicycles. A study in Melbourne that analysed 127 hours of helmet -cam footage concluded that car drivers were at fault in 87% of in-

cidents with cyclists, with sideswiping the most frequent type of incident (Johnson, 2010). Based on that study a cyclist using public roads would expect some sort of incident every three hours.

The Perth Bicycle Network (PBN) is network of roads recommended for the use of cyclist to move from locality to locality, in contrast to the Principal Shared Paths (PSP’s) which are meant to follow rail lines and freeways, and generally lead to the CBD. The roads that make up the Perth Bike Network should be safe for all people riding bicycles irrespective of skill level.

They should conform to the research that formed the basis of the "Towards Zero" strategy, with a speed limit of 30 kmh. At that speed vulnerable road users have a much better chance to escape permanent injury, demonstrated in London where the introduction of 20 mph (32 kmh) zones has resulted in a casualty reduction of 41.9% BTA are encouraging the Office of Road Safety, the RAC and the Department of Transport to implement the above suggestions.

14.6% of all road users admitted to hospitals as a result of road vehicle crashes in Australia in 2006-7 were cyclists. Serious injuries for cyclists increased by 47% from 2002 to 2007 (Henley & Harrison, 2009) Netherlands has about one cycling fatality per 100 million km travelled vs. USA with five cycling fatalities per 100 million km travelled.

Car use in European countries is about 40% to 60% of all trips, whilst in Australia it is about 90% (Bassett, Pucher, Buehler, Thompson, & Crouter, 2008). Based on figures by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, cycling as a means of getting to work is about 1.2% to 1.5% of total trips to work, with a possible slight decline in the last few years (depending on jurisdiction). www.wa.cycling.org.au

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get a better idea watching the following clip. http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=H4oWc_OZG1A Cross Country Marathon Enduro (XCM). XCM is a much longer version of an XC event and can vary from multiple laps of a course over 4, 6, 8 or 12 hours to full on 100 + km events where you never go over the same track twice.

Details of local events can be found at these 2 web sites. www.dwellingup100.com.au/ and singletrackminds.com.au/events/ Mountain biking (MTB) is experiencing a massive boom in popularity, as most cycling codes are. And as with road cycling only a small percentage of riders actually race. The information we have put below is to hopefully give the pure road rider a bit better understanding of our fantastic sport.

CLUBS There are a lot of well established mountain bike clubs in WA along with a few brand new ones that have just formed, the “Cape Mountain Bikers” come to mind in Dunsborough. The 2 main clubs that run DH events are the Peel MTB club and Perth MTB club (PMBC). At this stage PMBC are the only club running XC events, but there are some private promoters running XC endurance events as well.

WAMBA Western Australian Mountain Bike Association. WAMBA is the peak body for Mountain Biking in WA and works closely with the clubs, Cycling WA, DEC and DSR. WAMBA’s main focus is trails advocacy, sustainability and legal trails. You can read more about WAMBA’s objectives here. www.wamba.org.au/ about.php

Disciplines and Events: Cross Country (XC). XC is the closest MTB sport to road riding.

XC combines road like fitness to good bike handling skills. Most road riders who take up XC MTB find they can’t use all of their road fitness until they develop the required bike handling skills.

But believe me, once you have, it’s awesome. I call it “getting lost in the ride”. Most XC races are held over a course between 4 and 6 kms and riders do multiple laps to make up a race time.

This race time will vary between 1 and 2 hours depending on which class you race. You can

WAMBA is having their “AGM” on 29th March at 6.30pm at the Department of Sport and Recreation in Leederville.

Down Hill (DH). DH is predominantly skills based, in saying that the top level down hillers are extremely fit. A number of the DH riders race motocross in the off season to help their fitness and skill level at speed. The top level DHer’s can make almost impossible lines and obstacles look easy. w w w . y o u t u b e .c o m / w a t c h ? v=rdEuzB-g7DU

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Four Cross (4X). 4X is a combination of DH and BMX racing. 4 riders use a BMX style start gate and race DH on a specially designed track for about 40- 50 seconds.

The best 4X riders have sprinter style explosive power out of the gate. www.youtube.com/watch? v=99lhjic3bgs Trials (Trials), trials is exactly like trials motor cycle riding except on a bicycle. Riders have must have extreme balance and literally bounce and hop from obstacle to obstacle. They lose points each time they “dab” they feet down.

Dirt Criteriums PMBC are running 4 races called “Dirt Criteriums” at Garvey Park in Belmont on Tuesday evenings.

These were run over 6 weeks last year and proved really popular.

The first one started on Tuesday 22/3/11. Rego is from 6 pm and racing starts at 7 pm. These events are graded A, B, C and D with A grade doing 6 laps and D grade doing 3 laps of a fun course around the park on the banks of the river. The cost is $5 to race and $20 for a day licence if you are not an MTBA member. CA licence holders are welcome, but will still need a day licence if you are not an MTBA lic e n c e holder.

Tumbulgum Down Hill P M B C h a v e teamed up with the biggest motocross event of the year and are staging a DH race from the top of the hill at Tumbulgum farm.

The DH race will finish by running

right through the middle of the MX track with the clever use of bridges. This event will have the current world champion “Sam Hill” showing his skills on both the MX and DH bike on the same day. Tumbulgum farm is 6 km south of Byford on the SW highway. Further details can be found here www.williethomson.com/ tumbulgum/ Kalamunda Circuit The Kalamunda circuit has is a purpose built mountain bike trail that was headed by a fantastic volunteer called Murray Wynne and his awesome helpers. These guys have built a beautiful, legal and well used trail on the north side of Mundaring Weir Road.

The second stage of this trail is about to start being built as well (if it ever rains that is). This trail has been made possible by grant moneys kindly donated by Lotteries west.

Goat Farm While we are on grant money , the Goat Farm in Greenmount is also in for a major revamp and is having a skills park built for beginner to intermediate riders to learn the skills of mountain biking on. This is also due to the kind funding provided by lotteries west. PMBC are also kicking in another $8000 of club money for trail maintenance and tree planting. All of this is to happen in 2011.

Calendar If you are interested in doing any events, the complete mountain bike calendar is available for viewing here. www.wamba.org.au/

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April 2011 SUN

MON

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WED

THU

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SAT

1

2

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

3-Apr-11 BMXSportsWA Super Series 7 10-Apr-11 Peter Clark Classic

3

14-Apr-11 UCI World Cycling Tour

10

4

5

6

8

9 CA Para Roads

11

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UCI World Cycling Tour

Peter Clark

17-Apr-11 BMXSportsWA Super Series 8

7

CA Para Roads

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EASTER

25-Apr-11 Stan Gurney Memorial Race

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Stan Gurney race EASTER

ANZAC DAY

P/HOLIDAY

May 2011 SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

1

2

3

4

5

6

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

1-May-11 Tom Lowry Memorial 7-May-11 Peel Junior Tour 13-May-11 Junior Male U17 Points Race Championships 15-May-11 State 100km Championships 21-May-11 State Senior ITT Championships + Junior Event 29-May-11 Hills Road Racing Series #1

www.wa.cycling.org.au

Tom Lowry

8

7 Peel Junior Tour

9

10

11

12

13

14

U17 Points– Track

15

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17

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State 100km

State ITT

22

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29

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31

Hills RRS #1

21

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Cycleskills Coach Course is specifically targeted at the coach who desires to assist novice cyclists in the areas of bicycle skills, road worthiness, the correct choice and fitment of cycling equipment and optimising bicycle set up using existing equipment. 16/7/11 Saturday 16 July 8-5 or 8/10/11 Saturday 8 October 2009 8-5 or 26/2/11 Saturday 19 February 8- 5 Level 1 Coach Course The Level 1 Road & Track coaching course is for the coach who assists club and state level cyclists to develop their fitness and hone their racing skills for road and track riding. The course is two full days. 14/5/11 Saturday 14/15 May 8.30-5.00 or 3/9/11 Saturday 3/4 September 8.30-5.00 Times 7 Training Cycling WA trains computer operators to assist Cycling races and participation events by setting up, and running the “Wheeltime Times 7 system” to produce results for event entrants.

16/7/11 Saturday 16 July 9.00-1pm or 8/10/11 Saturday 8 October 9.00-1pm Traffic Management Courses Cycling WA will be providing the most relevant traffic management course for Club volunteers. Details to be advised. 16/7/11 Saturday 16 July 8-5 Club Development day Cycling WA is growing. The sport is growing with an attitude change to fitness and transport.

In an effort to share some of the developments in the sport, we welcome all cycling clubs and club members to attend this free event. The focus is Club development, with 3 streams designed for Clubs, Coaches or those seeking skills, so you could bring the all Clubs key people in 1 car. 30/4/11 Saturday 30 April 10-3 GET INVOLVED BY EMAILING toby.hodgson@cycling.org.au

Interested in partnering with Cycling Western Australia?

Described as the ‘new golf’, cycling as a sport and hobby has never been so popular and is regularly enjoyed by almost 400,000 Western Australians. These huge participation numbers combined with the achievements, media coverage and profile of world class champion athletes, including Cameron Meyer, means that

www.wa.cycling.org.au

there has never been a better time for potential partners and sponsors to become involved the sport.

Partner and sponsor packages start from as little as $1,000 per year, which encompasses 12 months promotion on the front page of the Cycling WA website and additional promotional opportunities. Other packages include the opportunity to partner with our state teams, the 2011 Road Rider

Race Series, or even the 2011 Tour de Perth, the state’s most prestigious cycling event.

Whatever your requirements, call us to discuss how we can partner and promote your message, goods and services to the cycling community in Western Australia.

Cycling WA, Cycling for all.

Page 26

CYCLING WA PRINCIPAL SPONSORS AND PARTNERS

Cycling Western Australia is the state's governCycling WA PO Box 180 LEEDERVILLE WA 6903 180 Charles Street WEST PERTH WA 6005

Cycling WA offers

Phone: 08 9328 3422 Fax: 08 9228 8533 E-mail: wa.info@cycling.org.au www.wa.cycling.org.au

ing body for the sport and is a member of Cycling Australia, with affiliated clubs spanning Albany to Kalgoorlie. Western Australia has a rich history of success in road and track racing, producing champions such as Cameron Meyer, and the popularity of cycling is increasing dramatically as a result. Recent research suggests

recreational, family

that almost 400,000 people regularly cycle

and competitive cycling

within the state, with cycling being described as

membership, which includes 24 hour insurance ...to help you get the most out of your cycling.

the 'new golf'. Cycling WA offers recreational, family and competitive cycling membership, which includes 24 hour insurance and a range of additional benefits designed to help you get the most out of your cycling.

For further details on membership please contact us on 9328 3422, via e-mail on wa.info@cycling.org.au or visit our website www.wa.cycling.org.au