News for November 21, 2002Edited by Jeff Jones Mercury suspends MoningerScott Moninger's team has announced that it will be suspending him as a result of his positive drug test for 19-Norandrosterone (see story). Team Mercury's management company Steel Wheels issued a statement pointing to the team's "strict anti-doping policy" while admitting that this case "is more complicated then the usual cases we have read about in the press before." "We at Steel Wheels believe that the rider must be responsible for their actions and accept responsibility. The team has warned its riders on the dangers of buying supplements that may contain unlisted ingredients. We have a great relationship with our sponsor Cytosport and insist that the riders use their products as much as possible, because we know that there will not be any problems," read the statement. "Unfortunately, we must sanction Scott in accordance with Team policy which will include a suspension and fine. While we stand behind Scott and believe that he will prevail in his actions against the product and those who supplied it, we must protect the integrity of the team. Scott acted outside the team policy and he is paying the price for those actions." "We have a zero tolerance policy in regard to a positive test. Scott has proven to us that he did not intend to cheat and in fact was a victim of a poor choice. Scott has such a good case, that in fairness, it does not warrant a full penalty. Cycling does not have a consistent record of handing out penalties that fit the crime. We hope that in this case, they will find the wisdom to do so." Moninger claims that he had the amino acid (L-Tyrosine) supplement in question tested, and it was found to be contaminated with 19-norandrosterone. He intends to take legal action against the manufacturer, supplier and retailer of the contaminated product. It should be noted that Mercury will no longer sponsor a cycling team next year. However the current team management is hopeful of getting a new sponsorship deal in time for season 2003. McGee auction raises money for health
An auction of memorabilia owned by Australian cyclist Brad McGee has netted around AU$10,000 for health research at Sydney's Westmead Hospital. The proceeds went to the Westmead Children's Hospital and the Westmead Millennium Institute, which carries out research into viruses, immunology, allergies and cancer. The auction was held as part of McGee's "7th Stage" celebration dinner last Friday, November 15. The bidding was enhanced by SBS TV presenter Mike Tomalaris, who warmed to his role as chief auctioneer, entertaining the sizeable crowd at the same time. One of the big prizes on offer was a framed FDJeux.com jersey and number - the very same jersey that Brad wore to his impressive win in the seventh stage of the Tour de France. A bidding war started between FRF Couriers boss Frank Fortuna and John Lavick, who happened to be sharing the same table as Frank and eventually won the war with a bid of $6000. Lavick was also the successful bidder for McGee's World Pursuit Championship jersey, and came away a big supporter of health research on the night.
The rest of the evening included commentary and interviews with Mike Tomalaris, Norman May, NSWIS director Ralph Doubell, horse trainer Ron Quinton, McGee's parents and of course Brad McGee himself. The multiple World Champion described his win at the Tour and the suffering that followed after he crashed in the mountains. He finished the race and just a few days later won the gold medal in the Individual Pursuit at the Commonwealth Games. McGee is an very motivated person and his enthusiasm showed during his speech, which was enjoyed by all. PhotographyImages by Tom Balks/www.tombalks.com
World Championship rematch at Vodafone ArenaWorld Champions Sean Eadie and Jobie Dajka will fight out a World Championship Sprint rematch during the Fitzroy Cycles Melbourne Cup on Wheels, to be staged at Vodafone Arena on Saturday November 30, commencing at 7pm. Eadie, the current World Sprint Champion, narrowly beat Jobie Dajka in the World Championship Sprint final held in Copenhagen in October. Eadie, also the National Sprint Champion, won the Championship two rounds to one in a hotly contested final. Although he was beaten by Eadie for the Gold medal in the Sprint, Dajka was not to be denied success at the World Championships, convincingly winning the Keirin title. "I am looking forward to racing against Jobie again," said Eadie. "He is a classy rider and there is no doubt we will both want to win. Hopefully I can continue my outstanding sprinting form". Dajka, however is just as confident. He says, "My form is coming along nicely. I was disappointed not the win the Sprint at the Worlds, but the Keirin win made up for that. The Sprint Series in Melbourne will be great, and I look forward to giving it a real crack". Following the World's, both riders have been competing on the European circuit. They returned home on Wednesday to prepare for the sprint rematch. The rematch will be one of the feature events on the night's program, which will also include the 2000m Wheelrace Final, and an Aces Keirin Series. European style infield diningThis season's track racing at Vodafone arena will feature infield dining, in the style of the big European track meets. That means that spectators can see all the action from the best seat in the house, whilst being wined and dined with a three course meal, as well as having the opportunity to meet the stars of the night's racing at their own tables. Packages are priced from $160 per person and include entry, three course meal, drinks, and parking. They are available for the following events (booking closing dates in brackets): Sat. Dec 21, 2002 The Jockey Australian Madison Championship (Dec 16) For more, see www.cyclistsinternational.com.au or www.ticketek.com for tickets. Harrop hit-and-run killer's sentence doubledThe driver who killed Australian triathlete Luke Harrop in a hit-and-run accident has had her prison sentence doubled by a Court of Appeal in Queensland. Sandra Jaye Wilde now faces five years in jail as well as an additional 18 months for other offences, bringing the total to 6 and a half years. Harrop died on January 13, 2002 as a result of injuries sustained in the collision on the previous day. Dutch TT championships in BergeijkNext year's Dutch time trial championships will be organised in Bergeijk in the province of Noord-Brabant. The Dutch cycling federation (KNWU) made this decision on Wednesday. In addition, the KNWU gave its support for Apeldoorn as a candidate for the World Track Championships in 2007. Apeldoorn is hoping to become the first Dutch track to host the World's since Amsterdam in 1979. UK division III team announced: Endurasport.comThere will be a new British Division III team competing in the pro ranks next season, Team Endurasport.com. Led by Harry Lodge, who retired from professional cycle racing this year, the team is backed by Scottish sports clothing company Endura Clothing as its main sponsor. The team also hopes to raise funds via its supporters club, in a manner similar to iteamNova.com. An £85 membership fee will get you a team jersey and "a team supporters website with exclusive access to up to date team news, views and diaries, competitions, photo galleries and team newsletter." "We are an ambitious team who, with the help of supporters, are planning to move up the rankings from our initial 'trade team three' status," says Harry Lodge, who has 13 years of professional racing experience behind him. "Our aim is to offer young British riders the chance to race on the continent and experience life as a cycling professional. Most of the team will be based in northern Italy and compete regularly in European races. There will also be a small group of riders based in England but riding on the continent from time to time." The team's captain will be British rider Chris Tonge, who has been a professional for 3 years with RDM-Flanders in Belgium. Other riders signed include Jan Richter (Ger), Lee Vertongen (NZl), John Ibbotson (GBr), Alex Coutts (GBr), Neil Coleman (GBr) and Andrew Parsons (GBr), with more to be added in the coming weeks. The team will have its presentation in February, before the riders head south to Italy to train. In the early part of the season the team hopes to race in the Tour of the Riviera (Italy), Giro del Capo (South Africa), Ringerike GP (Norway), Tour of Slovenia (Slovenia) and the Irish Milk Raas. After July, the team hopes to ride in some of the higher category races in Europe. The team is also targeting races in America, Australia's Sun Tour and New Zealand's Tour of the Southland at the end of the year whilst the "home team" will be tackling British Premier and Under 23 races. Fred Mengoni announces 2003 rosterNew York City cycling patron Fred Mengoni has announced the roster for the GS Mengoni team for 2003. With a shift towards a more New York City based squad, the team has signed 2000 Mt. Holly Grand Prix winner Roosevelt "Pollo" Martes and strong all-arounders Eugene Boronow, Jason Bremer and Jason Schneider. Returning riders Charlie Issendorf and Wilson Vasquez round out the squad. "This is by far the strongest sprinting team we have had since George Hincapie and Mike McCarthy rode for GS Mengoni in 1992," said Team Director John Issendorf. "I'm looking forward to many victories". The six rider squad will focus on Northeast races including premier events such as the Univest Grand Prix, Mt. Holly Grand Prix, Housatonic Valley Classic and the GS Mengoni Grand Prix. 2003 Roster Eugene Boronow, Jamaica, NY - Category 1 Tasmanian Cycling Federation Cyclist of Season AwardsBy Rod Morris Burnie rider Michael Johnson has snatched the early lead in Cycling Tasmania's revamped Cyclist of the Season awards for the new 2002-03 season. Johnson scored 7-points in the recent PCCCT Carnival, held at his home track at West Park, to edge out namesake, Ryan Johnson, who won 5 points. Cycling Tasmania has re-modelled its awards, which last season were won by American Jame Carney and Sheffield's Belinda Goss. With points on offer from every track carnival held over the Tasmanian summer, the major difference in the awards is the sliding scale of points depending on the value of the prizemoney for each race. The more prizemoney, i.e. the $12,000 Latrobe Wheelrace, would be worth more in points than a $500 lightning handicap. Cycling Tasmania has also implemented a junior award, incorporating all three age group categories. Equal leaders after the first carnival of the summer are Devonport's Cameron Flint and Launceston's Will Robinson, both on 7-points and just ahead of Devonport duo Alex Holden and Jarrod Harman. Cycling Tasmania has also advised that junior riders who move up in age group on January 1, will be able to carry their points over. All three awards will be officially presented at the St Helens end-of-season carnival on January 18. Cycling Tasmania Male Rider-of-Season 1 Michael Johnson 7 pts 2 Ryan Johnson 5 3 Gareth Atkins 3 3 David Oliver 3 3 Wes Sulzberger 3 6 Stephen Pearce 2 7 Daniel Cutting 1 Cycling Tasmania Junior Rider-of-Season 1 Cameron Flint (J1) 7 pts 1 Will Robinson (J2) 7 3 Jarrod Harman (J1) 6 3 Alex Holden (J2) 6 5 Matthew Bonham (J1) 3 6 Angela Klyne (J2) 2 6 Carrie Price (J2) 2 8 Natasha Mapley (J1) 1 8 Thomas Robinson (J2) 1 8 Tim Walker (J1) 1 Bray Wheelers AGMBy Tommy Campbell, Irish Independent, Evening Herald, Sunday Independent One of the best-known clubs in Ireland is holding is A.G.M. this evening (Thursday) at 8pm in their own clubhouse. The Bray Wheelers are unique in Ireland as the only cycling club to have their own premises. It was not today or yesterday, that the Bray lads, embarked on building their own clubhouse on the Upper Dargle Road, Bray. Amazingly that group who initiated that development back in the late '60's are still involved with the exception of the late Joe Loughman who was a driving force behind the idea. In his comprehensive report to the membership, Brendan O'Leary the chairman outlines various projects taken throughout the year. "It is difficult to single out any particular item, as the membership are across many strands. On the cycling front, it would have to be the 'Shay Elliott Memorial' that stood out like a beacon. Irrespective of your age in Ireland, Shay was the pioneer who set a path others would follow to achieve their respective goals in the cycling world. "One of Cycling Irelands' objectives (as outlined in their Strategy Document) was to hold a one day international race in Ireland. We felt the Shay Elliott, as the premier race over the years should be promoted to international status. Both the UCI and CI accepted our application and the club ran the race in April. By all accounts it was successful and the UCI report bears this out. "None of the club activities would be possible without the commitment of you committee. We've had a very successful year and I want to pay tribute to the committee for their hard work and efforts during the year," said Brendan. Interesting that an old chestnut that seems to be rearing its head on regular basis is the need for people to come forward for the new committee. We'll leave the last words to the outgoing chairman, "This is your chance to get involved in the running of your club. Bray Wheelers has a long tradition of servicing all facets of cycling in this country from participants on international duty to members being involved on national committees. The club has a proud tradition spanning over four decades and new people are needed to keep that tradition going.
(All rights reserved/Copyright Knapp Communications Pty Limited 2002) |
|
January 2009 |
Recently on Cyclingnews.com |
 Bayern Rundfahrt Photo ©: Schaaf |
