Hopkins readies for memorial return

Jeff Hopkins (Jittery Joes) is out to launch his 2007 season with a win when he defends his 2006 title in Sydney's prestigious Joseph Sunde Memorial Criteriums to be held on Australia Day, Friday 26, January, at Sydney's popular Heffron Park circuit. The event, now in it's 14th year, is in memory of Joseph Sunde, who passed away in 1993 after an 18 month battle with leukaemia.

The event raises money for the Children's Cancer Institute of Australia with a raffle prize of a Trek 1400 road bike to win.

While Hopkins will have his Australian team mate Trent Wilson to support him, the dynamic duo are sure to receive strong challenges from FRF Couriers team of Troy Glennan, Peter McDonald and Joe McDonnell. Local rider Anthony Spuregon (Caravello) may prove the biggest threat if his recent form at Heffron Park is anything to go by.

While this year's event will be its 14th running, Hopkins is the only winner to have taken victory on more than one occasion, with the seasoned professional taking out the Elite Men's race in 2002 and then again last year.

Racing gets underway with the Masters support race at 7:30 am followed by the popular graded handicap event at 9 am with the feature race kicking off at 10am.

For more information on the Joseph Sunde Memorial Criteriums click here.