Natural disaster can't stop Bendigo Madison

After witnessing the worst bushfires in Australia's history, the city of Bendigo still held its annual International Madison on Sunday night. Leigh Howard and Glenn O'Shea took the honours for the second consecutive year.

The goldfields region of Victoria was devastated by extreme fires. With over 200 people losing their lives and thousands of homes destroyed the Madison was a chance for sport to assist in healing wounds. As usual the field contesting the event was excellent, with the likes of European Six-Day stars Franco Marvulli and Leif Lampater pitted against local riders such as Howard and O'Shea, and the Meyer brothers.

Fittingly it was the Victorian Institute of Sport pair, which has also performed well in the Euro Six-Day circuit this season, which had its name engraved on the race's trophy for another year. Howard and O'Shea have quickly developed into a formidable pairing on the track, with the strength and understanding required to perform well in six-day events.

They are both also looking towards a career on the road, and most observers get the feeling it won't be long before we see them competing in the some of Europe's biggest races.