Tasmanian carnivals receive boost ahead of launch

With the launch of this year's Tasmanian Christmas carnival series just two weeks away, the series has been boosted by the signing of Canadian cycling stars Jenny Trew and Chris Reid. Both are contenders to represent Canada at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne and are seeking to improve their chances by competing at the carnivals.

24-year-old Trew, from Alberta Canada, is a multiple track medallist, winning three medals at the 2005 Canadian National Track Championships. 24-year-old Reid, who recently graduated with Honours in History from the Victoria University in Ontario Canada, has taken 12 months off employment to concentrate on his cycling. The former mountain bike star has notched up several credible performances in track endurance events including third in a recent major Madison event in America.

It's some time since any Canadian cyclists have competed at the carnivals so it will be very good to have them compete, hopefully encouraging more for the future. In an endeavour to extend the Commonwealth Games flavour the association is currently holding discussions with the coach of the Scottish Cycling Team, with the Association hopeful of making an announcement on some type of collaboration between the two parties soon.

Elite women riders Jessie McClean and Tiffany Cromwell will compete at the carnivals, both riders having competed for the Australian national team during 2005. McClean competed successfully at last year's carnivals and is keen to return, while Cromwell has recently returned from the World Junior Championships in Austria.

With local champion Belinda Goss a confirmed starter in the women's events, this year's series of carnivals looks to be coming together as a big event. Racing in the women's ranks at last year's carnivals was a highlight of the with separate events being held for the first time but I think this year the women's events will be even better. The current interest being shown by the women cyclists is very encouraging.

The official launch of the Christmas carnivals will take place at the Launceston Country Club on Wednesday November 16 by Jim Cox, Tasmanian Minister for Sport and Recreation.

For more information see www.tascarnivals.com.