News

Tour recognises Tasmanian legend

By Rod Morris

Jack Kinnane, one of the stalwarts of Tasmanian cycling and the man behind the Mercury Tour of the 50's, passed away recently.

Kinnane aged 89, was the promoter of the Mercury Tour, will be fondly remembered by all cycling followers. His contribution to Tasmanian cycling will be recognised with a special Jack Kinnane Memorial Plate to be presented to the winner of this year's Tour.

There will also be a Gala Dinner at Launceston Country Club Resort on the night of Saturday March 2 to recognise past winners of the Tours of Tasmania and a Jack Kinnane Memorial Medal will be presented to all previous winners.

Jack Kinnane would have been delighted to see a record three Tasmanian teams competing in this year's Skilled Tour of Tasmania.

The Tasmanian Institute of Sport will field two teams and coach Kevin Tabotta was excited about their chances. "Although I think it will be tough to win overall, we have a good chance to take some stages," Tabotta said.

"With no Mt Wellington it will be a lot more even and the stage from St Helens to Launceston will probably hold the key. It is much tougher going in reverse to previous years. I think Nathan Clarke, who won sprint jersey in Sun Tour and wore the yellow jersey for two days in the 1999 Tassie Tour, can win the sprinters jersey. I also think Sean Sullivan who also wore the yellow for two days in '99 can give it a real shake.

"The Tour of Tasmania is a very important race for us and it gives the guys a great opportunity to show their colours on home soil."

The third Tasmanian team is being organised by Hobart cycling identity David Dennis. "It will be a bit different this year with the start in Hobart but the team are looking forward to the challenge. I think all the team will appreciate not having to face Mt Wellington although overall it is probably an even tougher tour this year," Dennis said.