Bendigo stars head mainland invasion of Tasmanian carnivals

The organisers of the Nationalgrid Tasmanian Christmas Carnivals are confidently predicting a big contingent of riders from the Australian mainland. It looks like "the number of mainland cyclists heading for the carnivals will far exceed recent years," said Grant Atkins, president of the Sports Carnivals Association of Tasmania.

In the vanguard of the invasion force is Bendigo, Victoria legend Tim Decker, who has a strong track record at the carnivals. Decker is bringing six riders to Tasmania as the "Decked Out Racing Team" and will be rider-manager. The squad includes Glen O'Shea, Tobby Lennon, Simon Barkla, Anthony Rix, Ben Rix and Andrew Rix.

Decker, a professional cycling coach, has up to thirty cyclists in his squad and believes the ones coming to Tasmania will acquit themselves well. He said in particular Glen O'Shea is a young track endurance cyclist with a lot of potential whilst Anthony Rix is skilful and quick.

Canberra junior Daniel Ellis is another promising young rider heading to Tasmania. Ellis won three medals at the Australian Junior Track Championships in Adelaide last February including gold in the kierin. He represented Australia at the World Championships in the U.S.A. earlier this year. He is a rider of great potential who shows a lot of speed.

Victorian and Australian scratch cyclist Todd Wilsch will also ride at the carnivals. Wilsch is a regular winner of scratch races.

For more information see: www.tascarnivals.com.