Catching up with the stars

By John Michael Flynn in Launceston

Where are the scratchies? One of the biggest questions arising out of the Tasmanian Christmas carnivals is, what has happened to the scratch markers? While Ben Kersten has been a standout with his diehard efforts from the back marks over the first three days of the carnival - those who know the sport best are concerned at the lack of quality in the back end of the fields.

When Cyclingnews bumped into Australian cycling great Danny Clark at a Lanceston Café this morning, he described the situation as "disappointing", but also reserved praise for the young riders at the carnival, in particular Perth's Meyer brothers.

The lack of quality scratch markers has created nightmares for the race handicapper - and last night was perhaps the best example, with none of the scratchmarkers making the final of the Launceston Wheelrace. "We've had a talk to the race handicapper and he might look at putting a few more scratchies together in the heats at Devonport," Clark said.

Read the full Catching up with the stars feature.