Focus on veterans

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34123, 8 April 1976, Page 18

Focus on veterans

fZV.Z. Press Association/ NAPIER. The expected dominance of the Olympic Games nominees, and the biggest Fields in history for the boys 1 and—probably—junior races feature in the Rothmans national road cycling championships at Wharerangi, near Taradale. But almost as much interest centres today on the opening event, the veterans’ 70km championship, a race on a two-year trial for riders of 35 years and over. With the disappointing scratching of the 100 km team time trial because of only three entries—four are required—the veterans will hog all the atten-i tion on the opening day. OLYMPIC REPRESENTATIVE There are some notable names among the 25 enthusiasts entered. notably three former internationals, Arthur Candy—a 1964 Olympic Games representative—Ross Bush < Canterbury) and Bruce Goldsworthy (Wellington,/.

But two of Candy’s Waikato team mates could loom as larger threats than any. Brian Fleck who was still performing with distinction in open classics early in the 19705, and Mate Matich could be two of the hardest performers. With the disappointing scratching of Trevor Gibbs, Bush and the provincial champion, Roy Pemberton, are the Canterbury riders who most appeal, and another former Canterbury rider who could prove dangerous is Gilbert Painter (Wellington >. RICHARDS TOP Six Olympic nominees ate expected to dominate the junior and senior championships Michael Richards, only 17 but the top nomination for Montreal, will surely be the most marked man in the junior field, but the Canterbury champion, Alan Campbell, second in the Oceania Games will carry heavy backing as well. If he can last on the hills. Gan- Sullivan, like Richards from Auckland, will be one of the most dangerous at the finish.

The one very steep climb end the lesser rises on the 17 km circuit will suit none more than the Olympic nominees, Gary Bell, Kevin Blackwell * Waikato . Biair Stockwell, Paul Jesson Canterbury). and Jamie Richards (Auckland!. DOMINANCE The field of 41 in the boxg* race makes this as difficult to predict as at any time. But purely on the strength of »Qs absolute dominance of the track championships, Canterbury’s ®jy man team will be closelv pursued wherever it goes. The two to appeal must ar? the provincial champton, Tony Duder and Jim Tabak. who lest a tyre in the sprint at the end of that race. But Murray Steele, who came home with a flashing sprint, and the ever improving Tony Strarg provide strong back-up. and so V? more exoeriecned Garrv Monk and Gary Radburnd. Outside Canterbury. riders with a chance Include Ron Richda ® -wc\i and A ian Tindale (Wellington).