Stockwell's Games bid on the road

Press, 6 July 1977, Page 26

Stockwell's Games bid on the road

By

RAY CAIRNS

Against his better wishes, and the inclinations Of his cycling career, Blair Stockwell is making an attempt for Commonwealth Games selection next year as a road rider.

Probably the most important loss from the training squad for the team pursuit event — more important than that of Michael Richards because of his vast experience and dedication to the teams’ race —

Stockwell views it as one virtually forced upon him. “Basically, staying with the squad would have meant tying myself up for the next year, quite aside from the high cost factor. “Effectively, if a pursuit team is to go to Edmonton, the selectors will be looking for very fast times by November. That means anyone wishing to be in the running could forget about the road; and having been thrown out once by the Games selectors, I’m not prepared to risk that again.’’

If he could choose the event in which he would like to ride for New Zealand again, Stockwell would elect the team pursuit. "But I have to be a bit realistic; I don’t have the time to spare now for what they want to do, whereas the road race is doing your own thing, really.” Stockwell pointed out lie should know by the end of the year if he will be a contender on the road, and he can thus keep his options open.

“It would have to be in the individual pursuit and 10 miles, 1 suppose, unless J earned consideration at that late stage for the team pursuit squad.” said Stockwell. “But that’s all in the air: my sights are on the road, on the tours, at present, and I’ll wait till I miss out there before I look any further.” if Stockwell is ultimately chosen for Edmonton — as he should have been chosen for Munich last year — he will set a record for Games appearances.

With eight others, Stockwell has represented New Zealand at three Olympic or Commonwealth Games cycling carnivals. Of those, only Des Thomson, Warwick Dalton and Vern Hanaray rode in two Olympic Games; John Dean, Laurie Byers, Richie Thomson. W’arren Johnston and Dick Johnstone each rode, like Stockwell, in two Commonwealth or Empire Games meetings. Hanaray, of course, is al-

ready a very strong favourite to be selected for Edmonton.

Meanwhile, one interesting sidelight on the coming season is the likely move to Christchurch of Kevin Blackwell. Rejected with Stockwell and Paul Jesson for Montreal last year, Blackwell now has sights set on the track and is a front-runner for the pursuit team.

He is expected to arrive in Christchurch late in the road season and would help present Canterbury' with another very strong pursuit team. Stockwell and Jesson, even if their prior commitment is to the road* and Kim Reid would.make with Blackwell, a pursuit team as good as any in the country.