Hard test for speed team

Press, 15 June 1978, Page 10

Hard test for speed team

By

BOB SCHUMACHER

There is a feeling of optimism among officials that the New Zealand speed skating team will acquit itself creditably in the annual test series against Australia in August. However, it would be expecting too much for a New Zealand victory. Its only victory in five series was in the inaugural test at Lake Ida in 1973. Racing teams from the United States, England and Japan have been invited to an international meeting in Melbourne from August 15 to 17. The New Zealand team will be present for the Australian championships in Sydney from August 20 to 22 and the test between the two countries will take place on August 25. The next day, there will be the inter-states Caltex Cup. If the New Zealand team distinguishes itself in the Australian open events and the Tasman Trophy races, it may be invited to compete against teams from the States and overseas. After the national smalltrack championships in Invercargill over Queen’s Birthday week-end, a squad from which the eight New Zealand representatives — four senior men, two junior men and two women — will be selected after the national short-track championships on July 15 and 16, was announced. It is:—Men, Mark Atkinson. Robert Montgomery,

Joe Den Exter, Peter Le Comte, John Adams, Tony Galvin (all Canterbury); Ken Howie, Kevin Maxwell, Barry Kereama, Darryl Graham (all Southland); Ross Jensen, Stephen Sturgess (both Auckland); Keith Ponder (Alexandra). Women, Sue Blair, Michelle Madden, Nancy Sykes (all Canterbury); Ans Kremer (Westland). Mr John Kramer has been appointed manager, and Mr Jan Havenaar has been named as coach. New Zealand’s main weakness in past encounters has been in the senior men’s events and again the national side does not appear to have the sharp edge needed to extend the Australians who are more accustomed to the indoor rinks where the test will be held. Atkinson, last year’s Canterbury short-track and long-track champion, retained his national smalltrack titles this year, winning all three finals. He is clearly the sharpest sprinter and his speed from the standing start should make him more than nuisance value to the Australians. Adams, who has been in every New Zealand Tasman Trophy team since the competition’s inception, is a certainty although it is not clear whether he will compete in the senior or junior grgde.

Montgomery, a member of the 1973 and 1974 New Zealand teams, is skating strongly at present. He and Howie, a national representative for the last two years, lack a little acceleration but both are strong in stamina and enthusiasm. The stylish Jensen, who teamed with Adams in the junior grade last year, is a strong prospect again, but Kereama impressed at the small-track championships. Sturgess won the three junior titles and Galvin skated capably for

placings in the intermediate events. There is no doubt that Mrs Blair will be the first of the women to be selected. She has been in the team for the last three years and has been training hard this season. The second place will be a hard decision. Miss Kremer is noted for her stamina more than her speed and is better suited by outdoor rinks. However, the Dutch-born woman thrives on competition. Miss Sykes partnered Mrs Blair last year, but Miss Madden beat her in both races at the national small-track championships.