Morrison may surprise field

Press, 7 October 1988, Page 40

Morrison may surprise field

From

MALCOLM CONDIE

in Dunedin Having one of the biggest teams ever, will probably make little difference in Canterbury’s chances for medals at the Cadbury New Zealand road cycling nationals in Dunedin during the next three days. More than 60 riders were entered from Canterbury but because of the course it is unlikely all competitors will finish. In the seniors, Canterbury has strong prospects in John Morrison, Chris Nicholson, Brian Fowler, Michael Leahy and Aaron Lauder. They are top climbers but parts of the course will suit different cyclists. Morrison, renowned for his wins in the Summit Hill climb in Canterbury and a force to reckon with on steep time trials, was in top form in the recent tour of Tasmania. He may well surprise the

field. Nicholson is also a top climber and, after finishing third in both the tours of New Caledonia and Tasmania has proven his fitness. Nicholson’s uncanny speed downhill will be tested in Dunedin. Leahy and Lauder have been in the top placings in most road races in Canterbury this year and if there at the finish will produce a good result. The unknown quantity this year is Olympian, Fowler. Having trained almost solely for the 100 km time trial distance in the last few months, Fowler may find the course too testing. Then again, after the Olympic road race which was not on a difficult course, the tough Dunedin hills may be what he is craving for. Competition for the senior riders will come from cyclists back from the Olympics and those who have been impressing on national level. These include. Paul Leitch and

Gavin Stevens, of Auckland, Steven Cox, Tom Bamford and Steven Green, of Waikato/Bay of Plenty, and Wayne Morgan, of Wellington. The total distance for tomorrow’s senior race is 160 km — 12 laps of the course.

In the junior ranks, Canterbury has a good chance today with a maximum entry and hopes resting on Paul Hayes, Brendon Hart, Chris Gosser, Marcus Flack and Simon Hollander.

Flack is likely to be the strongest of these on the hills and is a rider who knows how to look after himself on a hard race. Any of the others could produce good performances depending on conditions.

Canterbury’s women’s entry is strong this year. The titleholder, Sally Fraser, is back from riding overseas and will have to deal with several new riders. Allison Roe, of Auckland, is giving the

nationals a ride this year and may surprise the field, as may Sue Matthews, of Nelson. A big novice entry from Canterbury is also likely to give a good showing. Mark Ogle and Todd Skilling are the two to watch, but because little is known of other novice riders it is a lottery as to who will win. Such is the case in both veteran grades. In veteran one, 35-44 years, Canterbury boasts the biggest team, of seven riders. Alan Hood, Robert Scott and Rod Hogarth are all in with a chance should they keep Southland’s Mike Hughes at bay. Canterbury’s class two veteran grade comprises 10 of the 24 entries in that field. By working together it is likely at least one medal will come from this race. With selectors present and taking names for next year’s Oceania Games, all cyclists will be giving it their best shot. <