Report from Mark Phelan:
Michael Aisbitt doubles up in the Sprint and sets World Record in Qualifying
I was lucky enough to find my way with my family to Dunc Gray Velodrome in Sydney on Saturday night to take in some of the most exciting Track sprint racing I have witness for some time.
On offer was the Track Sprint finals in all age divisions at this years UCI World Masters Championship.
Centre stage for the ACT was Michael Aisbitt competing in the Gold medal best of 3 final in the 40-44 age division and the machine Jim Veal in the 60-64 age division riding for the Bronze medal. Just as exciting was some magic sprint racing in all the age divisions, these athletes really know how to compete, the skills and speed on display was mind blowing, the camaraderie and sportsmanship by nearly all of the competitors was something you had to witness.
It was exciting to enter Dunc Gray velodrome alive with spectators, a big and enthusiastic crowd ready and willing to vocalise their support had come out on a warm and balmy Sydney night. Trade Stalls enabled you to enter through a staggering display of the latest 2009 offerings from Techner, Hillbrick, the entire 2009 Zipp range, offerings from SRAM, Shimano and much more, every piece available to be picked up, played with and the experts on hand to explain everything.
Michael Asibitt was up against the very fast Anton Quist from the USA in the Gold Medal ride, Michael setting a WORLD RECORD in qualifying riding a blistering 10.930 second 200mtr, Anton was no slouch however posting a very quick 11.085 only 0.155 seconds slower setting up a close and tactical battle for the Gold medal.
Round 1 was interesting, Anton taking the lead from the start with Michael sizing him up looking for his weakness, at the bell it was Anton leading with Michael starting to run at his wheel, into the last corner and Michael was showing superior speed, easily riding up to Antons hip then drawing level only to be savagely flicked by Anton requiring Michael to back off and go again, unable to regain his speed Michael followed Anton to the line. Anton quickly finding himself in trouble with the officials and subsequently relegated for 'irregular movement to prevent his opponent from passing', the relegation handing Michael the win to go 1 up in the best of 3 final.
Round 2 and it was obvious Anton was not going to give the race away, nearly putting Michael on the deck in the first few meters and continuing on with what can only be described as aggressive riding for the next 2 laps. Michael however took it all and gave it back just as forcefully. Michael leading at the bell, down the back straight not much in it, then Michael turned on the afterburners, making his opponent look slow Michael rode clear to the line winning his second World Masters Championship in just a few days.
Jim Veal was just as exciting to watch, taking care of his opponent in 2 straight races winning the Bronze in the 60-64 age group and taking his medal tally to 4 with 2 Silver and 2 Bronze, Jim is just so strong in all areas on the track, be it Sprinting, Pursuit, Scratch race, 500mtrs, he has medalled in them all. Fantastic riding by Jim.
Mark Harris rode superbly on Sunday winning the Bronze medal in the 45-49 Points Race, in a tough and fast encounter Mark was one of 3 riders to lap the field late in the race, congratulations on an exceptionally strong ride.
What an exciting night of racing and I will be back next year to watch. Well done to Michael Aisbitt, dual 2009 World Masters Champion, Jim Veal multiple World Masters Championship medallist, Mark Harris Bronze Medallist in the Points and the dozen or so other ACT Masters competing at these World Masters Championships, you have all excelled and provided some excellent entertainment for a very appreciative crowd.
Regards
Mark
(Thanks Mark)
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