North Island Secondary Schools Champs 2014

This just in from Lyall:

Two Team Arrow juniors, Damian Hussey and Michaela Walker, performed exceptionally well at the North Island Secondary Schools Championships. With record numbers attending, over 650 competitors in all, Wanganui’s only juniors won bronze medals on the new Cambridge Velodrome.

With three days of racing, including time trials, road racing, criterium and track racing, it was a very busy weekend for all.

On Saturday Michaela rode in the road race, finishing a very creditable 6^th place in a field of over 50 riders, which included members of the NZ Junior team.

Later on Saturday night Damian competed in the U14 Boys derby on the velodrome, finishing with a well-earned Bronze medal.

Sunday saw both of them racing in the criterium around St Peters School, alongside the velodrome. Michaela again showed she is up there with the best in a 5^th place tight finish.

Monday saw both riders competing in a very busy track programme. With the list of events including a points race, elimination and scratch race, it was definitely survival of the fittest. Michaela once again showed the vast improvement she has made over the last 12 months by taking out a bronze medal in the scratch race. In doing so she beat juniors who have been selected for the World Champs in Korea in August.

Finally, a big ‘Thank You’ to the parents, grandparents, supporters and Adam for making this such a successful weekend.

Lyall.

Michaela wins Open Women at 2014 Tour of Taranaki

Congratulations to Michaela who not only won the Open Women section of the recent three-day Tour of Taranaki, but also placed fifth overall in the combined men's and women's field!

She had a four-second lead going into the fifth and final stage, and dominated the hill climb to reach the line eight minutes ahead.

Superb result, Michaela!

Mid May Update from Lyall

Some of our juniors have been busy in the last few weeks with trips to Stratford for racing. Some are building for secondary schools champs and also the Taranaki 3 Day Tour.

Last weekend Damian, Jacob and Michaela took part in a three stage tour based at took, near Stratford. The tour consisted of a 50 km first stage, a 6 km time trial second stage, finishing with a 50 km third stage.

Jacob rode well in a strong b Grade to take out first place, while Damian took out second place in the E Grade – a great effort by both juniors! Michaela unfortunately punctured in the first stage.

But we learnt not to give our spare wheels to other riders – we did this, but around the next corner we found Michaela with a puncture also! To make matters worse, the recipient of our wheel managed to damage it when we badly needed it for the next stage. However, we managed to sort things out just in time for the final stage, lesson learnt.

This weekend Jacob and Michaela are off to Hawera for the Taranaki Road Champs, while Damian and our newest recruit peter are at Feilding for schools racing. Good luck to everyone, especially Peter in his first race. (Apologies from Phil for not getting this posted in time! Looking forward to hearing how you got on.)

Good results from two of our juniors

Damian chose to compete in the Manawatu club champs instead of the Wanganui champs with the competition in Manawatu being far superior. It turned out to be the right decision with Damian taking out the U15 boys event - a great result!

Michaela competed in the Wanganui Secondary Schools Triathlon. After coming out of the swim in third place, she stormed away on the cycle leg, leading by over nine minutes into the run. She crossed the finish line with a massive nine minutes and 31 seconds ahead of her nearest competitor. She not only won the female section , but was second overall, only being beaten by NZ rep James Wright.

Mike Shingles rode the Rotorua to Taupo last weekend. Although he was slower than his last attempt, I've been told the conditions were more difficult, with road works and the weather making all times slower.

Due to demand I have started another junior spin class at 4pm on Wednesdays. Senior classes continue to be popular. Unfortunately these are all booked out, with quite a long waiting list. Not enough days in the week.

This weekend I am taking a group up Fields Track, across to Raetihi, then back down the recently sealed River Road - not for the faint-hearted...

Easter weekend up to Waverley for the annual Waverley Classic, with two rides - the first being the difficult Kohi circuit, then after lunch at Jake's we'll do the flat 10 km Monk Road circuit.

Safe riding everyone. Lyall.

Track Champs update from lyall

Team Arrow track riders Damian and Michaela had mixed results at the NZ Track Champs.

Damian was besieged with mechanical problems at Invercargill, something that seriously needs to be looked at by the West Coast officials. Through no fault of his own he had mechanical problems in three of his four events!

On a brighter note Michaela performed exceptionally well at the new velodrome in Cambridge. With a full house most days Michaela handled the pressure really well. She took two seconds off her best time in the 500m time trial even after a mishap at the start. In the Kieran heats she just missed out on qualifying by one place.

In the sprint qualifying she did another personal best and qualified for the final eight. Unfortunately she drew the eventual winner but really took it to her, just being pipped on the line.

The large field saw the scratch race divided into heats, with Michaela storming home to make the final. In the final she rode an exceptional race against her much more experienced opponents, finishing 13^th, but only a couples of metres from the winner. Well done, Michaela!

Michaela - Track Nationals at new velodrome in Cambridge

These photos are just in. Marvellous to see you in action, Michaela! Well done - more details to come shortly.

An Update from Lyall

Some good news recently for Team Arrow members.

Firstly, young Mike Shingles won his age group 70-80 years – at the Waikato Red 100km race. Mike was one of the oldest in his group, but rode really well on the very hilly course. His time of 3’ 35” is testament to that. I also believe Bev brushed the cobwebs off her bike and rode in one of the shorter races. Well done to you both!

Also, confirmation that two of team Arrow juniors have been selected to represent the West Coast at the NZ Track Nationals. Damian will make the long trip to Invercargill for the Age group nationals while Michaela will race on the new Velodrome in Cambridge. Well done to both, and thanks to all those who assisted in their preparation, ie. Parents, coaches, supporters – none of this is possible without them. Good luck to you both!

Congratulations, Damian and Michaela!

Great news from Lyall just now, with more details to follow:

Damian has been selected for the U15 national track championships in Invercargill, and Michaela has been selected for the Elite U19 track champs in Cambridge!

Dates and photos to follow as soon as we get 'em!

Well done, you two!

Levin Track Carnival - 12 Jan

Last Sunday - 12th Jan - three Team Arrow riders and their supporters travelled to Levin for a track carnival.
Large fields resulted in some very competitive racing, with our three riders all performing well.
Damian took out the gold medal for the top U15 rider, with Michaela taking gold in the B grade. Michael found the going tough, but would have learned heaps and will be better for the experience.
With numerous cups and medals to race for, plus everyone receiving a spot prize, the organisation was fantastic. Adam and Lyall were called on to help as commissaires. They were both busy helping our riders and running races, but happy to help out such a well organised carnival. Other clubs could take note of Levin's efficiency.
Next event is another track carnival in Wanganui on Sunday 19th Jan. See you there!

Duncan - get well soon, mate!

Just heard that Duncan is recuperating after a nasty prang.

All the best from everyone at Team Arrow!