Tour of Southland

New Zealand, November 2-7, 1997

1997 Results     Information     Results    

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The G. Man Column - Yep Kiwis can write!

Graeme Miller, one of the top NZ riders over a long period, who has dominated NZ cycling along with Brian Fowler has agreed to send me his reports of action during the Tour of the Southland. With a bit of luck he will also be reporting during the season to come.

So thanks mate and I'll make sure the spelling is okay!

Prologue, Invercargil, Team's Time Trial, 4 kms

Whoo how crazy was that!!!! 4 kms full of hell. Fun start to a Tour though something new. My team finished second after having to wait for Brian Fowler who pulled his foot at the start!!!! Tim Carswell's team of track riders did what was expected of them and won by 7secs. Job well done boys.

On a some what sad note we wonder why racing in NZ is struggling. I find it hard when I come back to race here after a hard season overseas and get the reception I got tonight from the race officals. I know sponsors are hard to find and as a professional I feel I go the extra mile to help promote our sport not only in NZ but all around the world.

Why don't you guys take your blazers off and step into the 90's otherwise your going to miss them altogether.

Graeme

[Bill: Okay Graeme, do tell! the details, name names!]

Stage 1, Invercargill - Gore, 101.2 kms:

I forgot just how dead (slow) the roads are back here in Kiwi land. 101km feels like 160km. Guess I just need to toughen up a bit more ... It was on from the gun today and everyone was keen to get into it. A group of eight went clear at about 30km (I managed to sneak into along with Glen Thompson who had the luxury of being able to sit on as his team mate had the lead. So the rest of us had to push the throttle right forward and go for it ... and we did. At the finish there were only three of us and we were all glad to arrive.

Result: Miller, Cleghorn, Barnsley 1.10 back to pack. GC same as above Good start but a big hill to come oh dear!!!

Stage 2, Browns - Bluff Hill, 88.2 kms:

Why do race promoters have to finish up the biggest hill they can find? Answer: Because they have never ridden a bike in their life!! 38-25 yeah and I could have used a 26 on the back. Everyone had a go at me this afternoon... good on ya.My team tried to control but we came up short. Enough said.

Results: Vesty, McDonnell, Mitchell GC: Vesty, McDonnell-18, Mitchell-24, Miller-31

Race note: Mr.Guyton if you want to motor pace could you do it in your own time not while we're trying to have a race!!!

Stage 3, Athol - Crown Range Lookout, 109 kms:

I guess I never woke up today until 1hr after the stage start! That was when the breakaway group was at 2min ... that was the good news .. it ended up at 4.15 minutes by the end. It wasn't much of a stage to look forward to unless you could climb (39-23 the last 3kms). I love my sport at times!! Guyton rode a great stage today (with the help of his team) he was solo at the finish (so they tell me) and now holds the yellow jersey.

Stage 4, Nugget Point - Arrowtown, ITT 13 kms:

Some days you should just stay in bed. TTing is up there with hill climbing in my book and lucky old me got to do both in one day ... enough said.

Stage 5, Five - Winton - Winton, 130 kms:

Yeah won my second stage. Pretty boring day not much wind what we did have was behind us. So the stage went by fast and came down to a field sprint. The Zoo Team (our national track boys+ Julian Dean did a super lead out for Gregg Henderson (2nd). Thanks boys. Gordon Bearman 3rd. Nothing changed on GC with Guyton still well in control.

Today started off at the Dr's for me. I had to have a haemorrhoid lanced 1 hr before the stage started. I'm laying on my bed doing this report with a bag of ice you no where. The things we do for fame.

Stage 6, Winton Criterium, 30 kms

Three riders away for second half of race. Everyone was happy to just roll around once they were away. So all in all a boring day. Word is the wind will get up tomorrow ... about time. Hopefully I will be able to start tomorrow. If the Dr gives the ok.

Results: Darren Murray, Jaarod Poad, David Lee.

Wally of the day: David Lee. For tangling with a rider and receiving a warning from a Police Officer not with the race. Way to go Dave.

Stage 7, Tuatapere - Tuatapere, 89 kms:

The gman has withdrawn from the race. He had to return to Auckland and he is having surgery tonight (Friday) to remove his haemorrhoids once and for all. So we all hope that his "bottom" is tops again soon and he is back in action. He has promised more reports throughout the season.