News for February 11, 2000

Heppner coming back

One of Telekom's many casualties in the summer of last year, 35 year-old Jens Heppner is almost ready to start the new season. In a new-found lease of life, he will join teammate Jan Ullrich in the South African Rapport Toer, due to start today.

He is still suffering from the psychological scars of his heavy training fall last year, and has adjusted his life accordingly. He realises his mortality, and takes a lot more time to enjoy other aspects of his life.

He is intending of course to play a supporting role in the Rapport Toer (as will Ullrich), and maintain that role throughout much of the year. He has not ruled out the Tour, where he can play a strong supporting role to Ullrich.

The Tour of Germany winner would love to win that race again, and is looking forward to the new route. He admits that some of the top teams in the Tour of Germany did not boast their full firepower, but is optimistic that the tour has a future.

For his own part, Heppner has not announced his retirement, and said that he will speak with Walter [Godefroot] at the end of the year. Of course, if he starts suffering from epilespy again, then he will stop. Note, that this didn't stop a certain Marion Clignet from winning two gold medals last year.

Ever since Jan Ullrich's win in the Tour in 1997, bicycle racing in Germany has enjoyed considerable success. More followers of the Tour, which has led to more support for the local races. Team Telekom gear is everywhere!

Record breaker killed

British cylist Bruce Bursford has been killed in a road accident, while travelling on the A47 in Easton, Norfolk yesterday. The cyclist was well known for breaking Chris Boardman's 5 mile road record (38.73 mph) last year, riding a bike he designed himself. The bike won several awards for innovation and cost some 25,000 pounds sterling to build.

Police reports stated that 41 year-old Bursford collided with a truck at 2:30pm as he was heading home to Dereham after a training ride.

Nijs talks with Belgian federation

Number one cyclocrosser, Sven Nijs (Bel, Rabobank) has met the heads of the Belgian Cycling Federation to discuss his performance in the World Championships. His refusal to help national (but not trade) teammate, Mario de Clercq (Palmans) to chase Richard Groenendaal (Ned, Rabobank) was strongly critcised by the Belgian camp, who believed that he should have been riding for his country at the World Championships.

The federation's chairman, Laurent de Backer said afterwards in front of Belgian TV that they had an open talk in which the World Championship performances were evaluated, and that this problem not would occur in the future. Nijs was brief afterwards: "I understand his point of view, and he mine."

Armstrong campaign

Lance Armstrong has continued his support of the fight against cancer prevention, promoted by the Lance Armstrong Foundation. He announced the campaign on February 8 in New York, entitled "the Cycle of Hope".

There is a kit associated with the program, which can be obtained through visiting the website at www.cycleofhope.org. It is an education package detailing how to cope with the disease, early symptoms and risk factors. In addition, there is a toll free number (US) that will give more information: 877-717-4673.

Stephen Pate aims for the Games and the Austral

Top Australian track rider, Stephen Pate, believes that he can make the Olympic Games team this year, according to an interview in "The Age" today. Pate, who will race in this Sunday's Austral wheelrace, has never been selected in an Olympic squad and time is running out for the 36 year old cyclist.

His cycling career has been "colourful", to say the least - winning World and Australian Championships, holding the world record, winning many prestigious track races, and yes, being caught for drugs in 1991.

He is aiming to win the Australian madison titles, next month along with the points race to gain him a foot in the door for Olympic selection. However, he said to the Age, that he would "wait and see".

He will have to contend with the likes of Brett Aitken and Scott McGrory, who have proven themselves in international competition, and are both keen to make Olympic selection.

On his Austral chances, he will certainly try for an unprecedented 5th title on Sunday: "I'm feeling really good, very confident, but not necessarily for this weekend. My goals are focused toward next month," he said.

He will join top performers such as Gary Neiwand, and Westral winner, Darren Young, and up and coming stars Adrian Sansonetti and Tim Bennett in the event.

The 2000 m Austral wheelrace is Australia's oldest (and the World's oldest handicapped race) and its most prestigious track cycling race. First held in 1887, it consistently attracts Australia's best trackies, and this will be the 102nd edition of the race. It will also be the final time that it will be held at Melbourne's Northcote velodrome, before it moves to the Multi Purpose Velodrome at Melbourne Park.

First Women's Austral

The carnival also sees the first running of a Women's Austral, which will see Karen Barrow and Rochelle Gilmore race each other for the first time since Barrow narrowly beat Gilmore in the Bay Cycling Classic. Gilmore, leader of the series leading into the last stage punctured just before the finish of the last round, allowing Barrow to win the stage and the series.

Champion junior cyclist, Rahna Demarte will be keen to confirm her status as one of Australia's best track cycling hopes for the Sydney Olympics, and on her current form is hot favorite for the women's event.