Elder brother and apparent road sprint specialist Jay contemplated his future after being offered a pro contract with the AIS-Giant team. It is understood that he has turned it down after considering himself too young at 20 yrs old to turn pro and perhaps miss out riding the under 23 espiors section at the Olympics.
Promising local rider and State Representative Jeff Wheeler's dreams were shattered when he came to grief on the swift descent to Sedan (Murray Valley, South Australia). With a strong following wind and a breathtaking descent, riders reached speeds in excess off 100kph. Jeff apparently lost concentration briefly after being passed on the inside and careered off the road and into a drain to somersault and land on his shoulder. Not realising that he had broken his collar bone briefly attempted to mount the bike and continue on until the damage became apparent.
Many SA cyclists are visiting Canberra for the Milk Race in a week or two. Coomealla junior rider John Pollock has been riding exceptionally well in preparatory races, winning the SA Easter tour from Norwood Clubs' Kristin Lewis.
From Graham Fowler fowlerg@ozemail.com.au
Vuelta Aragon (17-21 April), Amstel Gold Race (27 April), Vuelta Alentejo (Portugal), Clasica Alcobendas (12 May), Vuelta a Asturias (14-19 May), Bicicleta Vasca (22-26 May), Classique des Alpes (1 June), Dauphine Libere (2-9 June) and the Spanish championship (23 June).
In all 35 days of competition.
1000 m: 1. Sharman (Aus) 1.05,833 2. Thuet (Fra) 1.06,059 3. Escudero (Spa) 1.06,351 4000 m pursuit: 1. Juan Martinez (Spa) 4.34,512 2. Obree (GBr) 4.38,729. Sprint: 1. Martin Nothstein (USA) Keirin: 1. Martin Nothstein (USA) Team Pursuit: 1. Spain 2. Argentine 3. USA 4. Colombia Americaine: 1. Juan Curuchet/Gabriel Curuchet (Arg) WOMEN: Sprint: 1. Olga Slioussareva (Rus) 500 m: 1. Olga Slioussareva (Rus) Team standings (Havana): 1. USA 91 pts 2. Cuba 70 3. Russia 68 4. Argentine 61 5. Spain 54