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Joseph Sunde Memorial Criteriums - NE
Heffron Park, Maroubra, Australia, January 26, 2006
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The Joseph Sunde Memorial Criteriums are conducted by the Eastern Suburbs Cycling Club at the popular Heffron Park criterium circuit and are dedicated to the memory of Joseph Sunde, who passed away in 1993 after an 18 month battle with leukemia.
Joseph was the youngest son of John & Christine Sunde (see about Joseph) His father John is a keen cyclist who has been racing at Heffron Park for 20 years and also works in the bicycle industry.
The 45km feature event has been won by four Australian Champions and during its 12 year history no rider has won the event twice. 2005 wimner Cofidis neo pro Chris Sutton is shaping as the favourite to defend his 2005 title. Previous winners who will also be competiting include 2004 winner Troy Glennan (FRF Couriers), Graeme Moffett (Clarence St) 2003, Jeff Hopkins (Jittery Joes) 2002, Stuart Dangerfield (UK) 2000 and Heffron favourite Anthony Spurgeon (FRF Couriers) 1997.
One of the more unique events of the Joseph Sunde Memorial is the 30km graded handicaps for B, C and D grade riders. The event is based on the same format as the popular Tuesday night summer Criterium series, where D grade are given a 1'30" start over C and B grades.
The 30km Masters event opens the day's racing and like the elite event, has become one of the prestigious Masters events on the summer calendar. New entrants to the masters division Paul Rowney and Stewart Campbell will big threats along with 2005 winner Scott Callum and team mate John Kenny who are both anxious to record their first wins at Heffron Park in 2006.
One of the special features of the day is the fundraising efforts of the cycling community for the Childrens Cancer Institute. Joseph underwent treatment at the Sydney Children's Hospital in Randwick, which is where the Institute is based and over $10,000 has been raised through the Memorial Criteriums and other efforts. All fundraising from the day is donated to the Childrens Cancer Institute of Australia .
Donations can be made direct to the Childrens Cancer institute of Australia by clicking here. Simply quote 'Joseph Sunde Memorial' in the comments box.
