Professional Cross Country Club Burnie Carnival - NE

Tasmania, Australia, November 23, 2003

Results

Youngster Price fires up Tasmanian carnival season-opener

From Rod Morris in Burnie

Summer hasn't officially begun, but for young Ulverstone cyclist Ben Price, it's shaping as an exciting season. Price (17) has only returned to the track this season after three years pursuing other sporting interests, but he is on the verge of creating history.

At the first track carnival of the Tasmanian 2003-04 season, held at Burnie's West Park, Price featured in nearly all major events, including winning the A & B Grade combined pursuit scratch and the B Grade Elimination. He also finished second in both the 2000 m Wheelrace and the 1000 m Lightning Handicap, both times lowering his colours to former scratchman Nathan Clarke.

Price is a former Australian junior titleholder, but over the last three years has concentrated on Australian Rules Football and boxing. His win in the Pursuit Scratch was one of the most entertaining races of the day, holding out a fast finishing Gareth Atkins and Clarke, who had been forced to work overtime to reel in the B Grade bunch.

Clarke was also in ominous form with the prestigious Tasmanian Christmas Carnivals Series just over a month away. Unlikely to race from scratch, Clarke will still however make his presence felt and could surprise some of his better credentialed opponents when the big money is on offer.

Junior racing at the small Burnie carnival provided the youngsters with an omnium series, with points on offer in scratch, handicap and elimination finals. Numbers at junior level are also at a healthy high level for Tasmania with even more competitors expected in the weeks to come. The trio of Launceston based Robinson brothers, Will, Tom and Ed dominated their respective age groups.

The next Tasmanian track carnival will be held at Devonport on Sunday, November 30, starting at midday.

Results

Burnie Mitsubishi 2000 m Wheelrace
 
1 Nathan Clarke (40)            2.21.42
2 Ben Price (150)                      
3 Gareth Atkins (50)                   
4 David Oliver (120)                   
 
Lightning Handicap, 1000 m
 
1 Nathan Clarke (20)            1.09.57
2 Ben Price (75)                       
3 Ryan Johnson (55)                    
4 Adam Hartley (55)                    
 
Pursuit Scratch
 
1 Ben Price                            
2 Gareth Atkins                        
3 Nathan Clarke                        
4 Matthew Atkins                       
 
Keirin
 
1 Gareth Atkins                 0.12.03
2 Nathan Clarke                        
3 Ben Price                            
4 Adam Hartley                         
5 Ryan Johnson                         
 
A Grade Elimination
 
1 Gareth Atkins                        
2 Nathan Clarke                        
3 Matthew Atkins                       
4 Adam Hartley                         
 
B Grade Elimination
 
1 Ben Price                            
2 Dwayne Smith                         
3 Colin Barnes                         
4 Trent Deacon                         
 
Junior 1 Omnium Series
 
1 Will Robinson                      13 pts
2 Ben Fielding                        9
3 Jarrod Harman                       7
 
Junior 2 Omnium Series
 
1 Tom Robinson                       15 pts
2 Clay Murfett                        7
3 Alex Holden                         6
 
Junior 3 Omnium Series
 
1 Ed Robinson                         9 pts
2 David Lyons                         6
3 Stephen Heppel                      5