Tasmanian Christmas Carnivals

Tasmania, December 26, 2003 - January 4, 2004

The world's best head for Tasmania

Stephen Wooldridge on the front of the field
Photo ©: Cyclingnews

Once again it is time for the Tasmanian Christmas Carnivals, one of the highlights of the Tasmanian cycling season. The hugely popular series of track carnivals is held over the Christmas and New Year period around the Australian 'island state' of Tasmania, with its slightly cooler climate providing a break from the heat of the Australian mainland.

The series starts off on Boxing Day with the Latrobe Carnival, before making its way to Launceston, Devonport and Burnie. Launceston will also provide action with the Doherty Hotels Launceston International Criterium on December 27.

The Christmas Carnivals will see a battle of the old with the new, as riders such as 52-year-old, Danny Clark, arguably Australia's best ever track rider, competing against future champion Mark Jamieson. In the women's race, Tasmanian Belinda Goss will pitt herself against the cream of international female track riders such as Sarah Hammer (USA) and Liz Williams (NZ).

International riders from around the world will also be making an appearance, with Chris Hoy (Scotland), Jame Carney (USA), Roberto Chiappa (Italy) and Kouji Yoshi (Japan) just a few of the riders to be competing.

Handicaps have already been released for the following races.

Races

2003

December 26, Latrobe Carnival - Handicaps
December 27, Doherty Hotels Launceston International Criterium
December 28, Launceston Carnival - Handicaps
December 29-30, Devonport Carnival - Handicaps

2004

January 1, Burnie Carnival - Handicaps
January 4, Hobart Carnival

Photography

Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com took these shots of visiting international riders at the recent Launceston City Cycling Club race at the Launceston Silverdome.

Jame Carney has been a regular at the Tasmanian carnivals for the last several years
Becky Conzelman is making a first visit to Tassie in US national team colours
Sarah Hammer is also here in stars and stripes
Conzelman & Hammer took part in an open club race as part of the US contingent's warm-up for the Tasmanian carnivals