The Advertiser Super-Drome Challenge

Adelaide, Australia, January 18, 2003

Full house at the Super-Drome sets the scene

Australia's elite world champion sprint cyclists opened the week of international cycling in South Australia before a full house at the Adelaide Super-Drome with a brilliant display of power and strength.

Ryan Bayley and Jobie Dajka each won a round of the keirin. In the first round Ryan Bayley held a forward position and leading into the bell lap was able to hold off strong challenges from Dajka and Shane Kelly. In round two, Dajka, who was caught too far back in round one, held third position at the bell and was able to drive to the front in the back straight and win comfortably.

Power-house Sean Eadie took out The Advertiser Sprint Challenge in a world title re-match against South Australia's Jobie Dajka. In the one-off final Dajka led and with two laps to go tried to force Eadie to the front. Eadie, anticipating Dajka's move, launched a massive attack opening up a ten-length lead which he maintained to the finish.

In The Advertiser Derny Challenge, Brett Aitken was successful in round one when Brad McGee's derny suffered technical problems with the head-set causing the derny to vibrate violently leaving McGee out of the race with six laps to go. In round two, McGee's derny replaced with a new machine, saw a brilliant display of speed and stamina with McGee and Aitken battling side by side at high speed in the closing laps. With three laps remaining, Aitken attempted his final attack from behind but was unable to sustain the pressure and lost contact with his derny. McGee went on to record a brilliant win.

Everyone in South Australia, along with thousands of interstate visitors, await the start of the Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under tomorrow night in the East End of Adelaide. Saturday night's event at the Super-Drome was a great way to start the festival of cycling.