Joseph Sunde Memorial Criteriums - NE

Heffron Park, Maroubra, Australia, January 27, 2008

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). John is a keen cyclist who has been racing at Heffron Park for 20 years and also works in the bicycle industry.

The 45 km feature event has been won by four Australian Road Champions and during its 13 year history and just one rider, Jeff Hopkins, has won the event twice, taking victories in 2002 and 2006. This year 'Hoppy' will be back to defend his title but will be strongly challenged by local identity Anthony Spurgeon who has been in impressive form over the Australian summer.

One of the more unique events of the Joseph Sunde Memorial is the 30 km 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. The 30 km Masters event opens the day's racing and, like the Elite Men's event, has become one of the most prestigious Masters events on the summer calendar.

A special feature of the day is the fundraising efforts of the cycling community for the Children's Cancer Institute of Australia (CCIA). Joseph underwent treatment at the Sydney Children's Hospital in Randwick, where the Institute is based, and over $25,000 has been raised for the organisation through the Joseph Sunde Memorial Criteriums. All fundraising from the day is donated to the CCIA .

Donations can be made direct to the Children's Cancer institute of Australia by clicking here. Simply quote 'Joseph Sunde Memorial' in the comments box.