VELO99   NEWSLETTER        No. 1.

It is hoped that this newsletter will become a regular feature of Velo 99.  It is for the members of Velo 99. It is certainly not my newsletter. Without input from you it will cease to exist. If you    have  ideas, views, items of interest then please give them to me in writing at races or send to ,

E – Mail     derek.hemingway@BTInternet.com

Please do not tell me, I could win gold medals for forgetting.

                                                              VELO 99  -  PAST AND PRESENT.

Velo99 or TLI 86 as it was first known was the creation of Brian Newton and several other enthusiasts who wished to organise races for other promoters and cycle-sport administrators. Invitations were sent to approximately twenty-five Yorkshire riders and a similar number of East Midland riders.

A limit of sixty riders was agreed: primarily because this would guarantee regular fields of thirty to forty riders. Insurance worked out at ten pounds per rider and every rider was guaranteed an entry.

Each promoter would be allowed to invite two friends to ride as his guests.

Any vacancies that occurred would be filled by riders nominating their friends, good sportsmanship being the sole criterion required to ride the invitation series.

There is no doubt that in the short time that Velo 99 has been in existence it has been a resounding success and it is this success that could change the character of Velo99. We now have fourth and fifth generation riders who are unaware of the original philosophy of Velo99, there is a danger of us becoming just another race series. It has been suggested to members that they should nominate a person because Velo99 would be a good place for them to learn how to road race. The suggestion has been made to some riders outside Velo99 that they should join Velo99 as it is more suited to their abilities.

What all this means is that sooner or later we would loose the friendship that is such an integral part of Velo99. Rider must nominate personal friends, people they know well, not just team-mates that they hardly know or that they occasionally meet on the chain gang or at other races. The intention is honourable because the sponsor genuinely feels that Velo99 would suit the nominee. Unfortunately the sponsor may not have detailed knowledge of the rider, is he or she a safe rider in a group (important when one considers how long the effects of a small crash can last with older riders) or is the rider promoter friendly.

The question we should all ask ourselves before we sponsor a rider is “Will the nominee suit Velo99?”

On Saturday 4 th. August there was the annual meeting of race promoters and other people concerned with the running of Velo 99. The following is a short report of the meeting and the decisions taken.

 

1.        Some changes were suggested between the groups, stronger riders to move back and weaker riders to move forward.

2.        Lead drivers to receive 25 points and expenses.

3.        Riders who have been nominated for membership to ride one event as a guest, after which their suitability to be assessed by the group. Each group may only contain one guest rider. Additionally, the promoters may invite two guests to ride their event.

4.        Ray Dring will promote a non points scoring race, Belgian style, ie. Caught riders are not allowed to hang on but let the faster group pass by and let a gap develop.

5.        Commencing 1 Jan 2002, no riders under the age of forty. This will not affect any of the current members who are under forty.

6.        We should try to produce a newsletter twice a year and distribute with the result sheet.

7.        Martin Smith, Group 1B, was nominated by Terry Jarman and accepted.

8.        Terry Jarman has kindly donated some prizes to be given out at the Presentation Race in September. Each rider and  helper will receive one free prize draw ticket

                                          

                                           VELO 99 TRACK MEETING.

A good morning’s track racing was enjoyed by 13 members of Velo99 on Sunday 29th July. We were lucky with the weather; we had a lovely sunny day with very little wind making for ideal racing conditions. Two groups of riders were formed; one group from groups one and two and the other group from groups three, four and five.

After a short warm up race for each group the competition proper started. This consisted of an omnium of five events, the flying 200m, one lap sprint, devil take the hindmost, points race and a scratch race. Each competitor scores points depending upon his finishing position. The total of the points scored decides a competitors final finishing position.

The racing was very competitive with a small amount of handicapping taking place in Group A to ensure some very competitive finishes. Some good sprinting was seen from Terry Jarman in group A. The final of group B sprint showed all the tactical dangers of three up sprinting. Phil Etches and Steve King were in their own little world as they entered the last 200 metres high on the banking at walking speed. Three lengths behind and slightly higher was Dave Nelson who seeing his chance swooped down the banking below Phil and Steve. Dave had a six length lead before the other two realised they were sprinting to avoid last place. Dave is not noted for rapid acceleration or phenomenal top speed but he does not tire for an awful long time so he went on for a well deserved but rather unexpected win.

The final results were,

Group A                                                                                 Group B

                1st            Terry Jarman                                                         1st            Phil Etches

                2nd           Brian Newton                                                        2nd           Terry Biesty

3rd            Cliff  Cutts                                                             3rd            Steve King

 

At the end of the racing, as the entries were down on last year, I asked those present if they would like me to promote a road race next year. It was unanimous that we should keep the track meeting. Ideally we need 8 to 10 riders to form three groups, 1A and 1B,  2 and 3,  4 and 5. This will ensure close racing without the need for handicapping.

In the discussion that followed it was felt that many people did not enter for fear of the unknown, they have never ridden track and do not know what to expect. This is understandable, but if you are one of these do not let it put you off, you are missing a very good mornings racing. The track is easy to ride, after three laps most people are happy on the banking. The more experienced riders will be willing to give you some tuition. The racing is far less frightening than the gallop that takes place at the end of one of our races when the groups have all come together. It’s only like a group sprint without any potholes or oncoming traffic! To those who were present if each of you persuade one other member to come along we have the right number so lets look forward to another good meeting next year.

 

BARKSTON  HEATH  AIRFIELD

 

Barkston Heath Airfield near Cranwell is available for our use should any person or group of people wish to promote a series there. The facilities are a little limited but there are no worries about traffic, marshals or lead cars.

There is a one off charge of 75 pounds for a permit, then 20 pounds per day to use the airfield. You are told which gate to enter by and given a keypad code for the gate. This means that a four race series with forty riders per race would cost 160 pounds or one pound per rider per race.

Sunday seems to be most popular day for the use of this facility. If anyone or group of people would like to promote here please contact,

Derek Hemingway.   Phone  01427  872351  or the addresses at the top of this letter.