Track Worlds 2012

[kosmonooit]

Dont know if anyone else has been following, there was/is live stream links going on cyclingfans from 11h00 local

 

SA got one sliver so far

 

But take a look at this power house

 

 

 

http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2012/04/PopeyelegsTW6_312-109-280x421.jpg

 

Robert Foerstemann's legs remind people of Popeye

 

 

 

 

 

http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2012/04/PendletonMearesTW6_312-034.jpg

 

 

Pendleton nips Meares by the smallest of margins in the 3rd heat of the semifinals.

 

Photos: Casey B. Gibson |

Edited April 7, 2012 by kosmonooit

[Capricorn]

quite a way to win your 6th world title when your opponent get's DQd. She has it pretty rough this time round Pendleton. World champ stripes not the only stripes she walks away with..

 

http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02187/pencrashget3_2187479k.jpg

[ThaStig]

how come her helmet came off?

[T-Bob]

how come her helmet came off?

 

because when she stopped sliding 20m down the wood work she pulled it off and tried to get up while still strapped in. That girl is talented, stunning & tough as nails (and that comes from an aussie).

 

As much as you hate them the GB team is looking special coming into the olympics. Did you see Hoy's win in the Keirin? Respect.

[Ha Ha Kieran]

Nice golf gloves though

[kosmonooit]

What about SA Track Cycling? Commentators were saying on Eurosport that its mostly about facilities: UK started to move forward once a velodrome was built in Manchester as part of an Olympic bid, then Lotto funding followed and the rest is history. Auz as well has a big program.

 

Here in SA where are the 'dromes? I think there is quiet a modern one past the Boerewors Kordyn in the Republic of the Western Cape, but where else? Perhaps not only about facilities, also need passionate believers to scout talent and train / couch.

[T-Bob]

The UK program started getting results way before the Olympic bid was realised. Cycling in the UK had been on the outer for many years but was identified as one of the key areas for development by the Sports Trust. Money has been pumped onto the development program as it had down under and fanned by the UK vs AU VS GER rivalry. The UK has a long history of track cycling at grass roots the has survived the years despite no one giving a rats arse about it since the 1950s.

 

I raced Herne Hill when I was over there before the boom and it really was like a little club of guys who just enjoyed it but the basics were there to really build something good and the appointment of Dave Brailsford, extra funding and increased profile across all cycling codes has made cycling the biggest growing sport in the UK.

 

In contrast participation is Aus' keeps growing, 'the new golf' is the constant call but funding hasn't really been increased as much as you'd want to get the results long term.

 

I can't fault the poms, say what you like about throwing money at the sport, it's creating an environment where cycling is becoming mainstream, development for the future is strong for road, MTB, track and even BMX, money is available for professionals and amateurs and they were strong in the last Olympics - who knows this year. Rather that was happening in cycling than something like dual luge!