Wheels in MOTION
BLUEY ’ S FORESIGHT
John “ Bluey ” Forsyth
This year there will be plenty of sports to cater for all ages and for the spectator as the Far Northern region will be represented at local North Queensland sporting events as well as State , National and Internationally . One sport gathering enormous momentum in the region is cycling .
Gauging from the past twelve months and the emerging talent that surfaced in 2016 , this year will see local riders participating at National and World events .
Fiona Yard is one lady who has ridden to stardom after having created an unusual record in a time honoured race in Victoria .
The 278 km Melbourne to Warrnambool road race started back in 1895 and is considered Australia ’ s toughest one day cycling event .
Fiona created history being involved in a tie for first place - something never achieved before in Australia ’ s oldest one day road race .
To add to the spectacular , this was Fiona ’ s first attempt at the race and the distance ; a remarkable feat in itself , as most competitors pride themselves with simply completing the race within the allotted time .
The circumstances under which the historic tie came about are also unusual , as Fiona originally finished in second placing , having been beaten by race winner , Tess Fabry , by just one second .
However , Cycling Victoria Officials were aware of a motor pacing incident during the race by winner Tess Fabry - a breach of the rules - and decided to send the matter through the Disciplinary and Appeals Committee to consider if the appropriate penalty was applied on the day . After hearing the issue , the Committee determined a new penalty be applied , making Tess Fabry and Fiona Yard joint winners .
Fiona ’ s accomplishment is even more amazing considering her employment as a flight nurse with the Royal Flying Doctor Service sees her regularly away from Cairns , making scheduled training difficult at times . Add to this a battle with cancer just one year ago , and this really is the stuff legends are made of .
Be well ,
B luey
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