 | FEATURES |
| FEATURES |
The future tour and its next champion
IBA
General Manager Terry McKenna briefs us on their recent meeting in Portugal and
paints the scenarios for those riders still in contention for the crown.
The meeting room, Peniche, Portugal.
The IBA
held their half-yearly meeting during the Peniche event. The riders’ board were
in attendance, as well as the directors. The agenda was next year’s tour. A
tour that has now survived economic ruination, if we have indeed entered
post-GFC, is a cause for muted celebrations. So many previous incarnations of our
sport’s governance have blown over in stiff breezes and this one has just stood
up to Hurricane Katrina. As if
things couldn’t get anymore super-fantastic this year is climaxing with a four
way. Hubb, Hardy, Winchester and Stewart will all be in there as this year’s
tour is put to bed at Confital. Terry breaks down the scenarios that must play
out for each rider to walk away smiling.
Terry (right) inspects the Viana contest arena. Terry
McKenna: There were many topics covered at the IBA half-yearly meeting in
Peniche. The main points were minimum prize money for events in 2010,
conditions for competitors at events, 2010 calendar and 2010 rulebook. Movement:
Did you action any changes for next year’s tour? Terry
McKenna: We are still working through a lot of the points that were spoken
about. It needs to be tabled in a suitable fashion for voting on by IBA riders’
board and management but when 20 guys talk for four hours straight, trying to
pan through the pile for the gold can be challenging. I have been working on a
doco for a month and plan to send it out prior to the Canary event in late
November. Movement:
Have all the events from this year's tour reconfirmed their involvement next
year? Terry
McKenna: Most of the events will continue. There are a few that may slide due
to funding. Viana was a great event that celebrated the anniversary of the
first event outside Hawaii. Not sure if this event will be supported by the
local government again but they are trying. Peniche could be another that falls
from the tour as 2009 was an election year and the funding was primarily
sourced from the election budget. New events could come from France, Ireland,
Tahiti and Reunion Island as well as here in Australia. Movement:
Finally, last event of the year and at least four riders are still in
contention, you must be happy. With such intimate knowledge of the tour, can
you give us some scenarios: Do any of the likely WCs (Hubb / Hardy / Stewart /
Winchester) have previous form at this event? Terry
McKenna: It's actually five riders, because GT can still get enough points
to win as well. Only
Mike has competed both years of the event. 2007 he was 25th and 2008 he was
7th, so statistically he has been the best performer there. In 2008 this is how
they finished. Jeff 17th, Dave 9th, Ryan 41st, GT 17th. Movement:
By how many rounds must Winchester and Hardy beat Hubb to overtake his 600-ish
points lead? Terry
McKenna: If Jeff makes the final he can't be beaten. If
Jeff loses in the first round then Dave needs to make the final, Ryan needs to
make the semis, Mike needs to win it, GT needs to make the final. So
for Mike to win the title he needs to win the event, and hope that the others
lose early. Movement:
Do judges or officials anticipate additional gamesmanship, even group tactics,
in high stake events like this? Terry McKenna: The judges at this event
will be the most experienced and the best panel for the year. The IBA knows
just how important this event is and we will be ensuring that our best judges
are at the event. Having said that they will be treating this event just as
seriously as every other event.
| Latest Features
For a complete listing of features... CLICK HERE > Random Feature
ShopBuy An IssuePurchase back issues and special editions. Subscribe To Movement MagSave walking to the shop, lock in your six or twelve issue subscription here. |
