Niki Neck has posted yet again more great footage on Bont TV. The latest video's uploaded feature track racing from last Wednesday night.
Here are the links:
Women's and Men's 1000 m Finals
Women's 10,000m Points Race
Men's 10,000m Points Race
Monday, April 28, 2008
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Wedsnesday Night Pictures
Here are some more pictures from the Wednesday night track racing thanks to Barbara Muller. You can view more pictures taken by Barbara at the Rolling Apple Skate Club website.
Women 1000m final, 1 lap to go
Women 1000m final, finish straight
Mens start, 1000m heat
Men 1000m heat
Juniors and Kids
Fitness Men 1000m
Niki organizing chips and numbers
Stephan run off his feet
Natalie and Emily warming up
Women 1000m final, 1 lap to go
Women 1000m final, finish straight
Mens start, 1000m heat
Men 1000m heat
Juniors and Kids
Fitness Men 1000m
Niki organizing chips and numbers
Stephan run off his feet
Natalie and Emily warming upThursday, April 24, 2008
Weinfelden's Wednesday Night World Championship's
This year every second Wednesday night track racing will be held at the InlineDrom in Weinfelden, starting at 6.30 - 7 pm. Last night the first of this track series got underway with a reasonable turn out of about 60 skaters. With so many top skaters based in and around Weinfelden this year there was a top class field. Among the skaters racing last night there were about twelve senior World medalists and five junior. Two races were held for each grade, a sprint and a distance race. The junior grade raced a 1000 meters and a 5,000 meters points race and the Seniors a 1000 meters and 10,000 meters points race. Fortunately these are two of my favourite events. I have been a World Champion over the 10,000 meters and am the current 1000 meter World Champion.
The men's racing was tough and fast, the field was dominated by New Zealand and Colombian skaters. It was good to see Livio Wenger a Swiss junior skater racing in with the senior men, he skated well. The ladies field was full of South American skaters. There were only three non South American skaters competing, Nadja Wenger and Susanne Zellweger from Switzerland and myself. It was disappointing not to see more Swiss skaters turn up. There were World class skaters racing in their own back yard and I know if I was in their situation I would relish that opportunity. The World Championships are in Switzerland in 2009 and are being held on the Weinfelden track, would you not take the opportunity to get a feel for what the racing is going to be like and learn a few new things? Maybe that is just my mentality because I come from a country were we do not get enough racing and in my career will probably never have the opportunity to compete at a World Championships on a home town track. You never know 2013 World Championships Timaru, New Zealand.
Womens 1000m Heat - Photo Niki Neck
Senior Men - Photo Niki Neck
Results:
Women 1000m
1. Nicole Begg
2. Andrea Haritchelar
3. Kelly Martinez
4. Natalia Artero
5. Martha Ramirez
6. Melisa Bonnet
7. Shaneen Howard
8. Sara Erviti
9. Kezla Pachon
Women 10,000m Points
1. Nicole Begg
2. Martha Ramirez
3. Andrea Haritchelar
4. Kezla Pachon
5. Natalia Castellanos
6. Sara Erviti
7. Melisa Bonnet
8. Shaneen Howard
9. Susanne Zellweger
10. Nadja Wenger
Men 1000m
1. Scott Arlidge
2. Andres Munoz
3. Kalon Dobbin
4. Peter Michaels
5. D.J. Nation
6. Reyon Kay
7. Ben Alchin
8. Ruben Martinez
9. Roman Christen
10. Alexandra Bastidas
Men 10,000m Points
1. Peter Michaels
2. Alexander Bastidas
3. Kalon Dobbin
4. D.J. Nation
5. Gerardo Herrera Zea
6. Ben Alchin
7. Scott Arlidge
8. Nelson Garzon
9. Ruben Martinez
10. Nicolas Zamudis
The men's racing was tough and fast, the field was dominated by New Zealand and Colombian skaters. It was good to see Livio Wenger a Swiss junior skater racing in with the senior men, he skated well. The ladies field was full of South American skaters. There were only three non South American skaters competing, Nadja Wenger and Susanne Zellweger from Switzerland and myself. It was disappointing not to see more Swiss skaters turn up. There were World class skaters racing in their own back yard and I know if I was in their situation I would relish that opportunity. The World Championships are in Switzerland in 2009 and are being held on the Weinfelden track, would you not take the opportunity to get a feel for what the racing is going to be like and learn a few new things? Maybe that is just my mentality because I come from a country were we do not get enough racing and in my career will probably never have the opportunity to compete at a World Championships on a home town track. You never know 2013 World Championships Timaru, New Zealand.
Womens 1000m Heat - Photo Niki Neck
Senior Men - Photo Niki NeckThere are also some great photo's on the Rolling Apple Skate Club's website. You can view the photo's here.
Results:
Women 1000m
1. Nicole Begg
2. Andrea Haritchelar
3. Kelly Martinez
4. Natalia Artero
5. Martha Ramirez
6. Melisa Bonnet
7. Shaneen Howard
8. Sara Erviti
9. Kezla Pachon
Women 10,000m Points
1. Nicole Begg
2. Martha Ramirez
3. Andrea Haritchelar
4. Kezla Pachon
5. Natalia Castellanos
6. Sara Erviti
7. Melisa Bonnet
8. Shaneen Howard
9. Susanne Zellweger
10. Nadja Wenger
Men 1000m
1. Scott Arlidge
2. Andres Munoz
3. Kalon Dobbin
4. Peter Michaels
5. D.J. Nation
6. Reyon Kay
7. Ben Alchin
8. Ruben Martinez
9. Roman Christen
10. Alexandra Bastidas
Men 10,000m Points
1. Peter Michaels
2. Alexander Bastidas
3. Kalon Dobbin
4. D.J. Nation
5. Gerardo Herrera Zea
6. Ben Alchin
7. Scott Arlidge
8. Nelson Garzon
9. Ruben Martinez
10. Nicolas Zamudis
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
WIC Zug
After a week of rain and cold weather in Switzerland it was a nice change to arrive in Zug on Saturday to nice warm sunny weather. The first World Inline Cup race got underway at 5pm for the men and 5.02pm for the women. The course was one lap, 40km around Lake Zugersee starting and finishing at the same place. The course was undulating with a few resonable climbs but fast downhill stretches.
Since Iv'e been competing in the World Inline Cup (since 2004) the womens race has finished in a bunch sprint at Zug, but people still attacked and tried to escape. Tamara, Alexandra and I all tried to make a couple of breaks just to test the water, but nothing eventuated as we were quickly chased down. Other attacks were made by Sara Bak and Nadine Gloor (Rollerblade Austria), Liliana Holungin and Natalia Altero (World Inline Center Matter) and Elma De Vries (Cado Motus). This year with new skaters galore racing in the World Inline Cup and a lot more strong teams, the women's racing has changed a bit. There was more constant movement in the bunch with multiple trains always on the move. You could not stay in one postion too long otherwise you would soon end up at the back of the pack. Our whole team was constantly on the move jumping on trains and moving up the bunch so we wouldn't be caught at the back. Even though it's a long race you don't want to be caught at the back of the pack. The bad action usually happens at the back of the pack (e.g., crashes), the good action happens at the front (e.g., breakaways). If you get caught at the back and stuck behind less experienced skaters, gaps easily open up and then you are left having to chase. The race was not physically draining for me because the pace was more constant rather than yo-yoing.
With about 3km to go, everyone was fighting for positions, fighting to be on the right wheel. If you are not on the right team or skater's wheel at the end of the race, you can be swamped by the whole pack. Going into the sprint we were positioned behind Powerslide Alessi and they were behind Rollerblade MPC. The final 500 meters of the race was tricky because there were traffic islands all over the road. Bont Wheels followed Allessi and Rollerblade over to the right going under the bridge. The group then split with some skaters choosing to stay on the right and some moving into the left lane before the next traffic island. Bont Wheels continued on the right following Alessi and one Rollerblade skater. Alexandra led the team out followed by Tamara, Cecilia and myself. At the next traffic island, we split with Alexandra going left and the rest of the team right. Cecilia and myself took off with about 250 - 300 meters to go. The Bont Wheels Team crossed the line taking the first three places but later on Alexandra was relegated to 5th and Tamara finished 11th. I'm not too sure what exactly happened because I was at the back of the train and didn't see anything, I was focused on following and protecting Cecilia.
The presentations got underway quiet late at 10pm after the band finished playing and all the guys got to oogle at the Brazilian dancers. We arrived back to the house in Weinfelden at midnight and basically stumbled up the stairs and fell in to bed. It was a long drawn out day. We left Weinfelden at 1pm and arrived home at midnight.
We raced well together as a team and our strengths all complimented each other. Before this race we only had one short training session together but because we are all experienced skaters, we were able to get away with it and produce good results. Teams can look good on paper but it depends how everyone comes together and works as a team. The mix of strengths and weaknesses has to be right, and I think this Bont Wheels Team has the right mix.
Results: Women
Results: Men
Since Iv'e been competing in the World Inline Cup (since 2004) the womens race has finished in a bunch sprint at Zug, but people still attacked and tried to escape. Tamara, Alexandra and I all tried to make a couple of breaks just to test the water, but nothing eventuated as we were quickly chased down. Other attacks were made by Sara Bak and Nadine Gloor (Rollerblade Austria), Liliana Holungin and Natalia Altero (World Inline Center Matter) and Elma De Vries (Cado Motus). This year with new skaters galore racing in the World Inline Cup and a lot more strong teams, the women's racing has changed a bit. There was more constant movement in the bunch with multiple trains always on the move. You could not stay in one postion too long otherwise you would soon end up at the back of the pack. Our whole team was constantly on the move jumping on trains and moving up the bunch so we wouldn't be caught at the back. Even though it's a long race you don't want to be caught at the back of the pack. The bad action usually happens at the back of the pack (e.g., crashes), the good action happens at the front (e.g., breakaways). If you get caught at the back and stuck behind less experienced skaters, gaps easily open up and then you are left having to chase. The race was not physically draining for me because the pace was more constant rather than yo-yoing.
With about 3km to go, everyone was fighting for positions, fighting to be on the right wheel. If you are not on the right team or skater's wheel at the end of the race, you can be swamped by the whole pack. Going into the sprint we were positioned behind Powerslide Alessi and they were behind Rollerblade MPC. The final 500 meters of the race was tricky because there were traffic islands all over the road. Bont Wheels followed Allessi and Rollerblade over to the right going under the bridge. The group then split with some skaters choosing to stay on the right and some moving into the left lane before the next traffic island. Bont Wheels continued on the right following Alessi and one Rollerblade skater. Alexandra led the team out followed by Tamara, Cecilia and myself. At the next traffic island, we split with Alexandra going left and the rest of the team right. Cecilia and myself took off with about 250 - 300 meters to go. The Bont Wheels Team crossed the line taking the first three places but later on Alexandra was relegated to 5th and Tamara finished 11th. I'm not too sure what exactly happened because I was at the back of the train and didn't see anything, I was focused on following and protecting Cecilia.
The presentations got underway quiet late at 10pm after the band finished playing and all the guys got to oogle at the Brazilian dancers. We arrived back to the house in Weinfelden at midnight and basically stumbled up the stairs and fell in to bed. It was a long drawn out day. We left Weinfelden at 1pm and arrived home at midnight.
We raced well together as a team and our strengths all complimented each other. Before this race we only had one short training session together but because we are all experienced skaters, we were able to get away with it and produce good results. Teams can look good on paper but it depends how everyone comes together and works as a team. The mix of strengths and weaknesses has to be right, and I think this Bont Wheels Team has the right mix.
Results: Women
1. Baena Cecilia Bont Wheels 1:08.36,85
2. Begg Nicole Bont Wheels
3. Gomez Sandra Powerslide Alessi World
4. Barbotin Nathalie Powerslide Alessi World
5. Vivas Alexandra Bont Wheels
6. Haritchelhar Andrea World Inlinecenter-Matter
7. Ponzetti Cinzia Powerslide Alessi World
8. Martinez Kelly Bont IDRD Bogota Positiva
9. Holungin Liliana World Inlinecenter-Matter
10. Kuhn India X-tech-Crocs
11. Tamara Llorens Bont Wheels
12. Bak Sara Rollerblade I.P.U Speedod
13. Pachon Nino Kezia Bont IDRD Bogota Positiva
14. Gloor Nadine Rollerblade I.P.U Speedod
15. Erbiti Sara Bont Bacata
16. Strüver Tina 2008 Shankel World Team
17. Galvis Wanda Bont Bacata
18. Altero Natalia World Inlinecenter-Matter
19. Howard Mclean Shaneen Bont IDRD Bogota Positiva
20. Salazar Deisy Bont Bacata Results: Men
1. Mantia Joey Luigino Answer Wheels 55.51,05
2. Saggiorato Luca Rollerblade MPC World Tea
3. Presti Massimiliano Luigino Answer Wheels
4. Munoz Andres Matter Inline Center Worl
5. Zangarini Francesco Rollerblade MPC World Tea
6. Rosero Jorge Rollerblade MPC World Tea
7. Naselli Claudio Luigino Answer Wheels
8. Guyader Yann Powerslide Alessi World
9. Vogel Harry Luigino Answer Wheels
10. Ruales Ceron Antonio Bont IDRD Bogota Positiva
11. Bugari Riccardo Luigino Answer Wheels
12. Puerto Canon Carlos Bont IDRD Bogota Positiva
13. Amabili Matteo Powerslide Alessi World
14. Begg Wayne World Inlinecenter-Spirot
15. Michael Peter Matter Inline Center Worl
16. Dobbin Kalon Matter Inline Center Worl
17. Bastidas Alexander Bont Bacata
17. Salazar Carlos Bont Bacata
19. Alchin Ben World Inlinecenter-Spirot
20. Caballero Kepa Powerslide Alessi Eurotea Tuesday, April 22, 2008
More Pictures
I have just found some more pictures from the Zug World Inline Cup on a Swiss sports website Sportheute.
Tamara leading the women's pack.
Photo - Marcel Krebs Sportheute.ch
Womens Finish
Photo - Marcel Krebs Sportheute.ch
Bont Wheels Team after the finish.
Photo - Marcel Krebs Sportheute.ch
Future Champion!
Photo - Marcel Krebs Sportheute.ch
Tamara leading the women's pack.Photo - Marcel Krebs Sportheute.ch
Womens FinishPhoto - Marcel Krebs Sportheute.ch
Bont Wheels Team after the finish.Photo - Marcel Krebs Sportheute.ch
Future Champion!Photo - Marcel Krebs Sportheute.ch
WIC Zug Video
Niki Neck has posted a good video on Bont tv from the Zug World Inline Cup. There is footage taken from both the men's and women's finishes. Going under the bridge with about 500 meters to go was filmed by Cheryl Begg and then the final few hundred meters by Niki, there are also some good pictures. Check it out here.
WIC Zug Pictures
Here are a few pictures from the Zug World Inline Cup.
Womens Finish - Photo from Sportheute
Womens Podium - Photo from Zopf
Bont Wheels TeamTamara Llorens, Nicole Begg, Cecilia Baena and Alexandra Vivas
Alexandra and myself in the starting area
Womens PodiumThe reflectors on the Bont cycle shoes work!
Tamara and Alexandra just chilling before the race.
It was a long day.Monday, April 21, 2008
Bont Wheels Team 1st, 2nd & 5th in Zug
Yesterday the first World Inline Cup race got underway in Zug, Switzerland. After a few cold weeks in Switzerland I was pretty certain that with a 5pm start everyone was going to freeze. But Zug delivered brilliant weather, clear blue sky and a temperature of around 18 degrees.
The womens field this year in the World Inline Cup is strong with a heap of new skaters and top teams. This made a difference in the race with more constant movement in the bunch and more action. For our fist race together I think our team, Bont Wheels raced good and worked well as a unit. Cecilia won, myself 2nd, Alexandra crossed the line in 3rd but was then relagated to 5th and Tamara 11th.
P.S Sorry I haven't been able to update the blog, things have been a bit hectic this last week with no running water and no internet at the house. The water is now back up and running but we are still having difficulties with the internet, hopefully Monday or Tuesday that will be on.
The womens field this year in the World Inline Cup is strong with a heap of new skaters and top teams. This made a difference in the race with more constant movement in the bunch and more action. For our fist race together I think our team, Bont Wheels raced good and worked well as a unit. Cecilia won, myself 2nd, Alexandra crossed the line in 3rd but was then relagated to 5th and Tamara 11th.
P.S Sorry I haven't been able to update the blog, things have been a bit hectic this last week with no running water and no internet at the house. The water is now back up and running but we are still having difficulties with the internet, hopefully Monday or Tuesday that will be on.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Drama League Pictures
About two months ago I visited a Drama League in Timaru that were rehearsing for their upcoming performance, The Wizard of Oz. In the Wizard of Oz there are flying monkeys but instead of them flying the co-director came up with the idea of skating monkeys. My skating expertise came in handy and I gave them a few tips so they don't fly off the stage. Here are a few pictures I received. The opening night is in a few days so I hope it all goes as planned and is a successful evening.
Monday, April 14, 2008
I Have Arrived
Last night I arrived safely in Switzerland. Tamara Llorens arrived from Argentina today and Cecilia and Alexandra are due to arrive in the next few days. The cold temperature was a bit of a shock to the system after the hot summer we have had in New Zealand but it should warm up in the next week. The first race of the World Inline Cup is in Zug this Saturday.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Learn to Skate
In early December Cheryl and myself started learn to skate lessons at the local skating rink on Sunday afternoons. It has been a great success, some weeks we have had up to 30 kids skating. Out of the learn to skate lessons the club now has a group of keen young speed skaters. The Timaru Speed Skating club produced many great New Zealand representative skaters back in the day, but has lacked numbers in recent years. With a group of enthusiastic kids, supportive parents and coaching the club has now been resurrected.
The learn to skate lesson's to start with were about learning basic skating skills with a lot of fun and games. After a few weeks we started converting kids onto speed skated that were keen to have a go. With a group of about 8 on speed skates we started speed training about 2 months ago on Friday nights, and went from just basic skills to speed technique. I love seeing the improvement in the kids from week to week and the enjoyment they get from skating.
The Timaru Herald and Port FM helped promote the learn to skate lessons and spark interest. Here is an article that was in the Timaru Herald before Christmas, Top tuition available to SC skaters.
The learn to skate lesson's to start with were about learning basic skating skills with a lot of fun and games. After a few weeks we started converting kids onto speed skated that were keen to have a go. With a group of about 8 on speed skates we started speed training about 2 months ago on Friday nights, and went from just basic skills to speed technique. I love seeing the improvement in the kids from week to week and the enjoyment they get from skating.
The Timaru Herald and Port FM helped promote the learn to skate lessons and spark interest. Here is an article that was in the Timaru Herald before Christmas, Top tuition available to SC skaters.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
TV One News
Last night I was on TV One News. This is one of New Zealand's main TV channels and is at 6pm every night. I wasn't sure what day it was going to be aired so I was actually at the gym so could only see the visual, but it looked pretty good. I have been trying to find the video online but it is not up yet so I will keep my eye out for it.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Speaking Engagements and Appearances
Since my return back to New Zealand last October I have been overwhelmed by the number of events I have been asked to attend. I have attended school events, club gatherings, staff meetings and even a birthday party appearance.
Schools
I have been a guest speaker at two local primary school's end of year graduation/prize giving. I have also visited Waituna Creek School and was a guest at Gleniti School's Jump Power Day. It is great to be able to talk to the kids and tell them my story of how I actually got to were I am. It wasn't easy and it didn't happen overnight or get handed to me on a silver platter. I had to work really hard and a lot of people do not hear about that because they only hear about my success.
Drama League
A few weeks back now I visited a Drama League here in Timaru that were rehearsing for their up coming performance "The Wizard of Oz". Instead of flying monkeys they are having skating monkeys in the play. My skating expertise came in handy and I gave them a few tips so they don't fly off the stage and into the crowd.
Life Education Harold Club
I spoke about a month ago at the local Harold Club. The Harold Club is a group of local people and local business owners that support the Life Education Trust. The Life Education Trust is an organisation that teach young people throughout New Zealand about health and how to life a healthy life. I remember when I was at school the life education bus came to visit and I still remember being told by them "Do you think it would be cool walking down the street sucking on toilet cleaner and moth balls? Because that's what you do when you stick a cigarette in your mouth."
Temuka Pakeke Lions Club Sports Person of the Year
Last week I was the guest speaker at The Temuka Lions Club Sports Person of the Year. It was a great evening that acknowledged the sporting talent from Temuka and the district, from the young to the young at heart.
Rotary Club of Timaru
Last Tuesday I was the guest speaker at the Rotary Club of Timaru. On the 11th of April, the same day as I head back to Europe the Rotary Club are having a charity auction. Myself and Anderson and Bremford Studios have donated a Nicole Begg Calendar for the auction. If you are interested in placing a bid you can visit the website here.
Aorangi Womens Probus
This morning I spook at Aorangi Womens Probus. This was a great group of women to speak to that all meet up on a monthly basis. I hope I am as active and look as young as they do once I reach their age.
Christmas Parade
I was part of the previous Timaru Christmas Parade with my Kia decorated. The parade theme was "Commotion in the Ocean". We were going to get Bill on skates as a skating Santa but only one Santa is allowed, they didn't want to confuse the kids.
Schools
I have been a guest speaker at two local primary school's end of year graduation/prize giving. I have also visited Waituna Creek School and was a guest at Gleniti School's Jump Power Day. It is great to be able to talk to the kids and tell them my story of how I actually got to were I am. It wasn't easy and it didn't happen overnight or get handed to me on a silver platter. I had to work really hard and a lot of people do not hear about that because they only hear about my success.
Drama League
A few weeks back now I visited a Drama League here in Timaru that were rehearsing for their up coming performance "The Wizard of Oz". Instead of flying monkeys they are having skating monkeys in the play. My skating expertise came in handy and I gave them a few tips so they don't fly off the stage and into the crowd.
Life Education Harold Club
I spoke about a month ago at the local Harold Club. The Harold Club is a group of local people and local business owners that support the Life Education Trust. The Life Education Trust is an organisation that teach young people throughout New Zealand about health and how to life a healthy life. I remember when I was at school the life education bus came to visit and I still remember being told by them "Do you think it would be cool walking down the street sucking on toilet cleaner and moth balls? Because that's what you do when you stick a cigarette in your mouth."
Temuka Pakeke Lions Club Sports Person of the Year
Last week I was the guest speaker at The Temuka Lions Club Sports Person of the Year. It was a great evening that acknowledged the sporting talent from Temuka and the district, from the young to the young at heart.
Rotary Club of Timaru
Last Tuesday I was the guest speaker at the Rotary Club of Timaru. On the 11th of April, the same day as I head back to Europe the Rotary Club are having a charity auction. Myself and Anderson and Bremford Studios have donated a Nicole Begg Calendar for the auction. If you are interested in placing a bid you can visit the website here.
Aorangi Womens Probus
This morning I spook at Aorangi Womens Probus. This was a great group of women to speak to that all meet up on a monthly basis. I hope I am as active and look as young as they do once I reach their age.
Christmas Parade
I was part of the previous Timaru Christmas Parade with my Kia decorated. The parade theme was "Commotion in the Ocean". We were going to get Bill on skates as a skating Santa but only one Santa is allowed, they didn't want to confuse the kids.
Articles from The New Zealand Herald
The New Zealand Herald is our countries largest Newspaper distributed right throughout the country. Being a minor sport in New Zealand speed skating has found it hard to gain publicity and recognition, especially in big publications like the Herald. After my much talked about photo's, publicity and awareness for the sport has grown throughout New Zealand. Here are a few articles that have featured in our countries largest newspaper.
Inline skating a family affair for world champ
August 25, 2007
Click to view article online page 1
Click to view article online page 2
World Inline Skating Gold for NZ
August 21, 2007
Click to view article online
Begg NZ's latest world champ
August 21, 2007
Click to view article online
Baring all does trick for undervalued skater
April 21, 2007
Click to view article online
Inline skating a family affair for world champ
August 25, 2007
Click to view article online page 1
Click to view article online page 2
World Inline Skating Gold for NZ
August 21, 2007
Click to view article online
Begg NZ's latest world champ
August 21, 2007
Click to view article online
Baring all does trick for undervalued skater
April 21, 2007
Click to view article online
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