Text: Cycling by Cotter Pin.

All Cycling Time Trial Records To Be Ratified.

A major move at the Isle of Man Cycling Association annual general meeting recently was the resolution that existing time trial records should be ratified and all future records should be subject to ratification.

It came out at the meeting that a number of records show on the fixture list card are not correct and one record should not be there at all.

This matter will be one of two moves made at the meeting that will be dealt with at the first meeting of the Executive Council of the Isle of Man Cycling Association early in the New Year.

The second of the two moved was a recommendation that a panel of three selectors be appointed to select all Isle of Man teams for competition inside and outide the Island including, if required, a team for the 1962 Empire Games.

Giving his report to the retiring secretary, Mr Rodney Comish, pulled no punches about the lack of support given to the track meetings at Onchan during the season. Mr Comish appealed for more support in the year ahead.

The hon. treasurer, Miss Ann Walker, was unable to attend the meeting as she was recovering from a small operation in Noble's Hospital. However, the chairman, on her behalf, read out the statement of the financal position which is very sound.

Offials appointed were as follows: Chairman, Mr R. E. Killey; hon. secretary, Mr R. E. Boyde; hon. treasurer, Miss Ann Walker; delegates, Messrs J. Killip, S. Slack, and J. Lace, [unintelligable] E. Basnett, Manx Viking Wheelers, Messrs R. Quayle, P. Callow and M. O'Hare, Manx Road Club. The auditor appointed was Mr Ken Cowley.

Manx Road Club A.G.M.

The annual general meeting of the Manx Road Club has also taken place and members of the Club enjoyed a meat and potato pie supper following the meeting.

A number of additional events will be submitted for inclusion in the next season's racing calendar. Emphasis will be on 'bunched' racing with three senior mass start races and two junior events of this type. It is also hoped to hold a 100 kilometre team time trial. This type of event, for teams of four, is now one of the events in the Olympic Games and will be an event at the 1962 Worl Championships.

Officials appointed were: Chairman, Mr R. E. Killey, hon. secretary, Miss Ann Walker; hon. treasurer, Mr P. Callow; hon. racing secretary, Mr M. O'Hare; club captain, Mr Nigel Dean; auditor, Mr G. Wiggins. Committee: Officials and Mr L. Watterson and Mr B. Kelly. I.O.M.C.A. delegates, Messrs P. Callow, R. Quayle and M. O'Hare.

Text: Cycling.

Still reeling from the shock win by outsider Corkill in the Medium Gear '25' the race forecasters got another surprise on Sunday. The 50 mile Ellan Vannin road race was won by Dave Williams of the promoting club. Williams is probably the smallest rider competing in local events. But he has demonstrated that he is far from the weakest.

Despite a first lap puncture this 17 year old schoolboy cheekily attacked on the seventh and final lap. There was about a mile to go and no one in the nine strong bunch following took much notice of the little rider until it was too late. Down the finishing straight half-way between Ballabeg and Colby came Williams. About 10 yards behind followed the sprinting bunch. But the Ellan Vannin rider crossed the line to win.

Peter Callow of the Manx Road Club took the bunch sprint from Colin Bowen of the Manx Viking Wheelers. The winner's time was 2 hrs. 19 mins. 45 secs.

Fitness will, most riders hope, improve as the season goes on. Appearance? Will 99 per cent of Sunday's field were immaculate in fact it was probably the best dressed 'peleton' seen on the Island since the Professional race last June.

The Ellen Vannin appeared in their new blue, white and black racing vests. The Wheelers and Road Club natty in their usual colours, but the Road Club have ordered new jerseys from the Parisienne Cycle Dealers - Unispot - who supply all the clothing for the Tour de France.

Just before the level crossing on the drop to Gansey Beach Dave Williams punctured. But Alan Cameron was following in a Car and within seconds he answered Williams distress call with a new wheel. Williams was off down the road and thanking his lucky stars that the bunch were anything but active at the time. Williams was on to the bunch at the climb up from Gansey but already two other riders had faded from the slow moving group.

No attack came on Fisher's Hill and the bunch were intact on the completion of lap two. Going out of Colby Roger Kelly (Ellen Vannin) punctured. A rear wheel was ready in the following car but the change was not quick enough and Kelly not strong enough to close the rapidly widening gap. He retired two laps later after a futile chase.

Ron Killey riding his first of the season said after the race that he had felt extremely comfortable. But he admitted that he was no [sic] going to try and make a break with such a vicious head wind, which controlled the bunch to some extent along the Shore Road. The sprinters too were lying quietly and by the sixth lap a bunch of 12 riders went through the finish at a high speed. Corkill decided to call it a day and retired.

The rain was heavy by this time, and every retirement had the same comment; "too cold." From the finish the thin line of the riders in the bunch could be seen climbing Fisher's in the distance. There was no one out in front. A small crowd of supporters gathered at the line and suddenly a small struggling figure appeared down the road the white shouldered vest indicating a Vannin man. But who? His head was down and his whole body twisting as he put everything into an effor to keep the bunch, now in view, at bay. It was Williams, over the line he rocketed to score his first ever road win.

Timekeeper Roy Killey separated the bunch and gave these final placings; 2, P. Callow (MRC); 3, C. Bowen (MVW); 4, S. Slack (EVCC); 5, D. Wood (EVCC); 6, D. Inston (MRC); 7, D. Mudie (MVW), R. Killey (MRC), M. Williams (MVW) and J. Killip (EVCC); 8, J. Lace (EVCC) at 5 secs. Ten riders retired.

What's to come? Tomorrow a gruelling test over the Clypse Course. The Manx Road Club, who pride themselves as being something of a hill climbing outfit are promoting the 50 mile road race - 5 laps of the course. With a stiff easterly breeze climbing from the Whitebridge to the Creg will be made a lot easier - for some. But if the prevailing wind persists no doubt the popular cry of "it hurts", will split the mountain air!

First rider to 'go' abroad this season was Req Quayle of the Manx Road Club. He finished fifth in the Ribble Valley Road Club's Goosnargh Road Race held near Preston on Sunday. The race was won by Liverpool rider Ginger' Bates. The event was held over four laps of a 12-1/2 mile circuit and Reg got away with a break of about six riders during the early stages and chased the two leaders, M. Cowley and H. Millar of the promoting club. Reg crossed the line 25 secs down on the winner whist time was 1 hr. 53 mins. for the 50 miles.

On Saturday night preceding the event Reg attended a social evening held by the Preston Wheelers at which cycling films featuring the Isle of Man were shown. He is to race in the Merseyside area next week-end with a Manx Road Club team Peter Callow and Ron Killey in the Frankby Road Race. Keeping up a busy racing programme Reg will race in the two-day Dover-London even [sic], April 7th and 8th.

Text: Cycling.

Attack, attack and attack! That was the method which devastated the field in the 50 mile Clypse Road Race on Sunday. Applying the method? Ron Killey and his Manx Road Club team-mates, Peter Callow and Reg Quayle.

They scored a 1, 2, 3 win in the event with Callow beating Killey by half a wheel in a terrific finish at the T.T. Grandstand.

Reg Quayle was the third member of the all-conquering trio. He beat John Killip, the hard to shake shake [sic] off member of the Ellan Vannin who was the only other rider to stand up to the onslaught. The winner's time for the event was a fast 2 hrs. 29 mins. 15 secs.

Conditions couldn't have been more perfect for the race. It was more like a shimmering June morning than a chilly March one. There wasn't the slightest breath of wind to hamper or help riders up the gruelling climb from the Whitebridge to Creg-ny-Baa.

The first lap was the most surprising of all. The 11 strong field went off towards Onchan rather meekly. But on the first climb-up the Whitebridge - gears crashed, feet danced on the pedals and bodies writhed as the first shock of the attack launched by Killey had effect.

It soon took its toll for by the time the Begoade Road was reached the field was split. Seven riders were together at the top of the killing Ballacarooin and still there was no let up. Last week's winner Dave Williams was nowhere to be seen as the leaders descended to Hillberry and car speedometers registered 50 m.p.h.! Williams, Bowen, Woods Mudie had all found the climbing pace too much.

Lap two and still there was no let up as the climb was commenced. On the initial Begoade climb Nick COrkill of the Wheelers, the medium gear winner, began to lose contact and then had to retire as his gear cable snapped - mercifully?

Next to go was Mike Williams, Wheelers, who gasped "I can't keep that up", as he watched the leaders grind towards the Five-and-a-half. On the Ballacarooin Roger Kelly of the Ellen Vannin, making a come-back, went off the back of the bunch. Then there were four.

Killey, Callow, Quayle and Killip, were the survivors of one of the most aggressive and undoubtedly pre-planned attacks to be seen for a long time in local events.

The pace stayed 'hot' until the last lap when Killey pedelled away from the other three on the Begoade Road. Callow was strong enough to close the gap but not other pair [sic]. Although Quayle did shake Killip off for a mile or so. The two leaders stayed together until the final sprint. Callow led out, Killey went with him, passed and looked a certain winner.

But the power Callow sprint made the necessary adjustment and took him over to win. Just over a minute and a half down, Killip and Quayle appeared up the road. Killip tried to take the sprint from the front but the Road Club rider was strong enough to pass and secure third place.

Six minutes down C. Brown (M.V.W.) finished 5th with D. Mudie (M.V.W.) 6th, R. Kelly (E.V.C.C.) 7th and M. Williams (M.V.W.) 8th. Wood, Williams and Corkill retired.

There's no doubt that the Junior category is enjoying a rapid revival on the Island. Thirteen under eighteens turned out for the Ellan Vannin 10-mile time trial on sunday.

Winner was Dave Hardwick of the Manx Viking Wheelers in 26 mins. 49 secs., Lennie Watterson of the Manx Road Club was second with a time of 27 mins 55 secs., and third H. Grundey (Manx Viking Wheelers) - 30 mins. 02 secs.

Other finishers were - 4, M. M. Quirk (E.V.C.C.) 30-02; 5, S. Tingle (E.V.C.C.) 30-24; 6, C. Maxwell (M.V.W.) 31-32; 7, B. Pitts (E.V.C.C.) 31-42; 8, M. Spencer (M.V.W.) 32-07; 9, G. Harrison (E.V.C.C.) 33-07; 10, W. A. Aspell (E.V.C.C.) 33-20; 11, S. Rohrer (M.V.W.) 34-04; 12, G. Speed (E.V.C.C.) 38-55; Nigel Dean of the Manx Road Club retired after puncturing.

Tomorrow a Manx Road Club quartet of Pete Callow, Ron Killey, Dave Inston and Reg Quayle, and an Ellan Vannin pair John Killip and Roger Kelly, are to race in the Frankby Road Race on Merseyside.

On home ground the second time trial of the season is the Wheelers Middlemarkers '25'. The club will also hold its handicap '25' at the same time.

The B.C.F. have announced that Eddie Soens will manage the England 'A' and 'B' teams for the Manx International. The 'A' team consists of B. J. Willoughby, J. Gilkes, K .Nuttal [sic] and P. Gordon; the 'B' - N. Bartley, A. Perkins, N. Taylor and W. Baty. All the riders have competed on the Island before.

Eddie will also be helping Tommy Godwin in the management of the Empire Games riders. In January Eddie gave a pep talk to local riders and was guest at the Wheelers annual dinner.

Ken Matthews, another familiar face in June Week, has been appointed manager of the team to ride in the Tour du St. Laurent in Canada in August.

Calder Clarion star Barry Hoban who won every race he competed in during Cycling Week has taken out an independent license. He left for France this week to ride for the Bertin-Porter marque.

Text: Cycling.

Is this a preview of the Irish Tour of the North? All the five Manx riders who rode in the Merseyside road race on Sunday were well placed.

Reg Quayle of the Manx Road Club finished 6th just 2 seconds behind winner Peter Gordon of Manchester. Ron Killey, Peter Callow, both Road Club riders, John Killip and Roger Kelly of the Ellan Vannin were all placed 7th in a big bunch finish. It's just a little less than a month before a Manx team rides in the 3-day Irish race against an international class team.

The winner Gordon, and two other riders taking part, Ken Nuttall and Norman Bartley have been picked to represent England in the International next June. Joe McLean, an Olympic rider was also in the field, and Ken Hill, guest at the M.R.C. dinner last year. So the field was of an extremely high standard.

All the Manx riders returned with the same comment, "a frantic pace" The speed was never allowed to drop one during the 66 miles. The key break came with 20 miles to go and the gale force bitterly cold wind did not help or encourage riders to stay long at the front of the bunch. None of the local boys were in the break but they were all there in the bunch and sharing the work. Ron Killey put in a bid to close the gap, got within 25 yards of Gordon and the four others then the four others failed. With two miles the leaders were 3/4 min. up and at the finish Gordon crossed the line 100 yards ahead of the fast moving peleton, his time 2 hrs. 50 mins. 26 secs. Reg Quayle led the bunch sprint to get sixth place seconds behind the winner and the Manx quartet were also given the same time as the third man.

Gordon's win was just another to add to his brilliant record. He took the cycling world by surprise in 1960 when he won the Clypse Handicap with ease. Last week he won a Manchester road race and was placed second - beating National Sprint champion Lloyd Binch - in a Loughborough massed start event. His inclusion in the England 'A' team for the International was no surprise.

Following the race, when incidentally it snowed, the Manx riders were given the V.I.P. treatment by England team manager, Eddie Soens.

Eddie took the boys and their machines back to his Liverpool home, and cycle-shop, gave them a slap-up meal and a conducted tour of his "temple." They were shown all the intricacies of cycle frame building.

Later, Eddie took the boys to the airport at Speke in time for them to catch their aircraft back to the Island. It wasn't the race however that put the white pallor on the faces of the boys as they stepped off the plane at Ronaldsway on Sunday afternoon. Fifty mile an hour winds had made the trip bumpy and they were more than glad to touch down!

Through this column the Manx party say a big "Thank You" to Mr and Mrs Soens for their hospitality.

The official team for the stage race in Ireland announced some time ago has had an amendment. Dave Mudie of the Manx Viking Wheelers replaces Colin Towers of that club who has withdrawn because of domestic reasons. This will be Mudie's first attempt at stage racing and the very gruelling countryside of Northern Ireland is a tough place to begin such an apprenticeship.

When the Manx team competed last year Req Quayle was the only local rider to finish. Heavy and incessant rain and cold winds saw the rest of the team and 70 per cent of the field off. Reg hopes to ride this year an an [sic] individual entrant. The official team is Peter Callow and Ron Killey (MRC) and John Killip (EVCC) and Mudie.

The team will fly to Belfast on Friday, April 20th, in time to start on the Saturday and ride the 116 mile stage starting and finishing in Belfast. Sunday is a rest day and on Monday there is a 97 miles stage starting at Belfast. Senior Service, the cigarette company, are sponsors and national teams as well as regional and club teams will be riding. During the week-end the riders will be entertained by local authorities at special dances and dinners.

Tomorrow the Wheelers' Handicap massed start should be interesting. The distance is about 50 miles and the course starting at the Grandstand proceeds to the Manx Arms, Cronk-ny-Mona, Abbeylands along Ballanard Road to the finish. Rider will cover 8 laps of this new circuit. Interval starting a la Clypse Handicap will be the method used to dispatch the field.

Dave Hardwicke, the Wheelers new junior star scored a double in his club's two promotions on Sunday. He won the Middlemarkers and the Wheelers Club Handicap 25's. Grim conditions, gale force winds, sleet and rain, kept times down for all except Nick Corkill who came second in the Wheelers Handicap with a 1.6.38.

The Middlemarkers result - 1, D. Hardwicke(MVW) 1.12.13; 2, D. Williams (EVCC) 1.12.22; 3, S. Basnett (MVW) 1.13.23; 4, A. Fargher (MRC) 1.13.54; 5, M. Gerrard (EVCC) 1.14.28; 6, L. Watterson (MRC) 1.15.35; 7, D. Kelly (MRC) 1.17.29. J. Lace of the Ellan Vannin punctured and retired.

Wheelers' Handicap - 1, D. Hardwicke (8 mins. allowance), 1.4.13; 2, N. Corkill (scratch) 1.6.38; 3, S. Basnett (5 mins.) 1.8.23. These events were run in conjunction with each other.

Text: Cycling.

The Wheelers Handicap massed start race went off without much incident last Sunday. A bitterly cold gale force wind cancelled out any hope of an interesting event and every inch of the climbing was into the teeth of this storm.

Roger Kelly of the Ellan Vannin, master of the "gentle" art of sprinting won by a couple of lengths from team-mate Dave Woods. Nick Corkill of the promoting club was third. The winner's time for the 50 miles was 2 hrs. 6 mins. 4 secs.

The course started at the Grandstand and travelled to the Manx Arms, up the steep climb past the Nursery Hotel to Cronk-ny-Mona, a drop to Glenville, Abbylands and along Ballanard Road to the finish. Eight laps of this wind-swept circuit were covered.

Four small groups of riders were sent off by timekeeper and handicapper Frank Hodson. But by the half-way stage many of the riders in the front groups had retired and the race developed into a battle between the foursome of Kelly, Corkill, Wood and Slack, who were just over a minute in front of scratchman John Killip (E.V.C.C.) and Reg Quayle of the Manx Road Club.

The back-markers, despite some hard riding which put them in sight of the leaders couldn't close the windy gap and finished nearly four minutes down.

On the last lap the leaders put on the pressure and at the finish Kelly's superior sprint gave him an easy win over Wood and Corkill. Stuart Slack was fourth at 4 secs. Other finishers were 5th, R. Quayle (M.R.C.) and J. Killip (E.V.C.C.), 2-9-59; 6th D. Mudie (M.V.W.) 2-14-49; 7th, C. Bowen (M.V.W.) 2-22-3. The Ellan Vannin won the team prize.

The strong Manx Road Club challenge which proved devastating in the Clypse race earlier in March didn't materialise. Peter Callow had a day off the bike because of illness and Ron Killey was also absent.

Tomorrow the first Mountain Time Trial, promoted by the Ellan Vannin, takes place. This event is included in the Best All Rounder series.

Reg Quayle of the Manx Road Club was riding today (Saturday) in the two day Dover-London massed start. The second stage begins tomorrow morning. The top-class field includes last years International runner-up George Coles.

Text: Cycling.

Peter Callow came home over the T.T. Course in the Ellan Vannin mountain trial on Sunday the only rider under 110 minutes. His time: 1 hr. 49 mins. 5 secs.

His clubmate Ron Killey with 1-50-2 was 1 min. 35 secs. ahead of Roger Kelly in third place. Roger's final 13 miles were his best. He said he "went to sleep" for some reason after Creg Willys and apparently "woke up" at Ramsey!

Killey's chain unshipped at Lezayre and delayed him slightly. Roger won the handicap award off 8 minutes (he'll get pulled in future!) and Dave Inston joined Peter and Ron to give Manx R.C. the team prize.

Other finishers: 4, D. Wood (EV) 1-52-17; 5, C. Bowen (MV) 1-55-16; 6, D. Mudie (MV) 1-55-36; 7, E. D. Lace (EV) 1-58-23; 8, S. Slack (EV) 1-59-9; 9, D. Williams (EV) 1-59-32; 10, D. Inston (MR) 1-59-40; 11, M. Williams (MV) 2-13-44; 12, C. Lace (EV) 2-14-44.

L. Watterson (MR) scored in the Manx R.C. junior "ten" in 27-34 but D. Hardwick (MVW) was close behind in 27-45. Third was N. Dean (MR) in 27-49 and R. Lace (EV) did 28-2. Then came B. Maxwell (MVW) 28-59, so that 85 seconds separated the first five. Sixth was D. Pitts (EV) in 31-20, and seventh was S. Tingle (EV) in 31-36.

It's the Penrice Trophy "25" tomorrow - always a keenly contested event which gives the winner much satisfaction. Time was when the field for this event could attract between 50 and 60 and there have been some tremendous scraps and fine performances in it.

Given a bit warmer and more pleasant conditions tomorrow we should see the "25" performances "showing signs" of the results of the dedicated training that has been going on recently.

Who wins? Your guess is as good as anybody's.

Next week, the Manx R.C. are starting a schoolboy's race and on the same day organising the handicap road race at Arbory. Memo: they won't let Roger get away with this one!

Entries are now coming in for the big events in June - and entry forms are going out regularly to enquirers.

Text: Cycling.

Second column: Ron Killey of the Manx Road Club finished fifth in the three-day 300 mile Tour of the North held in Northern Ireland over Easter. His team-mate Peter Callow was 16th but the other two member of the team Reg Quayle (43rd) and Dave Mudie (51st) had more than their fair share of bad luck.

The race winner was Norman Baty of the Tyne Velo who has been picked to represent England in the June Week International. His time was 13 hrs. 22 mins. 6 secs., Killey on final general classification was 2 mins. 33 secs. down, Callow was 5 mins. 40 sec. down, Quayle 29 mins. 30 secs and Mudie 38 mins. 15 secs in arrears.

On the first day (Saturday), Callow, Killey, Maudie, finished equal eighth in a sprint finish. They were just 50 yards behind as Baty crossed the line to win the stage. Quayle finished 55th 27 minutes down, But his ride was dogged by ill-luck. He punctured, managed to catch the bunch again only to crash and smash his gears and frame. Time was lost waiting for the following spares van and when it arrived Reg found the only was he could continue was to take off the gears and shorten the chain to fit one of the cogs. As it turned out he was forced to ride an 86 inche [sic] gear for about 30 miles of the hilly countryside to the finish at Belfast.

Killey was more fortunate; he won a prime during the day's racing and the Manx team were lying 4 seconds behind the leaders, Manchester Velo.

The next day (Sunday) was a rest and the boys were able to relax in the sun before the gruelling 97 mile stage on Easter Monday which was won by Ken Nuttall, another England team rider. At the end of the day Killey crossed the line in 7th place with Quayle 15th, Callow and Maudie 18th, finished with the large bunch.

At the end of two days Killey was lying second on general classification, Mudie and Callow 16th and Quayle 50th. The day was one of the fastest, a break of 11 top riders was successful and in it was Mudie. Killey worked hard for three miles closed the gap from the bunch to the break and finished 5th in the final sprint. Mudie, riding his first ever stage race, found the pace too hot and was dropped.

Tuesday was the last day and stage winner was revelation Pete Gordon from Manchester, a brilliant young rider picked to represent England. A huge peleton of 47 riders contested the sprint for second place, Killey, Callow and Quayle were placed equal 6th. It was not Mudie's day. He crashed and wrecked his bike, the spares van provided him with a replacement but after only 5 miles the pedal fell off and he had to change yet again, he finished 33 minutes in arrears.

But despite this back luck the Manx team finished. Last year incessant rain ruined the event, the majority of riders retired and Reg Quayle was the only local competitor to finish.

This year was a different story. With the Empire Games on the horizon riders are training even harder for that place to Perth. Standards go up and so do speeds.

Tomorrow Ron Killey and Reg Quayle race in a 70-mile event promoted by the Birkenhead North End club in North Wales. On the Island the Ellan Vannin hold their annual two-stage race with a time trial in the morning and in the afternoon compete in a massed start.

Text: Cycle Racing.

Manx Rider's Win In Wales

Riding in the Birkenhead North End C.C. massed start road race over 75 miles on Sunday, Ron Killey of the Manx Roads showed grand form to win by 4 seconds in the time of 3 hours 52 minutes 3 seconds from J. Williams (Ross-on-Sea) and Frank Beatie, the Melling Wheelers' star was third 1 minute 32 seconds down.

Reggie Quayle, also of the Manx Roads finished 9th in a group of 10 riders, their time as the third man (writes "Wheelon").

The course was in North Wales over 4 laps of almost 19 miles circuit and Ron Killey also won the third lap prime at top of Llandegla.

There were 48 entries.

Text: Third column: Road Races.

Birkenhead North End C.C. 80m. - R. Killey, Manx R.C., 3-52-3, 1; J. Williams, Rhos-on-Sea C.C., s.t., 2; F. Beattie, Melling Wh., at 1-32, 3; A. Weir, Liverpool Premier R.C., 4; B. Banister, Deeside Olympic R.C., 5; N. Sumner, Liverpool Premier R.C., 6.

Text: Cycling by "Wheelon"

Peter Callow wins the Arbory event

The Arbory Grand Prix over 90 miles of massed start riding was won by half a wheel by Peter Callow of Manx Roads, the promoting club, in 4 hours 10 mins. 9 secs. from Roger Kelly (E.V.C.C.) on Sunday morning.

The third position was taken by W. Ward of the Liverpool Olympic Team, with Colin Bowen (M.V.), Stuart Slack (E.V.) and Ron Killey (M.R.) all so close as to receive the same time.

The other finishers were Dave Mudie (M.V.), Dave Inston (M.R.) and last, but not least, young Dave Williams (E.V.)

C. Dunin (Liverpool Olympic) won 2 primes - 3rd, and 9th laps, and Roger Kelly won the prime at the end of lap 6.

The race started in Ballabeg and was over 13 laps of the Colby, Rushen church, Port St. Mary Four Roads Shore Road, to Ballakeigan and Ballanorris to Ballabeg circuit. At the end of lap 7, Peter Callow was on his own with 1-1/2 minutes lead, but at the end of 8th was the 45 seconds ahead. Laps 10, 11 and 12 saw Dave Inston in a great time trial effort to get away and led for over 1 min. 30 secs., at one period, but on last lap he had felt the strain.

Out of the 21 entries, only eight finished, many of the riders finding the going too tough, including the other three Liverpool Olympic riders.

Text: Cycling.

Ron Killey Is Champion.

In Sunday's M.V.W. Kermode Cup 50 mile time trial over 2 laps of the Quarter Bridge 25 Course, Ron Killey (Manx Roads) scored a good win by 45 seconds over team mate Peter Callow to become the 1962 50-mile champion. His time of 2-10-54 was very creditable considering the strong northerly wind that hampered the riders throughout the race. With two minutes handicap he also won the handicap award.

In third place was Colin Bowen, winner of the previous 50 this season and the team award was won by the E.V. trio of Stuart Slack, Roger Kelly and John Lace in 6-55-16.

An unfortunate incident was the disqualification for alleged pacing of John Killip, and this spoiled his chance of a place in the first three. The Williams family did the marshalling at the turns and timekeeper Frank Hodson recorded the following finishing list:

1, Ron Killey (M.R.) 2-10-54; 2, Peter Callow (M.R.) 2-11-39; 3, Colin Bowen (M.V.) 2-12-40; 4, Stuart Slack (E.V.) 2-15-32; 5, Roger Kelly (E.V.) 2-16-58; 6, John Lace (E.V.) 2-22-46; 7, Brendan Maxwell (M.V.) 2-37-10; 8, Steve Strickett (M.V.) 3-0-36.

In the junior 15, Robert Lace (E.V.) new star, did an excellent 39-46 to beat Lennie Watterson (M.R.) by 48 secs. with Dave Hardwick (M.V.) 3rd in 41.01. Other finishers were: 4, Bill Kelly (M.R.) 43-46; 4, Simon Tingle (E.V.) 46-57; 7, Tony Aspell (E.V.) 47-12.

June week entries

While the clubs were out enjoying the sun on Sunday, the M.V.W. International Race Committee spent the day wading through hundreds of entry forms sorting out the entries. Out of the mass of acceptances emerged the best local representation in the events for many years, no fewer than 14 local riders being accepted. They are:-

International - Ron Killey, Req Quayle, Peter Callow (all M.R.); John Killip and Stuart Slack (E.V.)

Viking Trophy - Colin Bowen, Mike Harraghy, Mike Williams, Dave Mudie (M.V.); Roger Kelly and Dave Woods (E.V.); Dave Inston (M.R.)

Onchan Cup - Dave Williams (E.V.)

Mountain Trial - Dave Inston (No. 1) Ron Killey, Reg Quayle (all M.R.)

Open 25 - (No. 1) Dave Williams, John Killip, Stuart Slack, Jim Lace (all E.V.); Mike Williams, Colin Bowen, Dave Mudie, Nick Corkhill (all M.V.)

Castletown Kermesse - Stuart Slack, Jim Lace, John Killip (all E.V.)

Text: Cycling.

Roger Kelly is best 25-miler

Following a hectic dash from Ronaldsway to the start on Sunday, Roger Kelly (E.V.) in winning the Manx Road Club "Nelson" Cup 25, became the 1962 25-mile champion.

When is [sic] was learned that Roger Kelly, Ron Killey and Reg Quayle, who had been racing in Ireland the previous day, had managed to obtain seats on the Sunday morning plane due in at 9:10 a.m., it was decided to hold up the start until 9:30 to give them a chance to compete. And compete they did, taking the first three places.

Roger's time, a personal best of 1-3-17 was almost half a minute too good for Ron Killey and with Reg. Quayle snatching third place a further 30 seconds down, it was proved beyond doubt that their efforts the day before had not weakened them.

The eagerly awaited clash between top 25-milers Peter Callow and Dave Wood resulted in Wood beating Callow by one second for fourth place, both riders well outside their best times.

The team race was not decided until the last two riders had crossed the line and after a recount went to the M.R. trio of Killey, Quayle and Callow by 4 seconds from the Vannin in 3-12-24. The course used was the usual Southern, starting at Janets Corner and timekeeper Geoff Wiggins, assisted by Reg. Corkish (both former riders) returned the following result: 1, Roger Kelly (E.V.) 1-3-17; 2, Ron Killey (M.R.) 1-3-46; 3, Reg. Quayle (M.R.) 1-4-16; 4, Dave Wood (E.V.) 1-4-21; 5, Peter Callow (M.R.) 1-4-22; 6, Stuart Slack (E.V.) 1-4-50; 7, Dave Inston (M.R.) 1-4-55; 8, Colin Bowen (M.V.) 1-5-10; 9, Jim Lace (E.V.) 1-5-22; 10, Nick Corkill (M.V.) 1-5-34; 11, Dave Williams (E.V.) 1-7-32; 13, Dave Mudie (M.V.) 1-8-42.

Manx in Ireland.

Competing in the Tour of Mid-Down, an 86 miles race starting and finishing in Belfast on Saturday, the Isle of Man team led by John Killip (E.V.) in third place, gained second team award behind an offial Scottish team.

After averaging almost 25 m.p.h. for the race, a fairly large bunch was approaching the finish down a winding road when there was a crash at a roundabout. The first half-dozen including John Killip missed it and he gained third place behind J. Johnstone Cypress C.C. and leading Scot B. Temple. Ron. Killey, Reg. Quayle and Roger Kelly were placed equal 11th in the same time as the winner of 3-29-25. Mike Williams, M.V., also finished but come in some 15 minutes down.

Text: Cycling.

Challenge To Manx Teams

The big event of next week-end is the Fourth Annual Tour of Four Peaks, with English, Irish and Welsh rider competing against the Manx teams.

The race will start at the Villa and will go round the South of the Island, over Colby then down Foxdale and through Kirk Michael then round the North and back to Ballaugh. It will then go over Ravensdale to Brandywell Cottage (the first time this road will have been used in a race) then on to the Mountain to finish at the Grandstand, a distance of 75 miles.

Riders include Billy Perkins and Alan Linford (Liverpool Mercury), runners-up in the recent Merseyside Championships, Brian Pearson (North Wirral), Joe Oakley (Liverpool Olympic) and strong teams from Dublin and Belfast.

At Onchan Stadium

Even with this array of "foreign" talent, the local boys particularly "mountain goats" Ron Killey and Peter Callow should be in at the kill and we have every possibility of a Manx win this year.

For the third year in succession the Scottish team won the match in the Highland Games, at Onchan Stadium, and the event which let the Manx team down was the team pursuit.

In the two four-up sprints Peter Callow had a good win over second string Scot Gordon Fraser, and Roger Kelly was just beaten in his race by Scottish Sprint Champion Hector MacKenzie, thus levelling the points. The Manx team made a bad start in the ten-lap team pursuit when Mike Williams pulled his foot out starting and then dropped off after one lap. The next to go off was Colin Bowen after four laps and as third man is essential in these events, Roger Kelly tried to keep the trio together by "pushing" Bowen. At the finish the Scottish team were just in the process of catching the Manx boys.

Race postponed.

In the remaining event, the three-mile, Peter Callow and MacKenzie got clear and near the end Kelly and Fraser jumped away from the other four. Starting the last lap, the leading duo actually lapped and eliminated the four last riders and in the sprint Callow was just beaten. Kelly beat Fraser for third place.

The race scheduled for Sunday, the Manx Road Club 50, was postponed to a date later in the season.

Riding in an event in Lancashire on Sunday, the Manx Road Club trio of Dave Inston, Reg Quayle and Peter Callow distinguished themselves by finishing in 4th, 5th and 7th positions behind winner Mick Cowley to gain second team award.

Text: Cycling

Did he catch the Selectors' eyes?

In a last desperate effort to catch the selectors' eyes before the final Empire Games selection this week, Ron Killey (M.R.) rode his best ever time trial in a long and illustrious racing career to win the E.V.C.C& [sic] Championship 100 on Sunday in a time of 4-31-58, only 84 seconds outside the eleven-year-old record.

In second place, 23 seconds down, was Brian Rourke (Tunstall Wh., Staffs, who, during the middle part of the race, looked set to snatch victory from Ron. Third, after a race-long battle with John Lace (E.V.) and riding his first 100, was Nick Corkill (M.V.) in 5-2-1. The only other finisher was John Lace (E.V.) who after losing 4 minutes on the second lap and 5 minutes on the last lap with a puncture, did 5-8-36.

It was blustery as the five riders set off at 2 minute intervals, and it looked as though records were out of the question but when Ron Killey turned after 20 miles in 52-2 it seemed that nothing was going to stop him from doing an "epic." Rourke was already in second place but 86 seconds down, followed by Lace 54-29, COrkill 55-22 and Stuart Slack (E.V.) 55-35. Stuart retired shortly afterwards.

Slowed by wind

During the second 20-mile lap the first two held their positionm with Rourke lapping in 53-12, one second faster than Killey whose growing time was 1-45-15 to Rourke's 1-46-40. Lace had punctured and had fallen back so Corkill was third some 8 minutes down on Killey. By the 60-mile mark Rourke had pulled back a further 14 seconds on Killey with a 54-9 lap and was now 1 minute 11 seconds down in 2-40-49 to Killey's 2-39-38. Lace had pulled back a bit on Corkill and was now 3½ mins. down on him and 17 mins. down on Killey.

Lap 4 saw no change in positions except Rourke pulled almost a minute up on Killey with a 54-36 lap and was now only 16 secs. down with 3-35-26 to 3-25-10. Killey now needed a last lap in 55-24 to equal the record but it was not to be, and he lapped in 56-48 to take 7 secs. out of Rourke and to win in the second fastest 100 ever on the Island.

Had the weather been less windy I feel sure Ron would have been inside the 4½ hours. The timekeeper was Mr. Ray Boyde and the turns were done by the non-competitive members of the Slack family, Jean at Patrick, and Bob at Peel.

With none of the Empire Games selections competing, only "track-man" Roger Kelly has completed a 100 this season.

His new record

Following the 100 Ron Killey shows a slight increase in his Best-All-Rounder average speed, now 22.556. Bowen, Kelly and Slack remain the same and John Lace comes into the table in 5th place to complete the Vannin team with 20.555. Steve Strickett is still 6th, Nick Corkill just needs a 50 to qualify for a B.A.R. certificate and with one 50 left he should be okay.

Killey incidentally is the first rider to win the 50 and 100 championships in the same season since the championships were first started in 1959.

The 4th in the series of track meetings promoted by the I.o.M.C.A. at Onchan Stadium provided a good evening's sport for the fairly large crowd of spectators.

The main events were the semi finals of the Pursuit Championships and with Peter Callow (M.R.) having an easy win over Dave Wood (E.V.) in 5-21.1 and Roger Kelly disposing of Colin Bowen (M.V.) in 5-47.2, and exciting final is ensured at tomorrow's meeting.

Also on the programme were the first rounds of the Sprint Championship and the qualifiers for the ¼ finals tomorrow are: Roger Kelly (E.V.); Peter Callow (M.R.); Jim Lace (E.V.); John Killip (E.V.); Nick Corkill (M.V.); Reg Quayle (M.R.); Colin Bowen (M.V.) and Dave Mudie (M.V.).

A clean sweep

Roger again had a clean sweep in the supporting events beating Peter in the Devil with Jim Lace 3rd and again in the 5-mile point-to-point with Colin Bowen 3rd. He also led the winning Vannin team of Jim Lace, Stuart Slack, and guest-star Peter Callow in the Italian Pursuit. In a one mile handicap, the best race of the night, Jim Lace just won from Nick Corkill (M.V.) with John Killip (E.V.) third.

Big event of this week is the last Kermesse of the season at Castletown on Thursday. All the lads will be out to show the Games selections, Roger Kelly, Peter Callow and John Killip the way around and so some good racing is ensured.

Next Sunday is an M.V.W. mass-start, 60 miles, right around the Island, south first, starting Quarter Bridge at 9 a.m. and finishing at the Grandstand about 11.45 a.m.

Inset text: Brother of Champion

Mr. Richard Cain, who was 100 on Sunday, is probably the only man alive in the Island today who rode a "boneshaker" bicycle when they were in vogue. He was not a racing cyclist, but his brother, Walter, raced with considerable success before his untimely death in a lift accident, and was Manx Champion in 1885 before he was beaten by Tom Cowell and John Clarke Wade, eldest of the cycling Wades from Ramsey and Jurby.

Text: Cycling

Peter Callow established him-established [sic] himself as the Island's best pursuiter ever at Onchan Track on Wednesday evening when he clinched the 4,000 metres (actually 40 metres more over the ten laps) in 5 mins. 38.2 secs.

This followed his earlier round time of 5.33 which is the fastest by a local rider on the track.

Peter's challenger in the final was Roger Kelly whose metier is really sprinting, but who thrashed himself to clock 5.39.6 - and make Peter go all the way into the bargain.

Callow led most of the way, but Kelly's fight back kept him moving in a splendid final which earned applause from a crowd deprived of the usual programme because of the rain and the soaking track.

Kelly and Callow are the Manx sprint finalists and a lively battle of wits is in prospect at the next Wednesday evening meeting to decide this title. Shape of things to come this week was in a point to point when the two of them had a fierce tussle, with Kelly coming up from behind his rival to pip him on the line.

Third place in the pursuit title went to Dave Wood with 5.51 against Colin Bowen who with Jim Lace that the other sprint semi-finalist.

* * *

Ron Killey won the EVCC 100 on Sunday in 4.31.58, just 1.24 outside the local record, and beat Brian Rourke (Tunstall W.) by 3 seconds. In third place was Nick Corkill (MVW) in 5.2.1, and in fourth place was John Lace (EVCC) in 5.8.36 after some puncture fiends had been at work.

The conditions were far from good with a worrying and uncomfortable wind blowing.

Killey now leads the Manx Best All Rounder competition at 22.556 m.p.h. over 25, 50 and 100 miles and the T.T. timed lap, followed by Colin Bowen, John Lace and veteran Steve Strickett.

* * *

Killey now holds 50 and 100 miles titles against the watch for the season and is first to do so.

Tomorrow, there is a Wheelers road race of about 60 miles round the Island, from Quarter Bridge southwards to finish at the T.T. Grandstand about 11:45 a.m.

* * *

Castletown "Kermesse" season climax on Thursday night was a fitting race for the occasion, with Roger Kelly and Peter Callow leading the field in and sharing the Kermesse title for 1961 between themselves in the fastest ever "round the Castletown houses." The event went at a cracking pace and the big crowd thoroughly enjoyed it - contributing handsomely to the "primes."

Text: Cycling

New Tandem Record Set Up

Games Choice Is Excellent

Stuart Slack and Dave Wood (E.V.) have set up tandem records on the Douglas to Peel road, and although contending with slipping gears for most of the way succeeded in recording 51 minutes 6 seconds for the double journey which is 2½ minutes faster than the solo record held by Brian Roche.

The outward journey was done in 26mins. 51 secs., which was outside the standard of 25 mins., but the return journey only took 24 mins. 11 secs., thus establishing a new record.

This is the time of the year usually chosen to attempt place-to-place records, and it would seem a good opportunity for our Empire Games riders to try some of them as it would keep a bit of speed in their legs until they go to Perth in two months time.

I am glad the selectors "saw the light" and chose Ron Killey to fill the vacant place in the team for Perth. A rider of Ron's calibre will be of inestimable value particularly in the 120 mile road race, as he has had more top class road racing experience than the rest of the team put together. He is an excellent team man and should increase the Island's chance of winning a medal in the road race.

Third in Walk

With no race on Sunday, teams from the Ellan Vannin and the Manx Viking Wheelers competed in the "Harvest Moon" relay walk around the coast roads of the Island, and although both teams completed the course all eight cyclists suffered badly from blistered feet.

At the first change-over point at Port Erin, Stuart Slack (E.V.) was in fifth position and was leading the non-athletic club section by 18 minutes, with Nick Corkill (M.V.) 25 minutes down. Dave Wood of the Vannin held the position over Sloc but was slowed by a pulled muscle on the descent. From Dalby to Kirk Michael Dave really suffered and although he lost five places and dropped to second place in his section he struggled valiantly on, to hand over to John Lace at Kirk Michael still some 10 minutes up on Mike Harraghy of the wheelers who had been storming along since Peel.

In the next five miles John had regained the 25 minutes lead over the Wheelers represented by Dave Mudie and by Ramsey was three-quarters of an hour up on Dave who seemed to be doing a bit of coasting on the lovely roads of the North. When Dave Williams (E.V.) took over at Ramsey the Vannin were third in their section and finished in that position over an hour up on Wheeler Stan Basnett.

The Vannin team manager and chief pacer Jean Slack did sterling working and walking about 20 miles altogether in an effort to keep the lads going and Mr. and Mrs. Moore were in attendance all night in their car and were joined in the early hours of the morning by Mr. and Mrs. Lace, both providing invaluable assistance to Vannin team.

Text: Cycling

Final Event

Sunday saw the final event of the 1962 local racing season, the Ellan Vannin "End of Season Scatter." This was intended to be an inter-club team time trial with any number of starters and three to finish but the Wheelers only had two riders so that eliminated them from the competition.

The winners in convincing style were the Manx Road Club trio of Peter Callow, Ron Killey and Reg. Quayle who clicked in right from the start and stormed round the Douglas-Patrick-Peel-25 course in a time only 24 seconds outside the hour, to beat the Vannin trio of Roger Kelly, John Killip and Dave Williams by exactly two minutes.

At the Patrick turn (9½ miles) the Road Club were already leading the Vannin team by 45 secs. in 25-35 with the Wheeler duo of Colin Bowen and Nick Corkill a further 45 seconds down. At Peel (15½ miles) they had increased their lead to 70 secs. doing 39.40, and an "under the hour" ride looked possible. On the return journey, the Vannin team rode rather raggedly and were overtaken by the smoother Road Club team (who had started two minutes behind them) with four miles to go and both teams finished together.

Result: M.R., 1 hour 0 mins. 24 secs.; E.V. 1-2-24; M.V., 1-4-57.

It is hoped to purchase a trophy and make this an annual event preferably earlier in the season.

Massed Start

With the local racing season now finished it is interesting to look back on and analyse the results. This week I propose to go into the local mass-start races of the year.

Working on the system the Ellan Vannin use to claculate their mass-start championship, the top rider of the year is Peter Callow (M.R.) with four wins and a second, just a short wheel ahead of Colin Bowen (M.V.) who had one win and six other places in the first five. Colin was the most consistent rider of the year. He started off in March with a third place and finished up in September with another third, and throughout the season only failed to finish on one occasion when he crashed and was taken to hospital.

In third place in this unofficial championship is Dave Wood (E.V.) with one win, two seconds and three other places in the first six and fourth is Mass-Start Champion Roger Kelly (E.V.) with two wins and a second. One particularly noticeable fact is the presence of only two of the Empire Games team in the first seven with the other two John Killip (E.V.) and Ron Killey (M.R.) in eighth and ninth places behind Mike Williams (E.V.) and Stuart Slack (E.V.).

Although the Vannin have five riders in the top eight, the Wheelers come out on top in the team section by one point with the Road Club close-up third.

In the next two or three weeks I hope to summarise the time trials and track results of the year, and also the races outside the Island in which the Manx riders have competed. Next week, John Killip, Roger Kelly and Reg. Quayle are competing in a top-class event in the Merseyside area and rumour has it that John and Roger will be attempting some tandem records in the near future. It looks like the Slack-Wood effort the other week has sparked something off.

Text: Cycling.

Massed-Start Racing

Riding in the final event on the Merseyside racing calendar for 1962 and their last race before Perth next month, John Killip and Roger Kelly were both D.N.F. after losing contact with the fast-moving bunch.

The race, the Merseyside Wheel Race over 50 miles, was dominated by independents Stan Brittain and John Geddes and England Empire Games reject Bill Bradley. The winner in a tight finish was Eric "Ginger" Bates, the Merseyside Divisional Champion. The two England 'Games' men, Ken Nutall and Joe McLean were not in the first ten.

While the interest in mass-start racing is on the upgrade, the reverse seems to be the case as far as time-trials are concerned and it looks as though riding "against the watch" is on the way out. Each season, more road races appear on the racing calendar and one by one, the traditional time trials, some of which have been held continuously since 1947, are pushed into the background or cancelled altogether because of lack of riders and shortage of marshals. Naturally, no one likes standing at a turn for anything up to five hours but it is even less interesting with only a handful of riders going past at hourly intervals.

One club at least is talking of dropping its 100 from the calendar unless the entries improve, as this season there were only five competitors and these included and English rider on holiday. And the event was a Manx championship! Top 100 miler and Empire Games representative Ron Killey tells me he is hanging his wheels up after the Games in November, so his absence from the racing world will deplete the fields even more.

All-rounder

The top time trialist of the year has undoubtedly been Best All Rounder Ron Killey (M.R.) who recorded the fastest 50 of the year - 2-10-54 and the fastest 100 for 10 years 4-31-58 in becoming champion at both distances. To show he still has a bit of speed in his legs he rode the second fastest 25 of the year (doing a personal best after 15 years racing) and was runner-up to clubmate Peter Callow (M.R.) in all three Mountain Time Trials. Truly a Best All Rounder. Fastest 25 miles of the year was Roger Kelly (E.V.) in winning the Championship in 1-3-17 although Dave Wood (E.V.) did a 1-2-41 in an unofficial evening event.

Fastest rider over the T.T. Course for the second year in succession was Peter Callow (M.R.) who went round in 1-43-14 on one occasion leading his team to a two minute beating of the team record, the only record to go during the season.

Surprises of the year were Nick Corkill's win in the Medium Gear 25 early season. Dave Woods' 1-2-41 in an evening 25 and Mike William's second place in the Penrice 25 only 7 seconds behind Callow.

The revelation of the year has been Robert Lace (E.V.) who did 1-8-42 in his first ever 25 and improved to 1-6-59 in his only other outing at the distance. Robert won all three junior 15's inside 40 mins., and did 26-2 for a 10 which is only 38 secs. outside Roger Kelly's junior record. He has a great future and should be ready for International competition by the next Empire Games in 1966.

Altogether I think it has been a reasonably successful season especially in the shorter events and with a few more riders next season should be even more interesting.

The big news on the National front this week is the resignation of June Week Chief Commissaire Ken Matthews from the B.C.F. Racing Committee following the omission of top England roadman Bill Bradley from the Empire Games team. Bradley, thrice runner-up in the Manx International and 1960-61 National Road Race Champion was left out of the World Championship team so that "new blood" could be given a chance, and the best the "new blood" could manage was 36th in the Road Race and last but one in the Team Time Trial, whereas Bradley has been England's leading finisher on several occasions in the past. He is to England cycling what Ron Killey is to Manx and we can only be thankful that our selectors did not make the same mistake as their English counterparts and omit Killey from their team.

Text: 1966 Commonwealth Games in Jamaica.

Picture note: The Isle of Man Team are in their red jackets in the center of the picture. Although not specifically identified, Ron was part of the team and is likely one of the team members in the picture.

Text: Picture caption: The Isle of Man's Commonwealth Games team and officials pictured at a special team reception in the Villiers Hotel on Saturday night. The team leave for New Zealand on Wednesday.

Picture note: Ron is in the bottom row, fourth from left.

Text: Farewell Reception for the Commonwealth Games Team

Team flies out from Island on Wednesday

Before they made their final arrangements, ready for their departure from the Isle of Man tomorrow morning, the members of the Manx party for the Commonwealth Games in New Zealand were entertained at the Villiers Hotel on Saturday evening at a reception buffet given in their honour by the Manx British Commonwealth Games Association.

In the afternoon the team had been entertained in the Mayor's Parlour by the Mayor and Mayoress of Douglas, Councillor and Mrs Ernest Ackary.

The team will be leaving London on Thursday along with members from the Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and Jersey teams.

Competition proper starts on January 25 when the first two Manxmen will take part, althletes Steve Higgins and Dave Cowell.

Pictures by John Gaggs.

Picture caption: The 20 strong Manx party - back row, left to right, Steve Higgins, Dave McTaggart, Derek Harrison, Graham Young, Gordon Gale, Dave Cowell, Ken Kinrade, Bernie Shimmell, Allan Callow, Mike Kelly, Tony Aspell, Peter Quilliam. Front row, Jill Kennish, Ted Corlett, team manager Curwen Clague, team commandant the Rev. Fred Cubbon, assistant manager Ron Killey, officials Brian Whitehead and Michael Boulton and Carol Mead.

Text: Manx games team off to a flying start

The Manx British Commonwealth Games team ready to leave Ronaldsway Airport for London bright and early on Wednesday morning. The team stayed a night in London before flying on to New Zealand on Thursday.

The Courier Group has made arrangements for coverage of the team's performance both at pre-Games events and during the Games themselves which start on January 25.

Picture note: Ron is in the middle looking away from the camera.

From left to right are: Curwen Clague, Rev. Fred Cubbon, [likely] Steve Higgins, Graham Young, [obscured face is possibly] Bernie Shimmell, Mike Kelly, [unknown], Ron Killey, [likely] Derek Harrison [in hat], [obscured face unknown], Carole Mead, Michael Boulton [in glasses], [unknown], and Peter Quilliam.

Text: Picture caption: Mr Ron Killey has his arms full with Kissagram Girl Karen on Tuesday. Ron was retiring after lenghty service with the Department of Highways, Ports and Properties.

Text: Ron has to take things easily.

Best wishes are extended to Ron Killey, secretary of the Isle of Man Commonwealth Games Association, who had a heart attack on Tuesday. He has been in intensive care but hopes to return home and take things easily for about six weeks. He is a keen walker and golfer. His wife Diane [sic] is a secretary at Government Offices and their daughter Jeanette [sic] has the ballet school which gave a successful show before Christmas.

Text: Board impressed with complex.

The Commonwealth Games Federation board members let by the supremo Michael Fennell yesterday toured the Bukit Jalil Sports Complex and later gave it their thumbs up.

"I have no doubt that the facilities are some of the best in the world. The preparations are going smoothly," said Fennell.

Among others who toured the complex were CGF Sports Committee members and a 40-strong delegation comprising Commonwealth Youth and Sports Ministers.

Fennell and his men, who were briefed on the preparation before they went on the tour of the Bukit Jalil facilities, said the CFG are satisfied with the progress and expressed full confidence the Games will be a success.

"Let me add, that only a civil disorder, was, natural disaster such as hurricane or typhoon can take the Games away."

CGF vice-chairman Charles Mukora of Kenya said he has not seen such modern facilities before.

"Never have the Games enjoyed such facilities. We are proud of Malaysia."

Mukora was among those who came to KL in 1992 to hear Malaysia's argument for bidding for the Games.

Ronald Killey from Isle of Man was also in Kuala Lumpur in 1992 and said he was delighted to see the progress in Bukit Jalil.

"It was a jungle and swampland. Look what wonders have emerged. Malaysia will deliver the Games, we are confident."

Tanzania's Raphael Kubaga, who visited Kuala Lumpur three times since 1992, said Bukit Jalil is a vote of confidence for developing countries.

"Africa voted for Kuala Lumpur against Adalaide because we felt a successful staging of the Games by Malaysia is a vote for all of us in the developing world." -

Randhir Singh

Partial text: Order of the British Empire ... Ronald Edward Killey, For services to the Commonwealth Games Federation and to Young People on the Isle of Man.

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Text: Picture caption: Fine tuning: Lieutenant Governor Sir Peter Stallard visits 1st Douglas scouts at Demesne Road in about 1967. Ron Killey (standing) and youngsters are working on a racing cycle (OS).

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Text: Showpiece of Manx sport.

In terms of participation, variety and success, the Isle of Man frequently punches above its weight in sport.

To celebrate this fact, Manx National Heritage has spent the past year collating stories, film, photographs and memorabilia for a new interactive exhibition, Our Sporting Life.

The exhibition opens at the Manx Museum this Saturday (September 3), to coincide with the launch of the Commonwealth Youth Games and will run throughout 2012 leading up to the London Olympic Games.

It will profile the Isle of Man's modern day sports stars, as well as featuring historic events and heroes, from school level to world championship performances.

Curator Katie King said: 'There is a mind-blowing amount of sport happening in our small island and we hope we have captured this spirit.

'The Isle of Man has a fantasic Commonwealth Games record. We sent our first team to the games in 1958, and against all expectations, cyclist Stuart Slack won a bronze medal in the men's road race.'

She continued: 'The Manx cycling phenomenon is a truly captivating story - the success of Mark Cavendish has gripped the nation in recent years, but we have been producing top cyclists in the island since the 1950s and continue to produce performers with the potential to follow in Cav's wheel tracks.'

Highlights of objects uncovered for the presentation include Mark Cavendish's Tour de France stage-winning bike from 2008, together with his Commonwealth Games gold medal; enduro star David Knight's world championship winning motorcycle; Zoe Gilling's Olympic snowboarding outfit; swimming and cycle paralympian Ian Sharpe's medals; and the Isle of Man Football Association's impressive Hospital and Railway cups.

Manx National Heritage says the exhibition examines attitudes, looking at what inspires our sporting stars and what motivates ordinary people to go to extraodinary lengths for their sport.

Aspects of the exhibition with change while it is in place to coincide with current events.

On Saturday, September 24, Ian Sharpe will speak at the first of a series of talks at the exhibition about his career, 10 paralypic medals and his hopes for 2012.

Picture caption: Forging a path: The Isle of Man's first British Empire and Commonwealth Games Team, 1958. Cyclist an [sic] medalist Stuart Slack is pictured holding the right corner of the flag. Inset, children fell running on Peel hill.

Picture note: Ron Killey is on the far right standing behind Stuart Slack.