Vital title for N.Z. roller skaters

Press, 9 April 1979, Page 21

Vital title for N.Z. roller skaters

By

BOB SCHUMACHER

The New Zealand banked track roller skating championship at the Rollerdrome, on April 14 and 15, will serve a double purpose — it will also be the first of two national trials to select a team for the world road and banked track championships in Italy, in September. The second trial will be at Masterton on May 19 and 20. Unfortunately, the world 10,000 m track champion, Peter Maxwell (Masterton), is not among the entries for Christchurch and it seems he might not be available for Italy, Nor is the powerful Birkenhead skater, Scott Constantine, who was the out* standing track competitor at the last national championships. However, Constantine has indicated to the selectors that he wishes to be considered. He will need to skate spectacularly in the second trial.

In the absence of Maxwell and Constantine, the senior men’s titles are likely to be won by Stephen CarwellCooke. The international skater from the Manawatu Show Grounds made a clean sweep of the last national road titles and he seems certain to advance his international career.

The South Canterbury trio of Wayne Millar, ana the Gabites brothers. Ross and Calvin, were among Carwell Cooke’s strongest challengers in the road races and they appear to have good chances of New Zealand honours with similar efforts on the banked track. Robert Green (Hawkes Bay Revue), a former international, Gerard Campbell (Avalon), John Chesmar (Masterton) and Brent Roberton and John Yorke (both Rollerdrome) will be trying to press their claims.

In the intermediate men’s events, there should be close competition from three capable young skaters, Brent Singer (Rollerdrome), Mark Gabites (South Canterbury), and Alan Wilson (Avalon). Karen Yorke (Rollerdrome), who won the world 5000 m road race in Italy four years ago. is skating as well as ever and is certain of inclusion. Carol Easton (Levin), who shared the four track titles with Mrs Yorke at the national championships will renew her rivalry with the Rollerdrome skater. The consistent Christine Rowe (Hastings) and Maree Maxwell (Masterton) will ensure that Mrs Yorke and Miss Easton do not have things all their way. Racing starts on Saturday with the two-man sprints time trials. The senior men’s 10,000 m and senior women’s 3000 m will be held that day. On Sunday the senior men race over 5000 m and 20,000 m, the women over 5000 m.