Schools power through

By Jim Mynard
BERWICK schools St Margaret’s and Berwick Secondary College did well at the RACV 24 Hour Human Powered Vehicle event during November.
The St Margaret’s senior team outclassed its opposition to easily top the all girl teams.
The team was formed in 2006 and has now competed undefeated in seven events.
The team was second overall in the senior secondary division at Maryborough where 19 of the top 20 teams were made up of four boys and four girls.
The all girls’ team surprised many people with highlevel performances against mixed teams.
Because of the popularity of the sport after the introduction in 2006, a junior team was also formed at St Margaret’s and these year eight and year nine girls also performed with distinction beating many of the mixed teams.
The senior team has now taken the record from 580 kilometres in 2005 to 630 kilometres in 2006 and a staggering 678 kilometres in 2007.
This is equivalent to an average speed of more than 28km/h for the 24 hours, including pit stop time.
Coach Terry Trevena said the squad was highly motivated, very organised and extremely happy.
He said not only do the riders benefit but also the team managers and pit crew who are given considerable responsibility in running the teams.
“The girls have trained on bicycles for most of the year and six girls actually qualified through the zone for the State School Cycling Championships, with Kristina Behrsin winning a silver medal.
“St Margaret’s has now moved to a position of recognition among the other top HPV schools for their organisation, determination and performance,” he said.
Spokesman for Berwick Secondary College David Jagger said the college entered three teams in the 24hour race and one team on the Holden Track for the Tryathlon eighthour race.
He said each vehicle had eight riders all of whom have been training hard and helping with the building and finishing of the vehicles.
“We had a very smooth ride this year with no major problems.
“There were as usual a few rollovers but no major injuries and the cars went well.
“The pits kept a very tight ship with regular wheel checks and chainlubes and the kitchen kept an almost constant supply of tasty and nutritious food and drinks throughout the 24 hours.
“Parents worked the computers to record data,” he said.
Firetruck was third in class and third overall with 620 laps and 830 kilometres.
Firetruck also won the award for Design and Construction.
Firestorm was eighth in class and 12th overall with 552 laps and 739.7 kilometres.
Firebird was eighth in class and 33rd overall with 453 laps and 607 kilometres.
Firepower raced in the Tryathlon event and was equal first in the race and fifth overall on points with 210 laps and 233 kilometres.