Commonwealth Games MTB Report

"Snake-bites" kill off Kinning's hopes at Commonwealth Games:

(By Ben Shorten July 29) 

Glen Kinning told me he would have his tyres "rock-hard" for the MTB race at Rivington. Part of the course is known as "snake-bite alley" because of the type of double pinch-punctures it causes the rim to inflict on the tube when hammering down its rock-paved slopes.

His resolution was not enough to prevent disaster, however, as he became a "snake-bite" victim on the second lap. He had chased hard to keep in contention and was settling down for the long haul of six laps of this very demanding course. He repaired the puncture quickly but was not able to inflate with enough pressure using the compressed air canister device to prevent another puncture almost immediately.

Lance Armstrong would have had a replacement wheel supplied in seconds in the Tour De France and his team would have had him back at the front of the bunch in no time at all. With MTB racing, the rules allow for no outside assistance or supplies and Glen's misfortune robbed him of his chance to prove himself in this elite international field of athletes.

Roland Green (Canada) won the race convincingly and his team-mate Seamus McGrath took silver. Liam Killeen (England) had fought to keep third position for most of the race and delighted the crowds who welcomed him home to a bronze medal with a deafening banging on the hoardings lining the finishing straight.

Pictures copyright bshorten@btinternet.com 2002