Letter from the AIPP

A while back you might have seen our post regarding a letter we sent to the Australian International Pedal Prix. (read our letter here)

Well, a while back we've received word from them, we thought we'd let you know what they said:

1. Track busy-ness
They've said: that they have received widespread positive from many teams that the 2008 edition was the 'best ever' and that the track incidents aren't caused by the race itself.
They would love to run two tracks simultaneously, but unfortunately don't have the capacity.

2. Marshals & their equipment
They've said: they have identified points requiring double marshals and that they provide vests for all points. Excellent.

3. Tail lights
They've Agreed and the regulations regarding the tail lights were modified for this year.

4. The Cycling Crit
They've said: it's a challenging issue they are continuing to work with.

Our Positive feedback regarding Paul Richards, their timing and scrutineering procedures was well received and we are glad that the AIPP team took the time to address our concerns, not dodge the questions and do so in a clear way.

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An open letter to the AIPP

Back in December last year, we sent a letter to Andrew McLachlan and the Board of the Australian International Pedal Prix covering a few issues and recommendations.

You can read the full letter below and encourage you to provide feedback to event organisers (AIPP or otherwise) in the future.

As someone who volunteers with the Energy Breakthrough each year, we do collect some feedback via an online survey, but it's always good to hear from more people about what worked and what didn't.

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"Dear Andrew and members of the AIPP Board,

Firstly, congratulations on a great and successful Australian International Pedal Prix in September 2008. This 24-hour event remains the pinnacle of Community HPV racing and the amazing level of competition throughout the field make it one of the toughest to win.

As the year draws to a close and we reflect, I wanted to write to you to congratulate you on a number of areas that I felt went well, and offer four recommendations for the future.
With 223 vehicles taking to the track in 2008, the resulting racing is chaotic, messy, rough and slow. I would like to recommend a cap on entries at 200 teams for 2009. This could involve category caps similar to those loosely imposed on the Community Class. Bigger and busier is not necessarily better.
I believe you will see fewer serious track incidents and riders will enjoy themselves more with fewer vehicles on track.

During the 2008 event, I was stationed with a friend on a marshal point on the front straight. It was the hectic first few hours of the race and so whilst we had a great view of the start, we were very busy pulling vehicles out of fences on both sides of the track. My second recommendation is to provide 2 hi-vis reflective marshal vests at all marshal points. My third recommendation is to monitor rear lights through out the night period. There are several unlit sections of the track which make tail lights crucial to safe racing. I have witnessed a number of incidents caused by poor or non-existent rear lights.

My fourth and final recommendation is related to the cycling criterium. I would like to see it held prior to HPV Practice session on the Friday, in better lighting conditions.

On a lighter note, Paul Richards remains the premier HPV race caller in Australia. His preparation, knowledge of the sport and delivery is excellent. I know this view is shared along pit lane. Well done Paul.

Furthermore, the management of the lap timing and the posting of the results onto the AIPP website within hours of the event was an outstanding effort. Your scrutineering process and procedures is also second-to-none in Australia.

Best of luck for the 2009 Australian HPV Super Series.

Kind regards,

Bendigo Youth Racing Inc"

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