A great article by Cycling Australia on ex IAS Board Member, Peter Tomlinson. Peter was an IAS Board Member from 2006-2014 and was instrumental in driving the IAS’s cycling program. The ‘Lead Out’ – with Commissaire Peter Tomlinson 18 Nov 2014 , by Cycling Australia Cycling can quite often be focused on just results, from the riders and their glory to their heartbreaks, and the events at which they compete. But we thought we would take the time to bring you the people behind the scenes, the ones who give their all so others can take part, enjoy, develop and succeed – the ones who ‘Lead Out’. From the High Performance Unit through to the club level, Cycling Australia, it’s states and clubs are full of dedicated staff, coaches, commissaires, volunteers and club administrators which form the backbone of our sport. You may not see them, you may not hear them, you may not know their name, nor exactly what they do. But they are the people that ensure all our events run smoothly, keep our riders are safe, develop our sport at the grass-roots level and more. So without further ado, welcome to our new series of Q&A’s with some of the most integral people in our sport. Welcome to the ‘Lead Out’. —— Peter Tomlinson has been a cycling Commissaire for over 20 years, first starting as a NSW cycling official in 1994 before becoming a National Commissaire in 1997 and then a UCI International Commissaire in November 2000. Here he tells us how he got started, his favourite memories of being a Commissaire, what he wishes more riders knew and what he does when he’s not ensuring all our races are safe, fun and fair! 1. Why did you decide to become a Commissaire? As a lifelong sports person I’d always been interested in all aspects of the sport, including refereeing. My club knew of my interest and I was quickly nominated for the NSW course when it became compulsory to have a Commissaire in every club. 2. Do you do work across both road and track? I work both road and track events and in the past I have also done MTB and anti-doping roles as well. Initially I was a track specialist, but I now do more road races, averaging 4-6 road tours a year over the last 10 years and a number of one day races. 3. What is it that you love most and what keeps you coming back? Most important is true love of sport (in this case cycling). The satisfaction of our sport being run safely and sportingly is fulfilling. 4. What challenges (if any) have you faced? No real great challenges, but I have a busy job and a family so time management is always difficult. As for athlete, parent, coach interaction I have found as long as you communicate well and are open to discussion you don’t have too many difficulties, this helps build respect. Language in some International events is a challenge, but with experience this but becomes easier. 5. Do you have any favourite Commissaire memory? Many, many great experiences, but some to mention are: – The Sydney Olympics in 2000. As a Commissaire I was recommended to the IBM results team and this was a wonderful experience! – The Manchester Commonwealth Games in 2002. This was my first big overseas event and was a wonderful event and learning experience! – The Japan Cup. This is an International one-day race in Japan in October each year. I’ve been 3 times now and it is always a unique experience. – The Open Road Nationals in Ballarat is always great, but the 2012 and 2014 were wonderful world-class races that will always be good memories! – The Tour Down Under in Adelaide is another great experience. I’m frequently the Motorbike Commissaire, which is always a challenge and a fun experience; you are always in the action with this role. 6. Do you have a favourite event to Commissaire? Why? Well along with events mentioned above, other great experiences are the races in Asia. A particular favourite is the Tour de Singkarak in Sumatra Indonesia. This race offers high-class International racing along with unique cultural and natural experiences. 7. There are a lot of different roles that Commissaries can fill; can you talk us through what you normally do? Two roles I often do are Commissaire 1 (also called Chief or President), and Motorbike Commissaire (on the back of a motorbike, with a radio, stopwatch and whistle). Commissaire 1 is a role I commonly fill and this year I have been Comm. 1 at The Open Road Nationals, The Junior Track Nationals, the Tour of Toowoomba, Tour de Singkarak Indonesia, Tour of Tasmania, and Tour of East Java Indonesia. At these events you do pre-race work with the organiser, set the other Commissaire roles, chair meetings, referee/oversee the race, do race debriefs, issue penalties if necessary, report to the authorities i.e. Cycling Australia or UCI. This year I’ve done the Motorbike Commissaire role at the Tour Down Under and the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. This role is really only race specific, so not busy away from the race. In this role you are affectively the eyes of the race, reporting numbers of the riders in breaks from the peloton, time gaps, regulating media bike so they don’t affect the race etc. 8. Is there a particular person who mentored or supported you along the journey? Early in my Commissaire career the then NSW Cycling President Alex Fulcher was very encouraging and helpful as were other experienced NSW Commissaires, including the late Richie Small, and Norm Sargent. Early in my UCI career fellow UCI Commissaires Bill Clinch and New Zealander Graham Sycamore were good role models. 9. What do you think it takes to be a great Commissaire? An ability to see things through, a good work ethic, good communication skills, a strong knowledge of the sport and not just the rules is important, but most of all a love of the sport! 10. What advice would you give someone looking to get involved in the Commissaire side of the sport? I think we need to make the role more attractive to former/retiring riders by showing there is an interesting pathway, opportunities to travel and the chance to experience some unique races and culture. It’s important to have a mentor or person to discuss issues/races with. As mentioned above a love of the sport and a good calm personality are important. 11. What is your personal background in cycling? Did you, or do you, ride? I grew up playing cricket and rugby, but loved the Olympics and Commonwealth Games with cycling a particular favourite. I injured my knees playing the other sports and took up cycling in my early 20’s and grew into racing with my club Southern Highlands CC for about 12 years before Commissaire roles, children etc. saw me retire from competitive racing. I still enjoy riding and get our for a ride 3 or 4 times most weeks! 12. When you’re not being a Commissaire what are you up to? I’m a Hospital Scientist and I manage a NSW Health Pathology Laboratory at Bowral Hospital. I’ve been in this role for 16 years and I have now worked continuously in the health system for over 30 years. I’m married to Carmel and have 3 adult children, 2 of who still ride or race. I love the garden, reading, music and travelling. 13. And finally, if you could tell riders one thing, what would that be? A good Commissaire is a facilitator; he or she is there for you to have a safe and fair race!

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