Cmdr Menno Zwerwer puts the pedal to the metal as he leads B-grade at the first race of the Canberra open cycling season. The Military Muscle Machine are all smiles as they take time out from storming a 27-point lead over the opposition to pose for the camera. From left, they are, Cmdr Menno Zwerwer; Lt Tony Winter; Sqn-Ldr Judy Scott; and Luke Grattan Photos provided by the Military Muscle Machine

Pedaling power

RESPLENDENT in their ADF nicks and jerseys, a team of ADF cyclists made their debut on the open racing scene for the start of Canberra's track and criterium season.

The ADF team - the Military Muscle Machine - pitched their might and skills against some of Canberra's top cyclists.

Leut Tony Winter captained the team of Cmdr Menno Zwerwer, Lt-Col Tim Sanders, Sqn Ldr Judy Scott, Cpl Martin Johns (RAAF) and Luke Grattan (Defence Civilian).

Leut Winter kick-started the season with an outstanding performance in track, winning A grade over a daunting field of elite cyclists.

The team lined up for fierce competition in the criterium, representing the ADF in all grades from A to D.

Canberra is home to some of Australia's top cyclists, yet, despite tough opposition from state and national representatives each member of the team secured a top 10 position, eclipsing the performance of the other teams.

So it's victory to the Military Muscle Machine for the first battle of Canberra's track and criterium season.

The team has a total of 62 points with the nearest team on 35 points for a commanding lead early in the season.

Racing will continue until the season ends in April 2004, when the Military Muscle Machine fully intends to declare the war won.

Cycling, in its own right, is a recent entrant into the ADF sports arena nestled under the wing of the Australian Service Triathlon Association.

.