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View Full Version : Kirkcaldie calling it quits.


timmyDH
10-08-2006, 11:05 AM
velonews.com wrote

Longtime NORBA downhiller John Kirkcaldie (Maxxis) announced his pending retirement before Saturday's dual slalom. The Kiwi will call it quits after the August 22-27 world championships in Rotorua, New Zealand. Kirkcaldie has raced professionally for 11 years and said he is ready to start a general contracting business in Wellington, and possibly coach for his cycling federation. "I've been thinking about [retiring] for the last season and a half, and I figured Rotorua is the perfect spot for me to retire," Kirkcaldie said. "I've been racing there for over a decade. I raced more years than I thought I would have. I'll always remember my two NORBA-series titles and New Zealand national championships. I always enjoyed racing in the United States more than traveling back between Europe, so I turned into a NORBA guy. My ride on Maxxis will open up spots for two younger riders. It's time for a career change."

Spotted this on vorb a few days ago and thought there might be a few aussies out there interested. I remember watching him on Transcontinental and thinking how cool it was for an aussie (sucessful New Zealander :D ) to be over there doing good. Hope he does well at the worlds to cap off a solid career.

Oddjob
10-08-2006, 01:12 PM
Even though I've never met him or seen him in the flesh, I think NORBA will be the poorer without him. He appears to be one of those down to earth blokes with a great sense of humour and a straight up attitude.

fleshbone
10-08-2006, 07:27 PM
well me being a fellow kiwi,think it is good that he has chose to retire after the worlds,especially on such a kick arse track.i knew he raced norba and was definitelty there for domination,i guess i'll have to take his spot on the maxxis team:p

Dozer
10-08-2006, 07:31 PM
Good luck Kirky, its been a pleasure watching you go around. I'm picking he grabs a podium at the worlds.:D

toodles
10-08-2006, 07:36 PM
Even though I've never met him or seen him in the flesh, I think NORBA will be the poorer without him

Heh I reckon they'll be richer without him... he's won more NORBAs than most Yank pros.

ajay
10-08-2006, 07:39 PM
Heh I reckon they'll be richer without him... he's won more NORBAs than most Yank pros.

between him, Graves and Minn-Gnaar, they pretty much run that joint!

I hope ol' Kirks goes out with a bigbang - kind of like the begining of the universe, but with a Turner!:confused: