Known as Barney or Giuseppe to his mates, Dave Barnett had an illustrious cycling career during the 1980's based in New Zealand and Italy. A noted hill climber, time trialist and sprinter when on form, Barney was a true rouleur (all-rounder) highlighted by his 14th overall placing at the amateur Giro d'Italia and 2nd overall placing at the Auckland to Wellington Dulux Tour. Barney would go on to win three KOM titles at the Dulux.
A snapshot of Barney's career in pictures follows.
Finishing second at the 1978 School Boys road race won by Gerald Golder. Pre race favourite Greg Cundy finished 3rd.
Ready to go before the start of stage 4. 1982 Air New Zealand Tour.
Finishing second at the 1978 School Boys road race won by Gerald Golder. Pre race favourite Greg Cundy finished 3rd.
New Zealand Junior Team Time Trial Championships. 1st place with Davis Meo, Gary Johnson, Raymond Tomlinson. 40km completed in 48:36 a NZ junior record time that still stands.
Training ride through Glenside, Wellington.
The bronze medal winning team of David Barnett (front), Laurence Buckton, Greg Fraine and Andrew Meo (back) competing in the Junior Team Pursuit event at the NZ Track Nationals. Hataitai Velodrome, Wellington, 1980.
Ready to go before the start of stage 4. 1982 Air New Zealand Tour.
The Air New Zealand Tour was a selection race for Tour of Tasmania. Davis Meo in foreground near Plimmerton. Shane Joyce just cropped out of frame.
My first time representing NZ, 1982. Paul Miller, Craig Griffen, Dave Comperini (Manager), Me, Greg Fraine and Roger Nevatt (left to right).
Taking the hill climb at the top of Paekak on the final stage of the Dulux with Stockwell and Japanese rider Toshimi Sato in tow.
Blair Stockwell and Barney moments after the final stage of the 1984 Dulux. Stockwell won the stage and the Tour by half a wheel. Only seven seconds separated the two riders on final GC.
Racing at the Tour of Southland with Jack Swart and Graeme Miller.
New Zealand team line up before the start of the 1984 amateur Giro d'Italia.
Stage 5 of the 1984 Giro d'Abruzzo. Racing for the New Zealand team.
Victory at a one day race in Italy.
After the 1984 season Barney won a scholarship for 3 months racing with Team Fanini for the '85 season in Italy. The highlight of the trip was riding for NZ at the World Champs at Giavera, Italy.
Climbing the Col de la Croix de Fer during the 2009 GP Europe trip.
Meo GP lunch at Scopa with the boys.
Post ride coffee at Caffe L'affare. Christmas 2010.
More photos of Barney's cycling career on Flickr.
