N.Z. Rider 2nd In French Race

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31057, 12 May 1966, Page 21

N.Z. Rider 2nd In French Race

The captain of this year’s New Zealand team for the Isle of Man motor-cycle T.T. races, N. J. Landrebe, of Dunedin, has made an auspicious start to his racing programme in Europe.

Riding the same 500 c.c. Matchless on which he had many magnificent victories in New Zealand last season, he finished runner-up to the

prominent English rider, R. Fritton, in the Bourg-en-Bresse senior road race in France less than a fortnight ago—an effort which has already won him considerable recognition. And this was after taking a minor tumble in the early stages of the race. The manner in which he threaded his way through the field to take second place was outstanding but he could not make any real impression on the winner, Fitton. Regarded as one of the fastest private owners racing in Europe, Fitton won the

race in the excellent average speed of 73.96 miles an hour and recorded lhe fastest lap of 75.94 m.p.h. Landrebe may also enter 250 c.c. events while he is in Europe. He recently visited Spain and purchased one of the very potent water-cooled 250 c.c. Bultaco two-strokes from the factory. Another New Zealand rider, W. (“Ginger”) Molloy, also featured prominently in the Bourg-en-Bresse meeting. He made a particularly slow start in the 250 c.c. race on a works Bultaco and on the first lap was lying fifteenth.

However, by the sixth lap he had worked up to fourth and by the eleventh was lying comfortably in second place, the position he retained until the finish. The race was won by the Dutch rider, van Dongen.

Molloy also competed with success in the 125 c.c. race on a works Bultaco, finishing sixth. F. Perris won the race on a works Suzuki. His teammate, Anscheldt, was second. The Suzuki team leader, H. R. Anderson (New Zealand), damaged his motor prior to the event and was unable to start.