GREAT CYCLE RIDERS

Evening Star, Issue 22142, 24 September 1935, Page 3

GREAT CYCLE RIDERS

PHIL O'SHEA AND WATSON FAMOUS RAGES RECALLED There has been a great deal of controversy recently regarding the performances of riders over the Timaru to Christchurch and Waimate to Christchurch courses. The writer is of jfche opinion that the performances of Phil O’Shea and Harry Watson rank with the .best (says, an exchange) When riding in the Waimate to Christchurch in 1930. H. G. Watson covered the 145 miles in 6h 23rnin 42sec. In this race Watson broke the previous best time from Timaru to Christchurch registered by P. O’Shea, in 1913. O’Shea’s time was 5h 14min 58sec. In 1933 Watson rode tho Waimate course in the fast time of 6h 19min 28sec. This .was a remarkably good performance, and compares well with any time registered by any competitor in the Timaru to Christchurch race. It must he remembered, however, that in the early days of the race the event was run in the middle of winter, making the conditions very_ trying Water races were also additional ob to fast riding. Watson undoubtedly proved his worth by his splendid performance last October, when he defeated the best ••iders in Australia a”d representatives from France in the Victorian Centenary Thousand. In this race Watson’s performance in securing second fastest Hme was an outstanding one. The conditions in the Centenary Thousand were worse than any conditions which have prevailed in New Zealand for the Tiinaru to Christchurch race. In 1929 Watson represented Australia in the Tour do France, a most severe test of 3,300 miles, over mountains and under most trying conditions. Watson and Hubert Oppcrman were tho only two of the four Australian 'representatives to complete, the full course of 3.300 miles. (Watson itecently put up second fastest time in tho New Zealand 50-milo road cycling championship.) Without any question. Phil O’Shea was one of the best riders produced in

the Dominion. It is doubtful whether auv other rider in New Zealand or Australia has held championships from a quarter of a mile to 165 miles. To be a champion on the track and road over all distances is unique in cycling historv. O’Shea won the Timaru to Christchurch race in 1909 and 1913- He "ained fastest time in 1911. 1913, 1914, 1921, 1922, and 1923. In 1913 he gained first and fastest time. In addition to his New Zealand performances, O’Shea gained fastest time in the Warmambool-Melbourne road race in 1913, 1914, and 1922. O’Shea and Opperman are the only two riders to gain fastest time in the Warrnam-hool-Melbpnrne road race throe times in succession. O’Shea’s racing extended over a period of over 24 year’, and during that time he held his own against all comers. O’Shea’s performances are all the more meritorious in view of the fact that from 1914 to 1921 there was practically no racing. When he resumed in 1921 O’Shea proved that he could hold his own with the best Australasian riders. He is without doubt the most versatile rider the Dominion has produced.