GRAND PRIX

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 18 November 1927, Page 3

GRAND PRIX

BENDIGO TO WARRNAMBOOL NEW ZEALAND DOING WELL. CERTAIN TO WIN TEAMS’ RACE Melbourne, Nov. 17. The Bendigo to Warrnambool stage, 192 miles, was started to-day. The New Zealand team retains the lead. Forty-three riders continue. Opperman was defeated to-day for the sprint prizes from Ballarat to Castlemaine by Jehir, of Geelong', who led at Castlemaine. Watson punctured a tyre at 50 miles, but Rennie was well up in the early stages. At Ballarat, 78 miles, Bainbridge (Victoria) was first and Watson had reached third place. At 129 miles the order was Opperman, Watson, Bainbridge and Osborn close together. A heavy head wind is delaying the riders. The finish is expected at seven o'clock to night. The riders are feeling the effects of the contest and progress is slow. Exciting finish. Result: Opperman (13-32-15) 1; Watson (New Zealand). (13-32-151-5), 2; Osborne (12-32-15 1-5). 3; Bainbridge (13-32-15 2-5) 4; Einsidel (13-53-47) 5, followed by Anderson, Stamford, Boyd, and Williamson, with Rennie (New Zealand), 13-53-47 3-5, tenth.

Tn a marvellous sprint over the last 100 yards Opperman won hv half a length and Watson beat Osborne by half a wheel. The race took 142 minutes behind schedule. The New Zealanders are certain winners of the teams. It is anticipated some riders will not arrive until midnight.