CYCLING

Hokitika Guardian, 2 July 1929, Page 8

CYCLING

J. LINDOP’S CHAMPIONSHIP. 'J’lic championship of the Auckland Cycle Club, held at Mangere on 22nd June over'' three laps of the circuit (19.4 miles), was one of the most successful yet held by the club. The .urge number or spectators present were amply rewarded for they witnessed a splendid finish between the placed .lien, in other years the field lor this event has been small, but on Saturday a bunch of eleven riders started, including .-at good rider J. Hareourt, of Hamilton, who came up specially lor the event. It was very gratifying indeed to the committee to see such a aig field line up, and certainly made the event more interesting to watch. The winner was looked to come from ,).■ Lindop, Sv Hayes, J. Hareourt, K. Mnthicson and D. Storey, it proved to be J. Lindop (late West Coast champion), who also annexed the event last year, when he scored a surprise win. His win on Saturday was no surprise, as he has been riding welL this season, though Hayes was favourite. At the conclusion of the race Mr J. L. Harris, the president, congratulated lire winner on his achievement, and called upon the secretary’s wife Mrs hi. W. Tonkin, to decorate the winner with the blue riband, amid cheers. F. Prior, 1927 champion, was also- decorated with his sash, which-lin'd been overlooked. Punctually at 3 p.m. the riders were sent away, and over the first lap they went at a snail pace, with Archer and one doing all the pacing, the others oo.ng con.ent to sit in. The second lap was little better, though a little faster through one or two of the competitors shooting out td try and “burn” the others off, but they were all watching' one another closely, and were all still together on completing it. Archer, line and Lowndes were still doing all the pacing. The third lap saw them all start to move, and .his lap was done at a fast clip, with each rider doing his bit, and still well .junched. Coming over the hill for the nnish, Storey assumed the lead, with Hayes just behind, and, the rest in a bunch. Down the hill the riders were all hard at it, and in the final sprint Lindop “jumped” 100 yards from the line, Haves going with him. Lindop held Hayes, off to win by Lj lengths. K, Matherson was the same distance away third, Hal. a length away fourth. J. Lindop rode a heady race. He has always to be reckoned with in a final sprint down the hill for, being a big man, he pushes ,a big gear, and this is where he gains an advantage over Hayes, who is small in build. Lindop was pushing \m 87-gear, and Hayes bo. S. Hayes, second man home, was not disgraced, his finishing effort being good. He was the tirst to congratulate his co-marker, .though he would have much liked to add the sash to his collection of trophies. K. Mathieson, the third man, ,was looked to by many to upset calculations with his final sprint, but though he finished well, could only gain this position. G. Hall, fourth home, rode well,, and finished oil. ..liis consistency should soon 'be rewarded with a win. He was ■roublcd with the cramp in the second lap. J. Hareourt (Hamilton), who came up for the event, competed two veers ago, when he gained third position. Many picked him to win, but lie finished well back, having sprinted too soon, and being left without a final kick. He looked to he short of work, but by the time the Olcvcdon race is run (in which he intends competing), he should he in the host nick. D. Storey, when leading, looked to have a chance, but when it came to the sprint could not foot it with the others. A win for Dave would be popular.