GREAT RIDER

NZ Truth, Issue 1202, 13 December 1928, Page 16

GREAT RIDER

"Jumbo" Wells' Last Race One of New Zealand's best all - , round cyclists, Frod (Jumbo) Wells, passed away at South Melbourne two weeks ago practically m the sad.d.le. " TUMfiO" was 45 years of age when J he died and of that period he spent practically thirty years m the saddle of a bicycle. ; ■ ' His first appearance on the track "Was on a free-wheel machine at Blenheim m 1904, while his last appearance was on one of the Melbourne tracks not many hours before he died. After a trip to Australia, "Jumbo" made for the States to meet . the world's best at Salt Lake City, including Frank Kramer and Lawson. - ' • He scored many successes and was nicknamed by the fans as "Jumbo" on account of his maßßlve shoulders and the way he arched his back when sprinting m a finish. Wells stayed, m the States for four seasons, among his successes being a win m a pursuit race of fifteen miles, m which he established a record which is on the books to-day. The manner m which he maintained his form was wonderful, and; realizing that, he could improve the shining •hour, he paid a further visit to .America;. ' In 1921 he returned to his birthplace and put up fastest time against a new^generation of riders m the famous Bleriheim.-Waihopai road race. His f6at of 16 years previously m returning fastest tinie showed his great dur-a-bility.' ■ „; - ;