THEIR CYCLING WAS ROUGH

NZ Truth, Issue 1211, 14 February 1929, Page 15

THEIR CYCLING WAS ROUGH

Provincial Title Meeting Spoilt By Lack of Control (From "N.Z. Truth's" Special Athletic Correspondent.) * It was a pity that on the first occasion /that the Provincial Athletic Championships were staged m Masterton the crowd — and it was a good one that came to cheer — stayed to yawn.

'THAT this was so cannot be laid to 1 the blame of the competitors, for they gave of their best m competition that was keen and fields that were big.' ■ ' ■ ..■..-! Thrilling 1 events there were, to be sure, but the interminable delay between races caused . the public to become weary with waiting. For a meeting that is timed to finish at 5 p.m. actually to be completed at something after six is, to speak plainly, bad: business. Several of the cycling races were absolutely marred through competitors coming off, and, of course, bringing others with them. "N.Z. .Truth's" writer remai'ked to an official that there seemed to be something- radically Avrong with the track, but received the reply that the track was all right but that the spills were caused by riders illegally cutting through on the inside. Whether this is true or not with regard' to the corner Where the majority of crashes occurred, "Truth"' cannot say, but. we can record that two cases of flagrant and unjustifiable interference were . witnessed, m which riders might easily have caused serious trouble. The first happened m the one-mile race, second heat, and the second m the three miles. ••• . In each case a competitor deliberately thrust through on the inside down the

back; straight and bumped another rider practically off the track .and effectually out of the race. "Truth" has no hesitation m warning the- officials that this sort of. thing has to be dealt with m no uncertain manner if the fair name of amateur cycling is to be upheld. A few drastic punishments would soon bring the . offenders' to .their senses, and a proper understanding of what is required .of a Recent rider taking part m a decent and, healthy sport. ... In justice to the Masterton rider, T. Oakley, who was the most prominent cyclist at the meeting, it must be said that he was m no way concerned m the two incidents referred to. Neither can it be said that it was done for his benefit, as the two offenders' both hailed from Wellington. ' . "Truth's" writer has not the' views of the selector on the matter, but m view of the above and. also the inconclusive nature of the races, it will be surprising if the Wellington cycle team to compete at the New Zealand championships is picked before another series of trials is held. ' There is no question but that Tommy Oakley has earned his place, but it would be a super man who could pick the second and third strings and say that they had justifiably earned the honor. .