THE SPORT BOOMING

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 60, 2 June 1927, Page 12

THE SPORT BOOMING

RECORD CROWD AT MANGERE

All over the world, there has been a revival in cycle racing during the past year; but probably nowhere more so than in Auckland. T AST week there was a record attendance at Mangere. An ideal racing day, and the course in capital order, provided racing of a high standard. It is decidedly encouraging to both the Manußau and the Auckland clubs to know that their efforts to cater for the sport of cycle racing are being rewarded. The record crowd on Saturday proved that, among a large number of the public these races are very popular. The number of road racing members of both clubs, must total well over the 100, which is an increase of about 300 per cent, on last year’s road racing number. With the track racing season opening at Blandford Park in October, and with the big increase in the number of competitors that is sure to take place, the racing should be the finest ever seen in Auckland this coming season. Secretary Les. Wilson received many congratulations on his win. He was the first favourite for the event, and he worthily upheld the honour. W. Bray was an interested spectator on Saturday. He is laying off for a time following doctor’s orders. There were several riders missing on Saturday from the amateur ranks owing to the 'flu. Several leading casli\ riders are on the sick list, suffering from the “flu.” This was responsible for the smallness of the field in the big race at Mangere on Saturday. All cyclists who are at all interested in cash cycle racing should make a point of starting in the A.A. and C.C. races every Saturday. It is certainly not encouraging to the little band of officials who roll up every Saturday to help the game along, to see no new riders putting in an appearance at Mangere.

There were 50 starters in the 15-mile road race held by the Petone Cycling Club recently. The race was won by McGill (Smin) with Murphy (2£min) second, and Morris (Bmin) third. The time, 49min 20sec, goes to prove that the course was a hard one. Ted Blakeway, late of Auckland, was one of the scratch men, but finished out of a place. A. Beattie off the lmin. mark secured fastest time, 44min 30sec. The limit was Omin.

Arrangements have been completed by the Auckland Cycling and Motor Depot, with /hi. Sutherland —who is attempting to put up a record from Auckland to "Wellington—to ride one of their new racing Glide machines. Sutherland will make the attempt as soon as the weather and the roads are suitable.