CYCLE RACE TIMING

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 85, 1 July 1927, Page 10

CYCLE RACE TIMING

“Sine Invidia” writes: “Being a keen follower of cycleracing, I get somewhat puzzled by the times recorded in many of the road races which are held at Mangere. We read that the time for a 20-mile race of the Auckland Cycling Club, held on June 18, was 55.45, it being remarked that this was particularly good. The distance covered in that race was 19 miles. During that race a new record for one lap, distance 5.6 miles, was put up, viz., 13min 4sec, a speed of approximately 252 miles an hour. This is no doubt a great performance, but yet on the time of the race the approximate speed for the balance of the race was 19 miles an hour. Some difference, don’t you think so? “Now, again on Saturday last, a day far from being ideal for fast times, in a 25-mile race, actual distance 24.6 miles, it is reported that the fastest time was 63£ minutes. This shows that the additional 5.6 miles only took 7min 45ses longer. I think it is very unfair to the riders taking part in these races to be so misled in their riding times. The season for the big road races is drawing near, and to do justice to these riders more care should be taken in the timing of the races. The results and times of the races are published by you, therefore vour readers are entitled to be furnished with correct reports.”