Speed-Cycling on Road and Track

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 350, 10 May 1928, Page 7

Speed-Cycling on Road and Track

By

“VELOS”

The road racing season will be advanced another stage on Saturday, when the Manukau Amateur Cycle Club will hold a 5£ miles junior handicap, and a 28 miles open event, while the Auckland Athletic and Cycling Club’s race will be a 14 miles handicap. The latter club requests all cash riders, and members to be present at the start of Saturday’s race, as business of a special nature is to be brought under their notice. Last Saturday’s races at Mangere saw 66 riders competing. The amateur finishes were exceptional. In both races the handicapper had the judges thinking to pick the place-get-ters. The crowd of riders that in both events raced over the line at the finish was a very fine sight, and once again the handicapper, G. Cleaver, has got to be congratulated on the success of his adjustments. FISHER’S PROMISING FORM Norm Fisher, the winner of Saturday’s open event, has placed several good sprint races to his credit during last track racing season, and in Saturday’s race he showed that he can get over a short distance road race in a manner that leads one to believe he will be seen to greater advantage in this class of race later in the seaL. Pinfold, who secured second place, put up a great finish, and had he sprinted sooner must have won. He has plenty of speed, but seems to get into bad positions when nearing the finishing line, which has spoiled his chances on more than one occasion lately. Con. T. Gainsborough came fast over the last ten yards and just managed to catch the judge’s eye, to get third place. He has been one of the most consistent road riders in the Manukau Club, and although not a big prize winner last year, he gives promise this road season of being one. His form on Saturday was a big improvement on any he has shown at Mangere.

J. Whitten again rode well. Starting 20 seconds ahead of Wade and Byrnes, he appeared to have no chance of keeping away from this hot scratch combination. But for once these backmarkers did not work together, and the result was Whitten beat them both by several seconds for fastest time. This rider has only to discover a finishing sprint to be well in the running this year as Auckland’s premier road rider. THE NOVICE RACE Saturday’s novice race saw 32 riders face starter Wilson. The winner, F. Taylor, was due for a win, as he has been riding consistently in the last three races. He took charge a short distance from the finish after holding a good position during the race, and though hard-pressed by Rollerson and Potter squeezed over the line first past the winning post by a wheel. G. W. Rollerson is one of the Manfkau Club’s most promising road riders. In running second to Taylor he put up a fine performance. As a pacemaker he is one of the most honest riders on the road in Auckland today. He appeared to throw Saturday’s race away by looking round a short distance from the finishing mark. Fastest time went to H. Dwight off scratch, who burnt off the other two riders who started with him. Over the first half of the 11 miles he appeared to be 'labouring in his work, but during the latter part he warmed up and went a very fast last lap.

The Auckland Athletic and Cycling Club’s 20 miles event was won by G. Hall, who won last Saturday week's race. This rider was treated very liberally by the handicapper, and took full advantage of it, winning easily by six lengths. He is an exceptionally strong finisher, and is a rider who is sure to improve. In placing two wins on end to his credit he showed greatly

improved form, and in any cash races held at Mangere that finish at the present finishing place Hall will have to be reckoned with, as he has developed a kick that few riders possess. It is rumoured more amateurs are turning pro. LINDOP’S FIRST RACE K. Rae, who finished in second place, and the winner, were never seriously troubled. They put in tlieir laps good and solid, and won with a lot in hand. Rae was with the winner till the last hundred yards, but could not foot it with him. The surprise of the race was D. Storey, off the 2min mark. getting fastest time, and also securing third place. He had two strong riders with him in Henderson and Lindop (the latter riding for the first time). The three had no trouble in keeping away from the scratch riders Hayes and Prior. Storey’s finish was a brilliant one, beating Henderson by several lengths for fourth place, with Lindop fifth. A. Lindop. who competed for the first time in Saturday’s race, rode well. He was a bit green to take on such a long journey, but lie finished well, and came in for a round of praise from his co-markers for the fine laps he put in right through the race. He is from Westport, and is a rider with a future.

The Auckland Club has missed two of its last year’s officials—S. Oakes and C. Marriott—from its races this season. These two enthusiasts officiated as handicapper and starter, and never missed a fixture. It is to be sincerely hoped that they do not intend to drop out permanently, as both were valued officers of the club, and were most popular with members.