Speed-Cycling on Road and Track

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 570, 24 January 1929, Page 7

Speed-Cycling on Road and Track

BV “CYCLUS.”

By winnings the first two events at New Lynn on Saturday, G. P. Clarke, a limit rider, secured possession of the handsome Points’ Cup, donated by the Auckland Amateur Atheltic and Cycling Clisb. At the conclusion of the meeting, Mr. W. Morton, president of the latter club, made the presentation amid cheers for the winner. He explained that the meeting would pre pare runners and cyclists for the Eynndale Club’s big meeting on February 2, when it is hoped the track will be more suitable for cycling than it was last Saturday. P’ortunately, there was only one spill during the meeting, A. Boreland falling in the final of the mile. He cut his lip and had two stitches inserted. There were several narrow escapes from smashes due ‘to the unusually sharp bends, and to the loose surface of the track. "While on the subject of spills it should be mentioned that many smashes occur through riders deliberately breaking the rules of racing. An instance of this took place on Saturday in the third heat of the onemile handicap, when a rider, during the course of the last lap, looked behind no less than live times. Booking backwards in a cycle race is dangerous at any time even if done by skilled performers, but when a rider of only very moderate ability attempts it during the sprint lap of a race ridden on a bad track, a serious accident can easily occur. The rider concerned was reprimanded for his foolhardiness immediately after the race, but for such a bad break of elementary rules he should have been disqualified instantly. The most consistent and meritorious performer at this meeting was Eripe Cleaver, a very promising youngster, whose total points for the cup amounted to ten. He showed improvement as the afternoon wore on. Starting off with a third in the half-mile handicap he rode in the mile to secure second place, and eventually won the last race, the two miles handicap, with a fine show of speed. Tn the latter race he rode his best race to date, and completely outshone the Points’ Cup winner, to whom he was conceding 60yds. Granting that he was liberally treated by the handicapper, G. P. Clarke rode strongly and with plenty of judgment. After being forced every inch of the way in the half-mile by A. Sercombe, he came out in the mile to win, easing up, by 50yds. His effort in the final event lacked determination, due. no doubt, to the fact that he knew the cup was already his. CLARKE JUST BEATEN The favourite for the two miles race was C. A. Clarke, the shrewd Onehur.gaite. who was just beaten for first place after a hard tussle up the straight. Many were of the opinion that Clarke was due for a win, as this heady rider invariably wins some important race after a period of apparent staleness. “Charlie,” who by the way, is not related to G.P.C.. will cause no surprise if lie wins at the next Lynndale meet on February 2. A win or two for the “one and only,” as he is called among his clubmates. would prove popular, as this rider is always a trier. A Sercombe. who scored two thirds and one second place, was considered by many spectators to be very unlucky in not being awarded a deadbeat with G. P. Clarke in the halfmile handicap. Getting an excellent start off the 90yds mark, he made n race of it all the way with the winner, to whom he was standing up 20yds. The handicapper gave liberal starts on Saturday, but it must be remembered that it is good for the sport tor all to have a turn at winning. Most of the finalists in the half-mile cam off the 90yds mark, and in all tine other races the long-markers had things their own way. The backmarkers’ riding, with the exception of Whitten, was not impressive. Several good riders were absent from this meeting—Hen. Dwight, Stewart-Baird, and the fast-improving Clarrie Galbraith. No doubt the attraction of the beaches, etc., is hard to resist during the present hot spell of weather. The last few B grade races that have been promoted by the Manukau Amateur Cycling Club have been very poorly patronised. It is the intention of the club's executive to discontinue these races unless more riders face Lin? starter. Every athlete and cyclist who was At Lyrmdale on Saturday will join with the writer in thanking Mr. J. Crum for his generosity in providing afternoon tea for competitors and officials. Being quite unexpected, this treat came as a pleasant surprise, and can only make the young LynndalClub more popular than ever with Auckland ahtletes. ROUND THE ISLAND J. C. Stewart and L. Wilson, of the

Manukau Club, are at present touring on bicycles round Taranaki. They will arrive in Auckland probably toward the end of the week, after having ridden through Waihi, Whakatane, Waipukurau, Wanganui, etc. Most will agree than theirs is a formidable undertaking during a New Zealand summer. Tom Oakley, the crack Masterton rider, is fast getting fit for the Dominion track championships. At Masterton last Tuesday evening he defeated Gane, of Wellington, in a threemiles event, which was ridden in the almost incredible time of 6m 54see. If everything is in order this time will be passed, as the New Zealand record for the distance, Oakley held the old record of 7min Ssec. The Masterton track, on which the record was put up is probably the fastest grasstrack in the world. It is ideally sheltered, and it will be remembered that Randolph Rose established his great mile record there. WITH THE PROFESSIONALS By the time these notes appear the first evening meeting will have been held. Whether or not they will be continued depends solely on the support riders accord them. The announcement of the death of Maurice Randrup, a champion oldtime professional cyclist, was received with universal regret. Randrup was New Zealand champion in 1925, and rod© with George Sutherland during the boom period of New Zealand cycling. J. H. ITarcourt, the popular South Auckland champion, left last week for Queensland, Australia. He is undecided how long he will remain there, but he is eager to match his speed against any Australian track riders. A GREAT FRENCHMAN Henri Desgrange, founder of the Tour de France, has been promoted by the French Government to commandership of the Legion of Honour. It is an honour appropriate to the man. Heri Desgrange, at 63, stands for all that is best in the French nation. An athlete to the bones, and a. journalist of unique distinction, he has whipped his compatriots into a passion for athletics second to none in tho world. “L’Auto,” the great sporting daily of which he is founder, editpr and owner, is the instrument with which he did so. Throughout the whole of the tour each year he has followed, organised, and personally reported every stage. PROFESSIONAL EARNINGS In France, approximately 7.000,000 francs are stated to be disbursed annually among the national professional ranks, the estimated proportions being as follow: —Five riders, 200,000 francs each (about £1,600): ten riders, 100.000 francs each: 100 riders, 3 0,000 francs each; and a further 100. 5.000 francs each. These figures account for just one-half the available total, the remainder of which goes to visiting “stars.” At the other end of the scale the 700 or so professionals who make up the bulk of the paid ranks get next to nothing. Lucien Miehard, the wealthiest of all the French professionals, is at present spending a six-months’ honeymoon.* — v TE AWAMUTU SPORTS THE CYCLING HANDICAPS (From Our Own Correspondent) TE AWAMUTU, Wednesday. The following handicaps have been declai'ed for the cycling events at the Te Awamutu Sports on Anniversary Dav, January 29: Half-mile. —J. IT. Wade, sex'; J. Whitten, tovds: H. Brewer. 30yds; F. Tapper. 40yds; F. C. Henwood. %4 oyds; D. Donaldson, 50yds; G. Stephens. R. G. Feu- i bister. 60yds : J. Spence, L. Gyde, 65yds ; F. Stephens, C. Tong. B. Waugh, 70yds: G. Hyde, 80yds ; L. Moore. T. Mclvor, C. j Rogers, R. Quinlan. W. F. Bradding. j 9 oyds. . , I Local Mile. —D. Donaldson, scr. : K. j Quinlan. R. Quinlan, 60yds : T. Mclvor. j C. Rogers, 70yds One Mile —J. H. Wade, scr ; J. "W bitten j 35yds; H. Brewer, 120yds; F. Tapper, 140yds: F. C. Henwood. 140yds: D. Donaldson. 240yds: G. Stephens, 200yds; R. G. Foubister, 200yds : J. F. Spence, 220yds : L. Gyde, 280yds; F. Stephens, 280yds; C. j Tong, 300yds; B. Waugh, 300yds: G. j Hyde, 350yds : L. Moore. T. Mclvor, C. j Rogers, R. Quinlan. K. Quinlan. W. F j Gladding, all 360yds. Three Miles —J H. Wade, scr; J. Whitten, 50yds: H. Brewer. 180yds :.F. Tap- j per, 220yds; F. C. Henwood. 220yds; G. j Stephens. 280yds: R. G. Foubister, 300yds; J. Spence, 360yds; D. Donaldson. ! 380yds: C. Tong. B. Waugh. 450yds; L. Gyde, F. Stephens, 460yds: G. Hyde. L. j Moore. T. Mclvor. C. Rogers. R. Quin- 1 lan, K. Quinlan, W. F. Gladding, 500yds; lj