Speed-Cycling on Road and Track

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 688, 13 June 1929, Page 13

Speed-Cycling on Road and Track

“bT

“CVCL OS.“

THE AMATEURS Last Saturday the Manukau Amateur Cycle Club was again fortunate in having ideal conditions lor its 11-mile senior race. A junior race over the same distance was also held. The latter event was the first of a new series of races which will be conducted by the club, provided, of course, that the younger members retain their interest in them. The winner of the juniors, C. llansen. off 2 m in., tasted the first fruits of victory last week. He and his comarker, K. S. Harris, whom Hansen beat easily at the finish, paced each other splendidly,, giving the backmarkers no chance whatever. Congratulations to C. Yule, who gained fastest time, incidentally boating two doughty opponents in -E. Hail and G. Lethaby. Hall has been a consistent winner of time prizes in junior races this season. By narrowly defeating him. Yule can lay claim to the fact that he is no mean exponent of the cycle sport. Finishes of this description are a treat, and the juniors as a whole are to be congratulated on their fine exhibitions

A fault most noticeable among the younger cyclists is the pushing of gears that are far too high for them. They seem to forget that they are yet undeveloped. To push a gear higher than about SO inches is only injuring their future prospects.

“Take’ no risks” seemed to be the motto of F. AY. llestall last week when he romped home from G. Clark. To some of the spectators, it seemed as though Restall showed bad judgment in winning so easily. The fact was that his chain was “creaking” and he was under the impression that another competitor was on his back wheel. Had another rider been there, he would have found F.AV.R. very hard to dispose of.

Too much success has not come the way of G. P. Clark (3min), who gained second honours. He was unlucky meeting a rider like Ttestall.

It is a good omen to see new recruits taking a part in the finishes. H. Camp (3min 20sec), who gained third place, is a first-season rider. At present he does more than his share of pacing, hut with more experience, he will realise that this does not always pay.

The custodians of time honours had a bad day last Saturday. In the junior event, as mentioned above. Hall had to give way to Yule, while in the senior race Wade had to give pride of place to F. Casey. The latter was off the mark with two other wellmatched riders. This contributed in no small measure to his success. He clocked the phenomenal time of 28min 15sec, which is lmin 57sec off the old record held by J. Wade.

Roberts and Galbraith, co-markers of Casey, made the pace a “cracker,” giving the scratch men, Wade and Dwight, no chance of collecting time.

A notable absentee last week was “Jerry” Whitten, who had the misfortune to break his wrist. Whitten’s fast laps were badly missed by Wade.

The run last week-end was to Clevedon. Ten riders took part in it. The jaunt next week will be to Fukekohe, returning via Bombay. Those desiring to take part are asked to assemble at 10 a.m. in Newmarket, at tvhich point the run will commence.

The amateur club’s dance will be held on , June 26, not June 29, as was previously stated in these notes.

THE CASH RIDERS Another fine finish characterised the Auckland Cycle Club’s 30-mile race to Papakura and back last week. A slight head-on breeze both ways did not hinder the 17 starters to any groat extent. For such a. long distance race, it was certainly another fine tribute to Ilandicapper Knight. K. Mathieson has broken his spell of “outs” at last. Off a three-minute mark, he rode some good laps, ami when it came to the final burst, he had enough in reserve to send him over the line with half a length to spare. Some riders are under the impression that Ken does not do his share of the work. It must be remembered that he is a midget rider. Therefore, his laps are not as strong as those of other riders. He certainly deserved his win.

It must have been a shock for Slater Hayes to have his colours lowered by K. Mathieson. After catching the field about two and a-half miles from home, Slater looked the best of good things. His hard ride to catch up on the middle markers evidently told its tale. His time, lhr 17min Sosec, lowers the old record by 25sec. A protest has been entered however, by F. Potter.

G. Hall, who finished third, is starting to come back to form. He has been doing a lot of training of late, and it would appear that he leaves his best efforts on the road, instead of producing them in races.

The two-minute markers, D. Storey and F. Potter, had a hard ride together to pick up the front markers. In the run home Potter disposed of the former, who is out of training. This is the first time Potter has defeated Storey.

A recent winner, J. Jacob, was among the starters. His laps were very uncertain and no doubt he has yet to learn the art of pacing. To lap at a steady pace gains more ground than a gallop for about 50 yards.

J. Lindop (scr) did not produce liis previous week’s form Pie was evidently badly dropped by Hayes after passing Papatoetoe. Jim will have to stick to training if he is going to shine in the longer races later in the season. He did not check in at Papakura. When Hayes was on the homo journey, Lindop is alleged to have picked up the former, whereas he should have automatica.lv retired. This was the basis of Potter’s protest.

Two accidents wore reported on the journey. F. Lowndes and R. Clark punctured, thus eliminating them from further participating in the event. They were brought back in the official car provided for this purpose.

If a rider with a little experience were placed on the same mark as A. Freeman, ife would perhaps receive more encouragement in his efforts. His rides from the limit have not been successful as yet. The pro members would not begrudge a win to this good sport.

Next week’s event will be a time trial. The club possesses a number of good unpaced riders and keen competition should result. The race is run under sealed handicap conditions. Riders will be dispatched at one minute intervals. A good muster is anticipated. Members are reminded that they must attempt to pass any competitor they overtake ten yards behind them. They must also recross at least ten yards in front.