Speed-Cycling on Road and Track

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 712, 11 July 1929, Page 16

Speed-Cycling on Road and Track

By

“CYCLOS.”

THE AMATEURS

The 3S riders in the senior event and 15 in the junior “flutter” were again fortunate in having ideal weather conditions for the respective races held under the auspices of the Manukau Amateur Cycling Club last Saturday afternoon. The prevailing northeasterly wind did not hamper the riders to any great extent. The juniors were dispatched first. The distance was 5h miles. The number of competitors created a record entry this season. It was rather a straggling finish, with the winner in S. Sargeant, the smallest member of the club. He won very easily. * * * H. Norris, who finished second, is improving. With a little more experience a win is bound to come his way. Before the event fastest time seemed certain to go to C. Yule. He had to give way, however, to C. Hansen, his co-marker. Hansen had Yule beaten a long way from home, but this in no way disgraces Yule, as his conqueror is to be transferred to the seniors next month. Much has been written in these columns about the junior, E. Hall. He added another win to his list of successes when he captured the senior event last week. - The distance was from the Mangere Post Office to Papakura and back, 25 miles all told. This was certainly no mean test for a junior. To come out with flying colours speaks volumes. It was very hard luck for A. Mackrell to have to be content with second honours. Hall owed his win partly to this rider. Mac certainly took the big share of the pacing. His second was some consolation to him, however. * * * Third and fastest time went to J. Whitten. While passing the Papatoetoe School Jerry produced one of his terrific laps. The result was that he disposed of two riders in Foubister and Pinfold. The one mistake of a perfect race made by Whitten was when he thought he had caught the limit men at Robinson Road corner. He was very disappointed when he discovered that there were still two riders in front. * * * Mai. Byrnes made a reappearance after an absence of 12 months. His effort, when he nearly downed Whitten in the sprint, shows that Byrnes will not be long in regaining his old form. Evidently his mission is the championship, to be held on Saturday week, but he will find some very fit riders contesting this event. * * * Starting with a broken toe-clip Jack Wade did not complete the distance. When his foot slipped out, after covering about a furlong, his co-markers sportingly waited on him. Wade decided not to continue, however. * * * A rather belated ceremony was performed last week at the club meeting when D. Fletcher was presented with the Kohn Cup. Fletcher tied with Whitten, both scoring 18 points. Each member will hold the trophy for half of the remaining season. ❖ * After taking a good deal of the pacing, H. Farrar was unfortunate in having a spill. He received a severe gravel rash. * * » The club’s next dance will be held on Wednesday, July 24. Jack Swinburne’s Havana Band has been engaged for the evening. An enjoyable time should result. * * * Next week's events will be a 22-mile senior "time-trial” and a SJ-mile junior race. Good entries are anticipated.

THE CASH RIDERS

A blanket would have covered the first six riders who flashed over the line in the Auckland Cycle Club’s 20mile event last Saturday. This is a further tribute to the work of the handicapper. To try and forecast the winner of the professional race is indeed very hard, as every competitor is well handicapped. There was prolonged cheering by the large crowd present when it was announced that W. Archer (3min 30sec) was the winner. He rode his best race this season, beating a good field. Archer took his full share of the pacing and put on some fast laps. Coming over the hill to the final sprint one would not have looked to Archer to be the ultimate winner. His fine finishing effort surprised even himself. * * * Consistent K. Mathieson (2min 30sec) got a shock to see the winner down him by half a wheel in the final sprint. Mathieson is recognised as one of the best sprinters the club possesses. Ken is riding right at the top of his form at present. Any doubt in regard to his pacing was dispelled in this event. * * * Have Storey (2min 30sec) showed a glimpse of his real form when he tied for second place with his co-marker Mathieson. Have has not been placed this season, though he once gained fastest time honours. Storey’s lapping was certainly the feature of the race. A win for him would be well received. * * * Another 2.30 man was F. Potter. He rode a good race, but was certainly outclassed when heads were turned for home. Although Potter has not met with much success this season he is on rather an awkward mark. To let him up would mean a certain win for him. * * • Three members who hail from Papakura, Francis, Slack and Clarke, put in a reappearance last week. They have not been able to get down to the races for some time. The hard laps put in by the fitter riders told their tale. None of these members completed the distance. When they get fit they should make their presence felt. Among the spectators was that wellknown performer, Willie Mackie, of Christchurch. His presence in this city should mean much to local cyclists as Mackie is always ready to help a less experienced rider. He will be an asset to the professional club. • * Slater Hayes (scr) again registered fastest time. There is no stronger rider than Slater in the Auckland Province at the present. This rider delights in dropping other competitors. The harder the ride the more he enjoys it. It is very fitting that Hayes is now in the lead for the Pardington and Points Cups. The distance last week was the same as for the championship. Slater certainly made a mistake when he did not make the championship a harder race. Champion Jim Lindop’s form is hard to understand. Consistency does not describe his rides. He was again dropped by his co-marker. Perhaps his lack of training finds him off colour so often. * * * The second monthly dance will be held in the Druids’ Hall on Tuesday, July 16. Dancing will take place from Bto 12 p.m. JVith Dave Storey and “Tim” Lowndes looking after the interests of all, a good evening should result. * * * Next week a four-lap event will be held. This constitutes 25 miles. It should be a good pipe-opener for the Clevedon race of July 27. Members are asked to assemble at the startingpost at 2.30 p.m. sharp.