OPPERMAN DISQUALIFIED

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 787, 7 October 1929, Page 8

OPPERMAN DISQUALIFIED

WARRNAMBOOL RACE SENSATIONS NICHOLSON THE WINNER (United P.A,—By Telegraph Copyright) Reed. 9.5 a.m. MELBOURNE, Today. Further changes have been made in the piacings for the Warrnambool-Melbourne road race. H. Opperman (Victoria), who* was awarded first place, was disqualified from the race today, and was also suspended for one month, for boring Nicholson into the crowd at the finish. Nicholson (Victoria), off the six minutes’ mark, is now placed first, and awarded 'the blue ribbon. Foster monies in as second, and G. MacLeod (Victoria) is third. MacLeod (scratch), with a time of 8 hours 7 minutes 21 seconds, is now winner of the fastest time. Kirkham was disqualified and fined 20s for riding in a car and finishing over tho line. If. Marshall (6min), of Western Australia, who finished first, was disqualified by the officials of the League of Victorian Wheelmen for receiving drink from some unauthorised person, and also a wet towel. The ! Dunlop officials, promoters of the race, consider that tho action was too drastic, and that a nominal fine would have met the case, as the rule was only recently adopted. Marshall has appealed and the decision will be given in the course of a few days. Opperman, who was first adjudged the winner, put up a time of Bhrs 7min 2 l-sseo. SENSATIONAL FINISH The finish of the race was sensational, Marshall getting in first by half a length from Opperman. O. Nicholson was a length away, followed by Macleod, and after him came J. Jewell (50min.), of Warrnambool. The referee immediately announced that Marshall had accepted food along the rout© from unauthorised persons, which was a breach of the regulations. He was consequently disqualified, the race being awarded to OppermaD. Nicholson was placed second. Fui*Ther excitement occurred when Nicholson protested against Opperm.an, alleging interference over the last quarter of a mile. The officials will meet tomorrow at ten o’clock to investigate the charge. The first five riders will be witnesses. There was considerable interest along the route. Crowds assembled in each town, and there were 25,000 spectators at the finish. A strong wind made conditions hard, and the scratch men made the pace gruelling from the start. The veteran, W. King, who is 50 years old. starting off the 65sec mark, led the field. Crossing the stony ridges there were several nasty falls. At Colac, Opperman and the back group were 32 minutes behind the leaders. At Winchelsea they were 20 minutes behind, and at Geelong seven. Passing through Werribee, King still led, but shortly afterwards he was overhauled by the back-markers— Opperman, Macleod, Oram, Marshall. Jewell, Foster, and Johnson. When 400 yards from home, Opperman out for a long sprint, but Marshall hung on, and 100 yards from the line drew level, amid intense excitement, an d forged ahead. He crossed with half a length to spare from Opperman. only to be disqualified. WIN FOR SPENCER Press Association WANGANUI, Sunday. The cycling race from Palmerston North to Wanganui resulted:—R. Spencer (Palmerston North), 1: g* Webber (Wellington). 2; T. ’ McCord (Masterton), 3: R. Sowerby (Feeding). 4; C. Olsen (Palmerston North), 5: Toomer (Wellington.), 6. Webber secured the fastest time.