Speed-Cycling on Road and Track

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 826, 21 November 1929, Page 14

Speed-Cycling on Road and Track

By

"CYCLOS.” .

THE AMATEURS The Auckland Domain last evening was indeed a cyclists’ Mecca, when the Manukau Amateur Cycling Club decided three events. Seeing that no races had been held lor three weeks, the standard of riding was of a high order, close finishes being in evidence. The carnival, if it could be called such, was the largest evening meeting held by the club to date. In winning the junior event G. Lethaby rode a masterful race. At no time was he perturbed, coming away at the end to score comfortably. Rather a big junior, he stood out from his smaller opponents. G. Budge, who finished second, rode a good race. He made the error of not taking a lap from his co-marker. Had he done this he would have had a pacer over the .last circuit. With more experience Budge will perform creditablj*. He is only a youngster as yet. The novel event, a teams race, resulted in a win for the Wade-Baird combination. A feature of the contest was the judgment shown by the winning pair in taking their laps. Wade, who is the stronger rider of the two, rode against the wind, while his companion made pace with the wind behind them. Later on. J. Wade was successful in annexing the mile and a-half handicap in a spirited finish. He gathered his field early, oeing content to get a good position for the sprint. His effort was remarkably good when it is considered that the track was holding, besides having a big field to ride round Two seconds were credited to F. Casey. He was rather unfortunate in the final event, missing first place by inches only. He gave Wade the hardest sprint he has had on the track for some time. That the winner was all out at the finish was shown by his | erratic course when the finishing line j was in view. He was the cause of Casey losing valuable ground. L. Roberts gained the minor trophy. Although beaten he put up a good showing, to be downed by two firstclass wheelmen. On his exhibition lie will be hard in this class of event. . THE CASH RIDERS In conjunction with the amateurs, the Auckland Cycle Club run off a three-mile handicap event. This was productive of a fine contest, practically ihe whole field bunching after five laps had been traversed. It was evident early in the contest that a backmarker would win. The riders on the front of the handicaps did not put their liberal starts into account. They seemed content to sit on two riders who willingly did all the hard work. Natur-

ally these men finished well out of a place. If these same tactics are adopted when larger meetings are held, then they will not meet with public approval. That the win of K. Matliieson in the first race held on this course was not a lucky one was shown last evening, when he was again victorious. Taking advantage of the slow pace, lie worked his way to the leading bunch. From then on it was only a question of who would fill the other two placings. His performance stamps him as a good i track rider. His future starts should I see him off the scratch mark. ! It was rather a coincidence that D. Fletcher should again finish second to Mathieson. He did not exert himself in the middle stages, thus having in reserve a good final effort. He was unlucky meeting the winner in a good sprinting mood. F. Taylor is proving to be as good in track races as he was in road events. It will be remembered that lie was second to G. Hall in the 3 00-mile classic. He rode a good race, but was inclined to be a bit unsteady under pressure. “They must think I am Opperman!” That was the comment of S. Hayes, the lone scratch rider. Not that Slater was “squealing” about his mark, for he is too good a sport for that, but it was his explanation of his withdrawal from the contest. He had a hard lone ride. If he ever gets up within striking distance, then he will be q. tough proposition. A scratch man is under a handicap in track events, as no trophies are donated for fastest time. W\ Francis had the only accident of the night. After being slow away, lie put in a good lone ride to catch the field. When he had them within bis reach he had the misfortune to tip out on the far bend. He suffered no ill - effects.