Speed-Cycling on Road and Track

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 866, 9 January 1930, Page 13

Speed-Cycling on Road and Track

By

"CYCLOS."

THE AMATEURS The first meeting in the New Year, and incidentally the first after the big carnival, was staged last evening at the Western Springs Stadium, when the Manukau dub advanced its track season another stage. The .race for the seniors had to be decided in two heats. •T. Leather showed Improved form to win both his heat and final. In the decisive event lie had to make his own pace throughout, lie was never headed during the race. As it is very hard to gain a victory in this fashion, he certainly earned his trophy. In winning. Leather carried another competitor into the prize-list. This was H. Gribble, who finished second. Ho tacked on to the winner's wheel for the whole journey. Making a big effort over the last half-lap. he looked as if he might be a winner when heads were turned for home. However, “Jim” came away gamley to get a half-length victory. It would have been indeed unfortunate if the placing had been reversed. The popular Jerry Whitten put up his usual good ride to be in the firingline once more. Although his bunch did its work well, no impression could be made on the winning pair. Jerry’s third was the result of a well-ridden race. J. Dykes should have profited by his mistake in his heat. He started to sprint nearly a full lap from home. This certainly beat him for third honours. * * • The juniors put up a splendid exhi-" bition in their three-lap contest. Only half-wheels separated F. Beant. (j. Hellier, and H. Gordon, who flashed over the line in that order. The next carnival will be held on Wednesday next, when the following events will be decided:—Four-lap handicap, two-lap handicap, and five-mile scratch race. Entries will close this evening with Secretary Wilson, Box 35, Auckland, or at 6 Crummer Road, Ponsonby. Telegraphic entries will be accepted if followed by letter on same date. With the sport now in full swing, the officials have left no stone unturned to make the gathering a success. Results of last evening’s races are: JUNIOR THREE-LAP HANDICAP F. Beart, 1; G. Hellier, 60yds, 2; U. Gordon, 30yds, 3. Time, 2.1 1-5. SENIOR SIX-LAP HANDICAP First heat: J. Leather, 240yds, 1; J. Whitten, SOyds, 2; J. Dykes, 140yds, C Time, 3.53 2-5. Second heat: L. Roberts, SOyds. 1; X. Casey, 220yds, 2; If. Gribble, 260vds. 3. Time, 3.49 1-5. Final. J. Leather 1 H. Gribble 2 J. Whitten .. .. 3 J. Dykes .. .. 4 Time, 3.51 1-5. .

THE CASH RIDERS Sixteen members of the Auckland Cycle Club were on hand last evening, when a five-lap handicap event was decided. It was a keen contest through - out, first one and then another taking the lead. It was a fine sight to see the bunched field riding in their various colours. F. Taylor was the ultimate winner. Ho certainly deserved his prize, as he hnd to put in a determined sprint to head off a fast-finishing bunch. H. Alexander, a newcomer, annexed second prize. He journeyed from Ham ilton to start in this handicap, and to gain experience on the banked circuit. He was narrowly prevented from emulating the performance of J. HarcoUrt some two weeks ago. Alexander is well-known performer round the Waikato district. • * * Once more in the money was. J. Havcourt. He had the race in hand, but owing to the large field could not get through in time. He, also, made tho trip from the capital of the Waikato. It is a treat to see Jim mowing down the field over the final laps. The task of the handicappor is nor an enviable one. However, a lead could be taken from the amateur ranks and so give tho cyclists who are not so often in the limelight a chance of victory. The back-markers annex enough of the scratch races to compensate them for defeats they receive in bar dicap events. At the recent carnival th© top-notchers won no less than five out of the six races. It remains for tho officials of both bodies to adjust th© handicaps to give the boys in front some encouragement. There is quite a stir in cycling circles at the present time on account of the appearance of the Australian wonder cyclist, Hubert Opperman, together with the over-popular veteran. Fhil O’Shea. These two alone should warrant a big gate. With an Auckland cyclist recently breaking Opperman*s motor-paced record, much interest will bo taken in the event of the professional trying to regain his lost laurels. With such a splendid course “Oppy” is liable to set a record that will take a power*of beating. • * * FIVE LAP HANDICAP The result of the five-lap handicap last* evening was:— F. Taylor, 110yds 1 H. Alexander. 65yds • • 2 J. Harcourt, owe 20yds 3 Time, 3.11 4-5.