Speed-Cycling on Road and Track

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 902, 20 February 1930, Page 7

Speed-Cycling on Road and Track

By

“CYCLOS."

THE AMATEURS The Manukau Amateur Cycling Club •eems to have taken a new lease of life since joining up with the new body*. During this week plenty of racing lias been provided for the members. With the carnival to be held next Wednesday all the contestants should be fit, with the result that some keen contests should be witnessed.

There appears to be only one error made in regard to the initial selection uf the ten best-performed club members. This was the omission of Iv. Nankivell. It will be remembered that at the last championship staged by the Auckland Centro at Carlaw Park he was second to that outstanding rider, J; Wade, on two occasions. Although Nankivell has not performed as well of late, it seems that an oversight has occurred when his name was omitted. Certainly, it will be argued, he has redress in challenging any member whom n ® thinks he can displace, as other riders have already done, and succeeded. Still, a runner-up in a previous championship should have appeared on the list. No doubt this error will be rectified when Nankivell Puts in his claim. The most improved rider on the banked circuit is without doubt Les Dwight. His winning of the big handicap last Tuesday showed him up as a rider with keen track judgment. It was this faculty that gave him his victory. On Monday evening he also successfully challenged Con Gainsborough for his position on the ladder to be able to compete in the championships. • • • The surprise of the time-trial was the performance of L. Roberts. He downed A. Mackie by the narrowest of margins, for third honours. Although invariably rode well on the road, ‘■'o was not lookc*d upon to be so near llle top in this class of event.

THE CASH RIDERS

A lot of interest was taken out of handicap last Tuesday evening only one scratch rider put in an ’Ppearance. Even he did not complete ho course, retiring after completing

three laps. With the carnival now close at hand more of the first-class riders will have to be on hand if the public is to be considered. * » * K. Mathieson is still leading in the weak fields. About three laps from home he was in a good position, where he lay until the last lap. Then taking charge he withheld the strong challenges of the other riders to gain a length victory. His pedalling throughout was without fault, and had Ritchie, the lone scratch man got up to Ken, a fast finish would have been witnessed. * * • Considering he has had victories over both Alexander and Harcourt, F. Taylor was not harshly treated by the handicapper. Still, he did not make enough use of liis handicap and allowed the back men to overtake him. When it came to the final effort he put in some good work, only to be downed by one of the club’s best wheelmen. Taylor should improve on Tuesday night’s performance. Fresh from his Otaliuhu victories, W. Francis had to be content with third money. Taking a good share of the pace told its tale. Nevertheless, it is far better to have tried and lost than to let the other fellow do the work all the time. Any victory that comes the way of Bill is always well-received, on account of his being to the fore when the work is to be done. • * • A good performer from South, J. Willmott, will be competing at the club's next gala day. If, as anticipated, the championship events are put on the programme, some excellent riding should be seen.

Next Tuesday evening the annual meeting will be held. A good attendance is expected. It is up to every member to go along and make suggestions for the betterment of the sport. Too much has been left to a few willing workers in the past. They cannot be expected to do this all the time In passing, special reference must bo made to Secretary Tonkin, who has been the real live-wire of the club His services have placed the Auckland body in an envious position, when compared with other years gone by If for nothing else, members should attend the meeting to show him that his efforts have not been in vain.