THE AMATEURS

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1026, 17 July 1930, Page 6

THE AMATEURS

When the officials of the Manukau Cycling Club decided to hold its race on Saturday, the response that greeted them was surprising, considering the weather conditions. Ala mile event was set down for decision, also a five-mile junior flutter, but the latter was abandoned owing to lack of entries. A number of juniors present thus started against the seniors, with much success. A bitterly cold wind with an occasional shower hindered the riders, making slow going and uncomfortable riding.

The young and promising junior rider, V. Gordon, rode a well-judged race to collect first place. Although Vic has shown up prominently in his previous starts he was not looked upon as a winner. When he crossed the line he received congratulations from his club-mates for his fine effort. On the hill section Gordon simply rode away from his co-markers, despite their determined efforts to stay with him. Perhaps their heavier weight was a distinct disadvantage to them on the long climb. Gordon is at present one of the fittest riders competing. but owing to his age he would be well advised to go steadily for a season or two, as a strain .while racing might lead to serious results.

C. Harris, after a few months’ spell, has made his return to the sport with another third. He shapes better in every race and a few more rides over this course should see him reproduce his old form. He is a thicklybuilt stamp of rider, who excels in the hard going. * * * To out-ride cyclists of the calibre of Dwight and company alone speaks for the performance of R. Foubister. With two firsts and fastest times on end to his credit Foubister started off the mark of honour. His debut on this mark was watched with interest by the other riders, and he fully upheld their estimation. From the beginning of the race Foubister set a merry pace that worried the other scratch riders the whole distance, and as soon as the hard going was reached he simply rode away from them. If he keeps up this form he will soon find himself alone on the scratch mark.

THE CASH RIDERS Once again wet weather conditions were in evidence last Saturday afternoon when the officials of the Auckland Cycle Club held an if miles road race for the Lloyd Cup. This cup, donated by the handicapper, Mr. G. Knight, is the first of a number of trophies to be competed for this road season. A good field of 16 faced the starter, no doubt being attracted by this prize. As on the previous week the riders were covered with silt caused by a heavy shower a few minutes before the event started. However, no rain fell during the race to add to the discomfort of the riders.

M. Mathieson again upheld the name of the Mathieson family. The last three races have been won 'by these brothers, two by this cyclist, while the other was annexed by Ken. In Saturday's event it was soon evident that barring accidents W. Mathieson would bo hard to head off for first place. Over the final stage a good bunch joined together for the sprint. When heads were turned for home Mathieson showed up first, with a length lead, which he easily maintained till the finish. He fully demonstrated that when it comes to sprinting he can hold his own with the best.

F. Taylor was unfortunate to meet the winner on his day out. With his co-marker, J. McDonald, Taylor put in some good laps, to gradually overhaul the front markers. This course suits Frank and it should not be long before he salutes the judge.

Unlucky J. McDonald was third. In his two previous starts he was credited with a second and third. Jim was instrumental in the winner being only 16sec out for time honours, as his laps were of the* best. No rider need take McDonald too cheaply, as he is quick to take advantage of any mistake and so turn defeat intb victory. Of sturdy build, McDonald has plenty of pedalling power and when the hard riding appears Mac is in his element.

Fastest time honours went to the virtual scratch rider. Slater Hayes. This is Slater’s third fastest time on end, and so places him one point behind the leader for the Points Cup. Hayes had to ride hard all the way to annex the coveted trophy, as the winner was only a few seconds out.

It will be interesting to see y lf ,» ~ fares with A Ritchie. at the top of his form. k A number of new riders put appearance on Saturday but i the condition to complete the , r>r **i A few more rides should fit. all Next week s event will b» , miles handicap over eight lan. Z, - circuit. Riders are asked m kL U> ‘ hand early to enable the race tr. before dark. lo