Speed-Cycling on Road and Track

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1032, 24 July 1930, Page 15

Speed-Cycling on Road and Track

By

"CYCLOS."

THE AMATEURS The new Waikowhal course was the cyclists’ Mecca last Saturday afternoon, when the longest event to date this season was decided by the Manukau Amateur Cycling Club. A cold wind was blowing,' but the road surface was dry, and the contestants did not suffer the unpleasant disadvantages of the two previous weeks. The field was as big as could be expected, although all the starters did not see out the 25 miles to the final peg. * * * A new name was added to the winners’ list after the above race was decided. This was E. Mullane (6min 30sec). Working steadily throughout, Mullane was never seriously troubled at tho finish, and rode in a winner with a few seconds to spare. Now he has had his turn, this rider may be looked to be handy in still further events. Claude Harris, a co-marker of the winner, seems to be good enough be beaten. It is rather hard to fill position of runner-up as often as Harris does, but one of these days the other riders will see him sticking it out to gain the major prize. When he‘ does, his win will be one of the popular variety, for Claude is a good sport, and does not lack his share of the pacing. Another cyclist who also shines on the placed list is R. Baston (9min 30 sec), who was third. With more experience, this pedaller will not be on such a liberal mark. He has a few faults, which he will remedy in good time. He was tiring over the latter stages of the race last Saturday. * * * Before the event it looked as though the new handicapper was being a little severe in making Foubister stand up the old scratch men one minute for his fastest time ride in his first essay from that mark of honour. However, his judgment was fully borne out, fpr even with this start to make up, Foubister once more annexed the fastest time. Luck was .with him in that A. Mackie fell earij in the race, thus robbing H. Dwight of his co-marker. Still, Foubister would have been hard even had this not occurred, for he himself came down, and remounted, to ride in for his fourth victory. It can be safely said that “Foubie” is the most improved rider this season. * * * In not having any races set down for decision on Saturday, the officials are to be commended, for it will give the members a chance to see the Rugby visitors in action. A run will be held to Helensville next Sunday, leaving the Ponsonby Reservoir at 10 a.m. A good muster is expected. When your muscles ache and Joints pain, that’s the time for ELLIMAN’S EMBROCATION. Sprains, strains, aches and pains disappear.—7.

THE CASH RIDERS Loose scoria was responsible for two mishaps to members of the Auckland Cycle Club when this body held a. 201mile road race over its circuit last Saturday afternoon.. The riders concerned suffered severe gravel rash and after temporary bandaging were able to view the finish of the race. The oig counter-attraction was the cause of a number of riders not putting in an appearance, no less than nine being absent who were on hand on previous weeks. J. McDonald (3m 455) has at last broken the ice. Starting on his own he gradually worked his way to the front, where he put in some stinging laps that were mainly responsible in keeping the back-markers away. On both occasions he was with the riders that crashed, but luckily his chance was not interfered with. Solidly built. Jim is the type of rider that relishes the hard going, and the event next week should again see him in the lime- ; light. On the previous week McDonald was downed into third place by F. Taylor, and these two again being together many thought that the decision would go to the latter. However, when heads were turned for home, McDonald gained an early lead, and gave his opponent no chance whatever. * * * It must have been a surprise to F. Taylor (3m 10s) to see the ultimate winner collect first prize. As mentioned above, Taylor secured a victory over him the week before, and he evidently expected to repeat his performance. However, this goes to show that a race is never lost until won. No doubt Frank will benefit by this lesson and not give away chances at the finish. By gaining second prize in the club’s gruelling classic, Taylor showed he is also a tiger for the hard work. The meeting of these two next week over a rough course will be watched with interest. * * * S. Gooch (2m 20s) was considered the unluckiest rider on the day. Also a lone marker, by sheer determination he overhauled the front pedallers. When going strongly he had the misfortune to break his toe-clip, causing him to dismount and lose valuable time. How he would have fared over the final spript can only be a matter for conjecture, but many were of the opinion that Sam would have received the judge’s verdict. * * * K. Mathieson (30s) was the virtual scratch man. Riding strongly, he overtook his brother on lap one, and these two set a merry pace. They could not make up any of their handicap, so were content to collect time honours. The absence of any scratch man took a bit of interest out of the race, but Mathieson ably fulfilled this breach. nt * * Next week’s event will be over a new course of se.ven and a-half miles. The riders will need to traverse this three times, and once over the smaller circuit, making a total of 25 miles.