Speed-Cycling on Road and Track

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1038, 31 July 1930, Page 6

Speed-Cycling on Road and Track

By

"CYCLOS."

THE CASH RIDERS As was anticipated, the international football clash was. responsible for only a meagre number of cyclists journeying to the course to participate in the Auckland Cycle Club’s 25-mile road race last Saturday. Still, the entries received were from the star riders of the club, no doubt all wanting to be in fine fettle for the coming, championship,* A strong south-westerly wind was blowing, making the race, which was over concrete, tar-sealed and metal' roads, a miniature Hamilton-Auckland event. The stamina of the riders was shown by the fact that only one failed to complete the course. As was mentioned In these notes last week. P. Taylor (3min) gave no chances when heads were turned for home. Judging his sprint to a nicety Taylor came away over the last 50 yards to salute the judge for the first time in a road race since joining the cash ranks. With only seconds to his credit previously. Prank has made up for this deficit by being a big winner in track events. * * * Second and fastest time honours went to S. Goocli (2min 20sec). Riding alone of his mark, Gooch must have ridden hard to overtake the two riders off the 3min peg. Once these were caught matters looked rosy for these pedallers to be among the placed division. However, it was onlv the result of hard riding that success came their way. Although beaten by Taylor, riders will not need to take Gooch too easily, as he has a knack of being on hand "when least expected. If Sam elects to start next week, riders will need to be in tip-top form to displace this cyclist from winning the championship. * * * R. Green (7min 40sec) has at last gained a place. Week after week this rider has ridden alone off the limit, only to be downed over the last bit. It is recognised that it is harder to win off this . mark than from a middle one. A win for this enthusiast would be well received. * * # An outstanding; effort was made by Slater Hayes. Half a mile after the start he punctured, but got to work and righted the hold-up. The ten minutes lost did not deter him from continuing the race. Although not placed, Slater is to be commended on setting an example to those who retire when circumstances have not been as severe as in this case.

SATURDAY’S HANDICAPS The A and B grade championships of the Auckland Cycle Club will be decided over 18 miles of the usual circuit on Saturday. A grade riders will start punctually at 2.30 p.m. and the following handicaps have been declared by Mr. G Knight for the two events:— A Grade.—A. Ritchie, scr.; J. Lindop, S. Hayes, K. Mathieson, 30s; W. Mathieson, lm; S. Gooch, lm 15s; J. McDonald, F. Taylor, lm 30s; D. Fletcher, lm 455; W .Francis, 2m 455; G. Hall, W. Pratney. Cm; L. Pinfold, C. Galbraith, 3m 10s; D. Storey, N. l-Jealey, 3?.m; S. Litchfield, R. Clarke. 4m. B Grade.— C. Yule, H. Clay. IT. Camp, scr.: F. Potter, A. Rose, K. Moore, 30s; \V. Archer, K. Rae, F. Lowndes, lm; W. Hills, H. Pelham, N. White, lm 30s; R. Gardiner, C. Slack, E, Clarke, C. Willcox, R. Green, 2m; R. Reid, 2m 15s; H. King, S. Arnott, W. Guy. 3m 15s,

THE AMATEURS Last w?ek was devoid of racing - as far as members of the Manukau Amateur Cycling Club was concerned. This was on account of tjie big Rugby match at Lden Park. This is the (irst time that road racing has been postponed for two seasons, except, of course, the time when a mark of respect was paid to the late Laurie Aldred. * * * In reviewing the form of riders todate. the name of R. Foubister must come at the head of the list. Foubio has always been a hard rider to shake off, but his success on the new circuit has been outstanding. With four starts this pedaller has a record of four fastest times and two straight-out wins. He started off’ the scratch peg alone in his last outing, standing up riders of the calibre of Dwight and Mackie a break of one minute. When the return to the Springs circuit is made, Foubister will bo watched with interest, to see i! he can improve on his past performances. The young cyclist. H. V. Gordon, has also shown marked improvement this season. Although only one win has fallen to Vic, he has just been headed ofC on three more occasions. In each case tight finishes were in evidence, so he was not disgraced. The course has been in his favour, as being of light build, he can negotiate the hills on the new circuit apd so make up for ground lost on the down and level grades.

The champion oe last season has not shown up to advantage this year. Of course, Hen Dwight has not

had the best of luck. He has been unfortunate in that when lie had looked to have a “show,” he had lost his co-marker or struck some trouble on the journey. Given a race to suit, it is doubtful if there is a better pedaller in the club’s ranks.

J. Wade, champion of 1928, is another who has not given of his best. Saturday will see a 15 miles senior race set down for decision. This; should attract a good number of starters, and the handicaps announced by Air. J. Ackram have made the winner very hard to pick. Provided enough juniors are on hand, a five-mile junior race will also be decided by them. The latter event will commence at 2 p.m.

SATURDAY'S HANDICAPS J The Manukau Amateur Cycling 1 Clut> will continue its road competitions or. Saturday afternoon with a 15-miles senior handicap and a five-miles junior event. Mr J. Auckram has declared the foilowing handicaps for the senior race, which will commence at 2.30 p.m.: R. O Foubister, scr.; 11. R. Dwight, J. H Wade, A. Mackie, lm; E. A. Cleaver E. Mullane, E. J. Avery. 2m; N. U Casey, S. J. Baird, C. Harris, W. Roberts, J. A. Dykes, 3m; R. G. Coombes, .7 Leather, E. D. Andrews, 4m; C Hansen. R. T. Baston, D. Baird, W. Tomlinson. sm; D. Foster. C. A. Clarke, W. Felling, 6m; W. K. Thompson, A. K. Cook, S. Hookway, R. Hookway. W. Clarke, Bm. The junior event will be held onlv on conditions that there are seven or more starters and the handicaps previously declared will remain for the race, which Is scheduled to start at two o'clock*