Speed-Cycling on Road and Track

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1056, 21 August 1930, Page 13

Speed-Cycling on Road and Track

By

"CYCLOS."

THE AMATEURS The Manuka 11 Amateur Cycling Club’s road programme was advanced another stage last Saturday, when a 25-mile senior and a 5-mile junior handicap were run off. Nine juniors started, while no fewer than 15 of the older members were on hand to try conclusions over the Mount Koskill circuit. The minor race was completed before the rain set in, but the seniors were not so fortunate. S. Budge (2min) annexed the 5-mile flutter. In his first race of the season Budge was fourth. The extra handicap was enough for him to come home with a bit in reserve. Fastest time in the race went to 11. V. Gordon, from scratch. That Gordon is well above the average boy was fully demonstrated by his performances in the races for the older riders. Very few seniors can show him many points in the game. Although not one of the star riders of the club, R. Baston is generally in the firing line at the conclusion of the racing. His win in the 25-mile race brought him in for a number of congratulations, as he was overdue. From the 9min mdrk, Baston never gave the rest of the field a chance. 1-Ie had a hard tussle to down his comarker, however. George Clark was second. It must have been hard to be downed by such a narrow margin in a long ride. Still, in victory or defeat, George has always been a good sport. He was not slow in recognising the merit of his victor’s ride. When these two meet this week, Clark should be able to turn the tables on his co-marker. E. Avery (4min) led in the rest of the field to gain third honours. It was a good performance to keep away the scratch men, who rode particularly well. Avery’s turn is not very far away, as he is a very solid pedaller. Once more R. Foubister was the winner of fastest time. Ron was indeed fortunate in having a co-marker, as E. Cleaver’s performance of getting third in his previous start was taken seriously by the liandicapper. ile should not have this rider to accompany him on Saturday. At the present time, Foubister has not a serious contender for the honour mark.

It is of interest to local riders to learn that W. Bray is still riding: well in Wellington. Both he and Foote, who were in Auckland for the last Easter carnival, seem to have no difficulty in annexing fastest time in the Port Nicholson Club. When Bill com-

peted in the local road race he beat all our own boys for time. lie seems to be improving - with age. Port Nicholson is indeed fortunate in counting the ex-Manukau rider as one of its number. THE CASH RIDERS Still another cup race has been decided. This was the fine trophy given by the patron and ridden for by the members of the Auckland Cycle Club. Quality, not quantity, was the outstanding feature of the day. It is hard to understand the smallness of the fields, as the club lias a large number of members. Better weather conditions favoured the contestants last Saturday, olny ope light shower falling during the race. With more cup races on the programme and the big classic drawing near, bigger fields should line up each week-end, and so show their interest in the game. S. Gooch (Imin losec) fully deserved his dual victory. As in previous starts this rider has had the misfortune to set out from his mark alone. This makes his win the more meritorious. Of small build, Gooch surprises many with his pedalling power. It was fully demonstrated over the hills and rough patches of the course, to put it, as one competitor remarked, that he Simply flew the whole journey. The fastest time end of the purse came as a surprise to this winner, for when it was announced that he had gained time honours Gooch's face showed surprise. To be downed over the last bit was again the unfortunate luck of R. Green (smin liisec). The club’s most consistent starter, Green .lias been pipped many times over the last mile. After lap one bad been traversed it was evident that, barring accidents. Green would have a good chance to collect lir*L prize. However, after having been caught by the ultimate winner he found ho could not keep up the fast clip, so had to be content with second place. In third berth was C. Wilcox (7min). It is unfortunate that this rider can only compete every other Saturday, as a few weeks’ riding would soon see him in fine fettle, and a hard nut to crack at the iinish. Of a rugged type of pedaller, Wilcox was always to the fore, putting in stinging laps that told on the others. A win for him would bo well received.

It was early evident that S. Hayes (scr) would have to improve on his first lap time to win the coveted honour. From the word "go" Slater had a hard lone ride to overtake the bunch in front. It was not until one lap had finished that he grot within striking distance of them. Even then it was no “armchair" ride that Hayes had. With the winner now on the mark with him, races will now be looked forward to with interest and some good times should bo recorded. Not being a sprinter. Gooch will need to get rid of Hayes before the line is reached if he is to be in the money.

Two accidents were reported on Saturday. The first was that of E. Taylor, who came to grief on the first lap. However, his injuries worry slight, and he remounted and continued on the journey. The other rider. K. Mathieson, was not so- fortunate. He fell in the last lap on one of the corners, suffering nasty gravel rash and bruises'. This is his second fall on this course, and no doubt Ken will seriously consider a rest. MANUKAU CLUB EVENTS The Manukau Amateur Cycling Club will hold a senior road race over 20 miles and a junior over five miles on Saturday afternoon. The junior race will commence at two o’clock. The following handicaps have been declared by Mr. J. Auckram for the two races:— Five Miles ."Junior Handicap.—H. V. Gordon, A. W. Robinson, scr; S. F. Budge, A. J. Thompson, L. Ox ton. 455; W. Webb, lm ss; L. Copan, X. East, 2in 50s; S. Sargent, K. TT. Ingram, W. Paul, T. C. Bellini, 3m 30s; I\ H. BickneH. J. R. Bowen, 4m. Twenty Miles Senior Handicap.—R. G. Foubister, scr; E. A. Cleaver, X. B. Casey, H. R. Dwight, Mackie, .T. Whitten, E. J. Avery, 70. Mullane. 2m; J. A. Dykes, C. Harris, W. H. Roberts. S. ,T. Baird, 4m; J. Leather, R. G. Coombes, R. T. Baston, G. P. Clark. sm; I>. Bairrl. O. Hanson, D. Foster. S. R. Gatland, E. M. Taylor, 8m; S. Hook way, R. Hookway, A. I-C. Cook, H. Borland. W. Clarltc. 10m.