THE CASH RIDERS

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1080, 18 September 1930, Page 14

THE CASH RIDERS

The two outstanding features ,of the road race conducted by the Auckland Cycle Club last Saturday afternoon was the large number of entries received and the few that completed the journey. A record field for this course, 19 starters, was sent away, and only l'our crossed the finishing line. No doubt the Mabin Cup was the attraction, while the gruelling and treacherous course accounted for the many retirements. In fact, one of the riders was heard to remark that it was harder than the road J’rom Hamilton to Auckland.

The ultimate winner turned up in C. Wilcox, the ex-Christchurcli rider. This is the first road win for a period of two years. Since joining the Auckland Club at the beginning of the present season, Wilcox has shown by his performances that he is a long-dis-tance pedaller, as in three of the longest events lie has now been placed, lie will need to be watched by the other riders in the big classic, otherwise an easy win will come his way. Had not Slater Hayes saved himself for the final sprint, he might have been closer to the winner at the finish. Still the scratch pair put up a fine performance to get into second and third places. Over the initial stages the limit xiders hold their own. but as in most races the a lot of leeway after the first lap. It was rumoured that the “sprint of the season” would bo witnessed between tho scratch division, but the fans were doomed to disappointment, as Sam Gooch has not yet got over his injuries received in a previous race and could not loot it with his fit co-marker when heads were turned for home.

The only other finisher was that veteran, Billy Hills, who started off the limit of 21m. It is only on rare occasions that this enthusiast can compete, but whenever Billy puts in an appearance he always gives a good account of himself. One of the founders of the club, the younger members can take a lesson from liim in that no matter how far behind the rest of the field, he always crosses the finishing line. The prize-list for tho big race on September 27 is as follows:—First, £.12 cash, Dunlop Challenge Cup. Monarch special cycle (donated by Farmers’ Trading Company, Auckland) and cup (donated by J. Edwards); second. £ G cash, and gold medal (donated by P. Sinel); third, *£3 cash and cup (donated by F. Lowndes); fourth, £ 2 cash and cup (donated by S. Hayes); fifth, £1 cash and trophy; sixth, pair of Hutchinson track tyres. Fastest time: i-4 cash, John Bull Challenge Cup, cycle (donated by B.S.A. Cycles, Ltd.. England, through Messrs. A. G. Healing ar\d Co., New Zealand distributors), championship medallion (A. Kohn. Ltd., Auckland) and championship blue riband (A.C. Club). Second fastest time: £2 cash, and John. Bull tyres (donated by Bennett, Ltd., Wanganui). Auckland Provincial championship: (Provincial riders only), silver cup and gold medal (donated by Hope, Gibbons, Ltd.. Auckland). Special prize: First rider to finish on a Loader cycle, silver cup (donated by Clarke’s Cycle "Works, Auckland); £2 cash, first rider to llnish on Dunlop tyres (donated by Dunlop Rubber Co., of New Zealand). The trophies will be on view at Clarke's Cycle Works. Newmarket.

Next Saturday's event will be over five laps of the small circuit, making a distance ot 13 miles. Late entries for the Cambridge - Hamilton - Auckland event will also be received.

AUCKLAND CLUB HANDICAPS

The following - handicaps have been declared by Mr. G. Knight for tho Auckland Cycle Club’s 13) miles rood race, to be held on Saturday, starting at 2.45 p.m.: S. Hayes, S. Gooch, ser.; F. Taylor. K. Mathieson. W. Mathie-•f-on, 1m; D. Fletcher, lm 30s; s. Litchfield, W. Francis, lm 455; P. Aberhart, C. Galbraith, 2m; J ’ McDonald, R. Green, E. Moore, 2m 30sL. Pinfold, IV. Pollard, C. Willcox, 3m; G. Hall, 3m 15s; A. Rose, 31m; R Clarke. E. Clarke, 4m: C. Yule, H. Clay, 4Jm; N. Whyte, sm; F. Lowndes, K. Rae, W. Archer, 6m; W. Hills, H. King, S. Arnott, 7m; C. Reid, W. Guy, 7£m.