ATHLETICS.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 October 1922, Page 3

ATHLETICS.

CIRCULAR ROAD RACE. THE FINAL ARRANGEMENTS. The action of the Circular Road Race Committee in reviving this fixture, which has been allowed to lapse since 1913. owing to the war, has been fully justified by the enthusiasm that is being displayed by cyclists, and the interest that is being manifested by the public. The fixture on Saturday promises to be more popular than ever, and provided the weather holds good there should be a large crowd in town and along the route to view the start and progress of the race, whilst it is anticipated there will be a very large attendance at the racecourse, where the finish takes place, and where a splendid programme of motor-cycle and athletic events will be decided.

Entries have been received from all parts of New Zealand, including some of the best known riders, and many who recently took part in the Timaru-Chrlstchurch road race, including the winner, Mackie, and several of the placed men. Most of the competitors from other parts have already reached New Plymouth, and have been engaged in putting the finishing touches on their training or in keeping themselves fit. Among those who have arrived are: Coulter (Palmerston North), Sutton and Munns (Gisborne), Moor? and Christiansen (Hastings). Blade (Ashhurst), Goodall, Mackie, Bonnis, Hill, Wylie. Stevens, J. and W. Welch (Christchurch), Sim and Denford. About 30 Taranaki men have entered, Including fifteen from New Plymouth.

Quite' a number have been round the road during the past few days, and yesterday a considerable number of the visitors, with local men, made the journey right round the course. It is anticipated that faster time will be made than was the case in 1913, as the roads have been considerably improved, the greater portion of the route now being asphalted. The committee has decided to dispatch the limit man promptly at 9.30 o’clock, and anyone not being on his mark at the appointed time will therefore lose so much of his start, as there will be no waiting for anyone. Mr. A. Hansen will dispatch the men.

A committee meeting was held last night, Mr. C. Faifbrothcr presiding over a large attendance, when final arrangements were made. The Taranaki Jockey Club wrote offering the use of their grounds and appointments for the afternoon.

Replies were also received from all local bodies whose territory is traversed by the route offering no objecting to the roads being used for the race, which they wished every success. They have also arranged to pass competitors through the toll-gates, collecting the fees afterwards.

Messrs. George and Julian offered the use of their garage for the night previous to the races, and it was decided that the committee will assemble there to seal and tag the cycles of competitors Messrs. Hawkins, Bond and Julian were appointed a riders' committee to arrange for the sealing of the cycles. It was also resolved that after the race cycles of placed riders are to be handed over to the committee, who will take charge of them.

Messrs. E. Whittle and C. H. Weston were appointed judges of all events; Mr. A. Hansen starter of the road race; Mr. L. B. Webster starter of the motor-cycle races; and Mr. J. Bennett time-keeper. Jtfessrs. C. Fairbrother, J. McLeod, and W. Johnson were appointed a committee to arrange the athletic events in co-operation with the High School and cadet authorities. Messrs. Mclsaacs and R. Whale were appointed to the charge of the entrance gates; E. Jackson result steward; Christiansen and W. Roebuck sale of programmes and also competitors’ stewards. Tt was decided to print the conditions of the race on the programme and supply all riders with a copy. Cyclists will be supplied with hot drinks at Oppnake and Eltham, and progress reports will be telegraphed and posted up in town in the morning and in the afternoon.