ROAD CYCLING

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 June 1938, Page 2

ROAD CYCLING

WAIRARAPA CLUB SATURDAY’S 25-MILE RACE (By “Wheelman”) Saturday’s race was held over a 25mile course, from Bannister Street to Waiohine Bridge, and return. A moderate wind hindered the riders somewhat, but in spite of this, fairly good times were returned. Had all the scratch riders completed the course the time (1 hour, 5 min., 5 sec), might have been lowered by several minutes. As it was only one scratch man finished. J. McAliece retired with machine trouble shortly after the start, J. Brader crashed at the turn, while B. Harman and R. Copp crashed a mile or so from the turn, shortly after catching the two two-minute men. The middle and limit men were caught at Waingawa, on the run home. The riders were fairly well bunched at the finish. K. Woollett, riding from scratch, secured first place, together with fastest time honours. J. Duckett was only beaten for first place by a wheel in the sprint. This rider is improving with every race, and should soon be on the scratch mark. C. Dykes also rode well to gain third place. He would find it to his advantage if he could regulate his pace more, during the race, and conserved that extra bit of energy needed for a good sprint at the finish. M. Graham, B. Dooling and G. Swain performed creditably, being with the leaders at the finish to secure fourth, fifth and sixth place, respectively. A bit more training should see them up with place-getters. L. Green and E. Lefort did not show their usual form on Saturday. They should not be discouraged when caught by the backmarkers. _ They should ride hard and make full use of their handicaps. W. Gay, a comparatively new rider, is riding very, well; and shows good promise. With a bit more luck he might have been up in a place as he punctured a tyre several miles from home. R. Killington rode his first race on Saturday. He put up a fine showing and did well to stay with his co-mark-ers as long as he did. If he trains consistently he will soon be up with the leaders. * J. Brader, B. Harman and R. Copp were all going soundly when they crashed. With these men in, the finish Would have been very close. J. McAliece found the going a bit stiff owing to his lack of training during his recent slight illness. The local riders should make a good showing in the open race on July 9. Consistent training should be the order of the day from now on.