CYCLING.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 200, 24 August 1926, Page 11

CYCLING.

THE WEEK'S CONTESTS.

NOTES ON THE RIDERS.

(By SPEEDY.)

August 28.—11 Mile Road Race-, Mangere. September 4, One, Two and Five Miles Track 'Races, Epsom Trotting Track. October 2.—100 Mile Professional ißoad Race, Hamilton-Auckland. October 2.—50 Mile Amateur Road Race, Mercer-Auckland. SATURDAY'S AMATEUR RACE. With an entry of 18. the 17-mile race conducted by the Manukau Cycling Club provided a gift for the two limit men, V. Saunders and B. Titchiner, off 6m. Titchiner has 'been Saving a spell off the road of late, and same has evidently done him no harm, for he gained first place by beating Saunflers by several lengths. In the past Titchiner was under the impression that road racing was too difficult, but with the above success he should be compelled to believe otherwise. His time (50.21) is exceed 7 ingly good for a limit man. V. Saunders (6m) also made an appearance after a lengthy absence from competitive cycling. This rider is a very Keen tourist, having made many long week-end journeys; perhaps this fact accounts for the excellent form he was in on Saturday. With a little more speed over the closing stages he will be amongst the placed men in the 11----mile race next Saturday.

Galbraith (2m) and H. Dwight (2.15), were being rapidly overhauled by the scratch men in the last half mile, but managed to reach home in time to gain third and fourth places respectively. The former has competed on and off during the season, this Tieing the first occasion on which he has been placed. The latter is a comparatively new rider, and, clad in his colours, all .green, is a conspicuous figure on the Mangere roadg.

Of the scratch trio, Bray, Casey and Wilson, the former scored a most popular victory by gaining fastest time honours. Bray had not intended to start, but, with the universal persuasion of his fellow cyclists, decided to do so. Tbe sprint between him and Casey was the most gruelling yet witnessed,- 'both riding the last quarter mile wheel and wheel; with inches only to spare, Bray reached the winning post first. The first to congratulate him after his triumph was Casey—a most friendly rivalry, existing- between these two renowned road performers. Mathieson (455) was close on the heels of the above pair, but was unable to go past, for a motor cyclist held the right of way at the moment. Messrs. £. S. Kohn and Boss officiated as timekeepers. Their services were much appreciated for this is the first occasion this season the club has been favoured with the assistance of such competent timekeepers. This work— a most difficult task—has been carried out in the past by Mr. M. P. Byrnes with every success. Byrnes wag a competitor m the a'bpve §p&L .

This was Byrnes' (1.10) first attempt at road racing, and, given a little more experience, should be amongst the victore at an early date. Hie time for the first lap was exceptionally fast, and this perhaps accounted for the following two being much slower. It was only in the last mile, though, that he was overtaken by the scratch men. His mistake of making a fast first lap is a common error amongst novices. Byrnes' performance was watched with great interest, for he has in the past proved himself to be the fastest amateur track cyclist in Auckland. Hβ represented Auckland at the championship meeting held in Dunedin, but, owing to ill-health contracted on the "voyage across Cook Strait, was unable to show his prowess to the 'best, but, despite this fact, was able to register a third in the mile.

Owing to the wretched -weather experienced on Sunday it was naturally expected that none of the cyclists would be making the trip to Mercer over the proposed course for the 50-mile amateur championship road race. However, despite the prevailing conditions, the club's secretary, L. Wilson, made the return journey alone. He reports that the road is exceptionally fast through Paerata and Pukekohe, the only section likely to give trouble being the two miles of unmetalled clay which leads on to the Great South Road just below the Razorback Hill at Pokeno. He attempted to ride over this portion, "but, after a couple of falls, owing to the slimy and greasy nature of the wet clay, finally decided to walk it. Should the race be held on such a day competitors will foe compelled to do likewise. The distance from the Epsom Showgrounds, the finishing point of the race, to Mercer station, he made to be 46 miles, therefore the actual starting point must be a further four miles south of this station. Pedalling on 84 gear, he was able to ride the whole of the journey without dismounting, except for the above-mentioned length, there being no very steep hills to encounter. The stiffest trades will be found between Tuakau and Pukekohe. The route from then on can be negotiated very easily. THE CASH RIDERS. Owing to several of the competitors not being able to attend, the forty miles road race set down for the 21st, was postponed till next Saturday, and with 24 entries in, should prove an interesting race. Jerry Mathieson, the 10 miles road champion, figures on scratch with Hayes, and these two will have their work cut out to catch the next two, Hills and

MatfciMM. Prior, off 2m. A valuable prize list is offered for this event, and the popular president, Mr. Geo. Henning, will present them after the race.

On Saturday, September 2, the club intend holding a consolation race of 10 miles for riders who have not won a prize so far during the season. What promises to be one of the keenest club races of the season and the grand final to the road season is the Hamilton to Auckland run on October 2. The various officials of the two clubs, Manukau and Auckland, are working hard to make it an event to rival the great Timaru-Christchurch eace, and judging by the success so far met with this hope should be realised.

Some good riding should be witnessed on Blandford Park this year which opens on October 9, as the local boys have improved a deal this last 12 months and all are very keen to test themselves out on the up-to-date cycle track. AUCKLAND CLUB RACE. Following are the handicaps for the forty miles road race to be held next Saturday at Mangere, starting at 2 p.m.: J. Mathieson scratch, S. Hayes scratch, W. Hills 2m, F. Prior 2m, W. Mathieson 2m, J. Henderson 2im, D. Storey 2*m, A. Brennan 4im, Andrews sm, "\V. Archer sm, K. Rae sm, F. Bowes 6im! H. Pelham 7m. T. Kenelley 7m. "h. Rhodes 7m, A. Sutherland 9m, L. Kelly 9m, F. Lownes 13m, K. Wickins 13m S" Lawlor 14m, S. Dean 14m, A. Williams 15m, Stansfield 15m, Gallagher 16m