AMONGST THE CASH RIDERS'

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 206, 31 August 1926, Page 10

AMONGST THE CASH RIDERS'

The 40 miles road race was run off oa Saturday last and proved to be of the best races yet seen on the road in Auckland. A total of 24 competitors faced the starter, Mr. K. Oakes, Hayes and J. Mathieson occupied the honour mark. Hayes soon dropped Mathieson, who retired after only doing 5 miles, Hayes then battled on his own, but could make no impression on the next two, Hills and Prior, off 2 minutes, who were riding strongly, averaging over 20 miles per hour. At the end of 20 miles they had gained three minutes on the scratch man, Hayes, who soon after retired. Hills and Prior soon picked up the middle-markers, Brennan, Bowes, Andrews, Kelly and Pelham. Wickina and Lownes, off the 13 minutes mark, were riding strongly, and with 10 miles to go had a lead of four minutes. Thi* gap was reduced to one minute with still 5J miles to go. The order was then: Lownes, Wickins, Prior, Hills, Brennan and Andrews. Hills and Prior were doing all the pacing for this bunch, the others being quite content to "sit on." Lownes and Wickins were passed about three miles from home. About 200 yards from the line, Brennan, Andrews, Hills, Lownes and Prior were bunched, when Hills jumped away and went on to win by five lengths. Brennan and Prior had a good tussle for second, Brennan just getting there by inches. Andrews was well back, fourth.

, "Billy" Hills also I gained faetest time, : 2h 6m 35e, which ii ; exceptionally fast, \ and goes to prove i that Hills Tanks j with the best long i distance riders in ; New Zealand. He ; should be a warm favourite for the coming , Hamilton* Auckland race. Frank Prior rode a good race and the writer was sorry to

see him beaten for second, after doing the lion's share of the pacing. He will improve with experience. Andrews, a new rider, rode well, and more will be heard of him. The prize money won during the day, was presented by Mr. G. Henning, the popular president, and one of the keenest cycling enthusiasts in Auckland. Next week the club will hold two races —a 5 miles consolation and a 15 miles handicap race. Herewini and Sutherland are on the casualty list at present through a bad spill while training; Sutherland waa severely cut about the face and shoulder, and Herewini sustained a fractured armArrangements are running alon£ smoothly for the big- Hamilton-Auckland race, and it is anticipated there will be over 100 riders for this event. The riders are all keen to get on the track and will not be relieved till they see it getting put into order for the coming season.