CASH CYCLISTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 108, 10 May 1927, Page 15

CASH CYCLISTS.

ROAD RACE COMMENTS

BIG RACE PROM HAMILTON. (By PEDAL.) The road season was advanced a. further stage on Saturday with a 20-mile event. A strong head wind prevailed during the afternoon, this being the cause of very slow times. The race looked to be a good tiling for Lownes off 5 and although he rode strongly the whole distance he was 'beaten by inches for first by Healey, who put in a good kick a few yards from the line. Both the first and second men, Healey and Townes road very consistently last season, and will be much improved men iat the end of the season. Kenelley also put up a good performance in getting into third position. He is not yet up to the fcrm he displayed last year. Of the scratch men, Hills did not start, and Sutherland was burnt off in the first lap. Henderson and Prior soon picked up Eae, and these three lapped out the full distance. In the sprint for the line, Henderson beat Prior, with Rae a few yards back. White put up a brilliant performance, and whilst only being a few seconds out for fastest time, covered the last half-mile in phenomenal time. This rider will go a long way in the game before the season ends. He is of perfect physique for a cyclist, and has speed to burn.

Jerry Mathieson 'has rejoined the ranks of the pedallers and should soon get back to form, as he does noj carry too much superfluous flesh, and is always to be reckoned with in a short race. Matthews also went well, considering his second and poon dropped his co-marker. The shorter distance next week should suit him. Storey, who a couple of seasons back showed every promise of developing into a good performer, eeeme to go much better over a longer distance, but he has had a number of bad spills. Always handy at the finish, he should be rewarded soon. Francis, from Papakura, was a new man in Saturday's event, and went very well, to finish about sixth. He has a good position and will improve out of sight with experience. Thanks for Arrangements. It was pleasing to see the way the officials carried out their respective duties—no easy task with such a crowd of competitors. The handicapper, Mr. S. Oakes, carried out his duties admirably, and although several comments were passed by one or two outsiders about the limit men being out too far, the limit and middle markers all finished in a bunch, thus proving that he knows his job. The financial arrangements were in the capable hands of Mr. H. Tonkin, who, besides being a good financier, is a keen cycling enthusiast. Much credit is also due to the other officials, Messrs. Henning, president; Marriott, Knight, Richards, Galvin, Copas, Lauder, Golding, and Hembling, who turn out each Saturday. Now road racing has developed a lot in the last four years. Mr. Harris, of Otahuhn, Mr. F. Mslnarney, and one or two others formed a club four years ago at Otahuhu, and for the first race, a 20-mile event, the only entrants were W. Hills, Brennan, Storey, Mathieson, and Henderson. These were the men responsible for the start of what has proved to be a healthy winter sport, and despite adverse criticism and knockbacks, these competitors, who are still prominent riders, have built up the club to its present position of 45 competitors, and a steadily increasing number. A Big Race. With the able 'help of the Dunlop Co., a big race from Hamilton will be' run some time in October. Any of the prizes in this race will be well worth winning, and with the roads in a much better condition than last season, when the riders had to plough through two feet of mud and slush, there should be competitors from all parts of New Zealand! The fastest time in addition to a hefty cash prize, carry with it the North Island Road Championship. The Northern Athletic Union (under whose rules the race will be run) will issue handsome certificates to all who complete the long journey under six hours. Food will be given out at places along the' route.

There will be a 14-mile event next Saturday, and all competitors must be "financial." On Saturday week a teams race will be run, a team to consist of three riders. All names will be placed in a hat and an official will pick out three names at a time, this will be fair t" all concerned.

Dick Laskey, New Zealand's champion road cyslist, will in all probability be seen in action here this winter. He is at present in Sydney. Dick, with his three co-markers, put up a wonderful performance in the Mount Egmont race, they rode tie whcle journey, 106 miles, in the good time of 4h 38m. This is an average of 24 miles an hour, truly a wonderful performance. Laskey was beaten for time in this event by three lengths. The Mount Egmont race is at present the big event of the North Island, but there is no reason why Auckland should not make the coming big race from Hamilton compare favourably with any other road championship race. The committee formed last week to run the big event will meet again on Wednesday night, when the date for the race will be fixed. Arrangements will be made during the next few months to get the Onehunga cycle track repaired for next season. A very small layout cf money would make this pound equal to the heat and as the riders are compelled to pay 5/ for the use. of the Domain, which ie only available two nights a week for training, there is every reason to believe that if the Onehunga track was put in order it would produce some revenue for the borough funds as it would be worth 10/ a year to every competitor to train on a decent track. * Handicaps for next week's events will ■ppear in the "Star" or Thursday night and all competitors are asked to turn out.