CYCLING.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 124, 28 May 1929, Page 14

CYCLING.

THE CASH RIDERS. TOPICS OF THE PAST WEEK. JACOB'S CONSISTENCY REWARDED. FIXTURES. ,T unfl i—13.8 Miles Handicap (two laps Mangere circuit). June B—Bo Miles Handicap (from Mangere to I'apakura and back). Ideal conditions, with only a light breeze, prevailed at Mangere on Saturday, when the Auckland Cycle Club continued their road season with a 25 miles handicap, the riders having to negotiate four laps of the circuit. Though the field was not as large as usual, owing to many of the members being on the sick list, a good race was witnessed nevertheless. The race was notable for the success of the young Maori rider J: Jacob, whose consistency has been a feature of this season's racing. lie and Archer gave an excellent exhibition of pacing, and by so doing were able- to hold the backmarkers in check the entire distance. The cheering of the spectators at the finish when Jacob crossed the line was evidence of this rider's popularity, and nobody was more pleased than the rider himself on attaining his first win. In the race Freeman (8m) led from Jacob (sm) and Archer (4m 455); then came Hall and Hills (3m 455), this being the order of the first lap. D. Storey and F. Potter did well this lap, picking up the 3m and 2-} m men, who were altogether. J. Lindop (scr), starting off on his own, had lost 2us on Storey and Potter. The second lap only saw one change, the bunch of six having now caught Hall and Hills, Archer and Jacob were now the leadingpair, Freeman having dropped back. At the end of the third lap Jacob and Archer were still going strong, being 75s ahead of the next bunch of eight riders, and they looked to have a good chance of winning. Lindop, who was haying a hard ride on his own, did a little better in this lap, but was steadily losing ground. Coming over the hill to the Finish the, loaders were well clear, and in the sprint for the line Jacob left Archer to win easily. A good finish took place for third position between eight riders, Mathieson shooting out to gain the verdict by half a length from Storey. Lowndes was six inches behind Storey. J. Jacob (sm), the winner, was picked by the writer last week to win shortly, as soon as a good rider was on the mark with him. He would have done better last week if his co-marker had been fitter. Jacob looks to his training, and other riders would do well to copy him in this respect. Purely a short distance rider at the beginning of the season, he can now get a distance well, and if he goes on improving should go well in the big Hamilton to Auckland classic. Jlis record this season reads: 1 win, 1 second, 2 fourths, in six events.

W. Archer (4m 455), second, rode his best race, to date, and seems to be

striking liie last year's form. He was responsible with Jacob in keeping the back-markers at a distance, but in the actual finish could not foot it with Jacob. If lie looks to his training a win should soon be credited to him, as this is his first placing. K. Mathieson (2iin) gained third place after a desperate finish with Storey. He was in a like position last Saturday, and may ealute the judge any time now. If he hits the front in a race Ken will be hard to beat, as there is no mistaking hie sprinting ability, which his brother "Jerry" was noted for. D. Storey (lm 455), fourth, also gained fastest time honours. Dave has been lading very consistently, though unluckily, just managing to be out of a place- on two or three occasions. He is now on a tight mark, but is riding so well at present that a win for him should not be far distant. The Papakura race should suit him admirably. He has now two fastest times to his credit. J. Lindop (scratch) had a hard ride on his own without Hayes and Prior, but put up a good performance nevertheless; many expected him to give up seeing he was giving away If minutes to a good rider in Storey. Jim completed the distance, however, and the West Coast champion had the satisfaction of seeing himself just beaten for fastest tinio by lGs. With Hayes present these two would have put up a sterling ride as they excel in long distance events. S. Hayes was absent, being kid up with influenza, also many others with the same complaint. Jim Henderson was out looking on; his wrist is now out of splints, and mending well. He contemplates, riding in another three weeks if everything goes well. N. Healey does not seem to be able to strike form this season, though he rode much better on Saturday. The same applies to G. Hall. He should be in the firing line in the two-lap event next week with any luck. With the amateur event over early on Saturday quite a large crowd gathered to see the finish, and the officials had difficulty in making way for the riders to finish. Spectators should keep back off the road as far as possible, and give riders plenty of room as they finish sometimes in big bunches. When so doing they arc all hard at it, and if one were to strike a spectator a big accident would be the outcome. Several motorists pulled up on Saturday to allow a big bunch to finish; their sporting action was much appreciated by the officials. During the week the committee finalised arrangements for the club's dance, to be held the second week in June; it behoves members to make it as big a success na possible, for the proceeds are for the big Hamilton-to-Auckland classic. Tickets may be had from members or the secretary. If this dance proves a success, and there is no reason why it should not, one will be held every month. ~ Rumour hath it that Blandford Park will be opening again this summer. It is hoped that this will eventuate, as it will fill a long felt want for cash cyclists. Cycling is now booming in Auckland, and should stimulate the interest that was shown when first it opened.