CYCLING.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 232, 1 October 1929, Page 12

CYCLING.

THE CASH RIDERS. COMMENT ON" THE BIG WHEEL RACE. G. HALL'S GREAT RIDE. JIM HARCOURT'S FAST PEDALLING. FIXTURES. October 5. —13.S Miles Handicap (two laps Mangere Circuit). October 12. —19.4 Miles Handicap (three laps Mangere Circuit). Once again tlio big wheel race of S7 miles from Hamilton to Auckland is past history, and the writer congratulates the winners, also the promoters, the Auckland Cycle Club, for their successful effort in the management of same. Not a hitch occurred during the whole day, which showed that excellent arrangements had been made by the officials for the control of the event. With weeping skies in evidence on Friday evening and a gale of wind blowing, things did not look promising for the big event on the morrow. Eiders and officials alike were looking forward to another such' day as the previous year, but the morning broke gloriously line with a keen south-east wind blowing, which helped the riders over parts of the course. When the riders were lined up at Hamilton it was found that 2(i out of 2S entrants were ready to battle over the 80 odd miles, which gave ample proof that the handicapper had satisfied all. One who did not start was A. O. Pilkington (To Aroha) who had met with a bad accident the M'eek previous while training, breaking his collarbone in two places, also his arm. The other was Dave Storey, who took ill during the week. The two limit men were dispatched at 11.18 by the Mayor, Mr. J. It. I'ow, and the race was oil. As a description of the race has already been published in these columns it will be hardly necessary to relate the same again. It was a great race and a notable feature was the way the contestants finished, 22 crossing the line very fresh after their gruelling ride. The fast times recorded by the riders proved that the roads were in better condition than in previous years. Of the 22 who finished, 1(5 were inside the record of 4h 34m, and only two retired during the race, these being It. F. Caulton (Te Aroha), who had a bad blow-out, and 1). G. Fletcher, Auckland, who punctured twice, his last being a bad one. A great crowd assembled at (he Recreation Ground, Onehunga, to witness the finish, and when (Gordon Hall, of Te Pa pa pa crossed the line a winner lie was cheered to the echo. At the conclusion of the race speeches were made by Mr. E. Morton (Mayor of Onehunga), and Messrs. H. Edwards superintendent), J. L. Harris (president), and secretary H. W. Tonkin, after which the Mayor decorated champion J. Harcourt, and presented the prizes. The riders were provided with afternoon tea by the ladies' committee comprising Mesdames G. L. Knight, W. Knott, and 11. W. Tonkin. Comment on the Riders. G. Hall (Auckland 34m), the winner, was responsible for a splendid performance, his victory being the easiest recorded since the inception of the race, seven minutes separating him from the next man in. The manner in which he rodo throughout, and the condition in winch he finished proved that his club races during the season had well fitted him for the long journey. He was always in the picture, and after crossing the Razorback assumed the lead to ride the rest of the distance unpaced. His father (who is a keen supporter of cycling), a few weeks back informed the writer that Gordon did not intend to start, but since then the lad was persuaded to do so with the happy result recorded. During the season in club events, Hall has shown good form, his record being one win, one second, three thirds; and the previous year, when he joined the cash ranks from the amateurs, lie scored three wins. His winnings were £15 cash, Dunlop Challenge Cup. Monarch cycle, Gold Medal, Clarke's Silver Cup, and £2 cash first :>ti 'Dunlop tyres. F. Taylor (Auckland), 25m, second nan, was having his first ride in the cash ranks, and was more than delighted with his performance. The previous tveek he was a contestant in the.amateur 50 miles provincial championship, but was unplaced, and decided to try his luck in the big race. This rider has ilways been regarded as a good long listanee man, and before the race many sorted him out to go well. His. time of Ih 0m 12s was the lourtli fastest, which speaks volumes for his ride. He will certainly bo a great asset to the ranks if the cash riders. His prizes were £7 ;asli, gold medal, and trophy. W. Francis (Papakura), 15m, third, gained this position after a good set-to .vith Harcourt in the final dash to the line, when he caught him napping to ,'et the decision by 3 inches. Ho also ■ained second fastest time in 3h 50m 37s —a splendid effort. Bill has always been loted as a long distance man, and has i splendid record in events of this lescription. In the 1927 race he finished hird also, last year he was sixth, and vent to New Plymouth to gain fastest .ime medal in the middle-markers. In he club events tin's season he Avon the silver cup for the Papakura and back yent, besides a second and third. His winnings were £G cash and two trophies. J. H. Harcourt (Hamilton), Bm, fourth nd fastest time winner, becomes North sland champion. And well he- deserved lie honour, for his was a great ride. His ime of 3h 49m 57 l-5s was fast pedaling, and will take a power of beating n years to come. There was no fitter

man in the race on Saturday, for he has been training assiduously, being over the course every week-end, coming _to the Auckland Club events then riding home t~ Hamilton. He should never have been beaten for third place, as he was looking for Francis on the wrong side and taking it easy. This was Harcourt's first big success on. the road, most of his best performances being on the track. He was also fourth in the 1926 Royal Show race, but should have won, for he took a wrong turning when leading easily. His winnings were- £9 cash, John Bull Challenge Cup, Hope Gibbons Challenge- Cup, and gold medal, medallion, blue ribbon, ami trophy. R. Clarke (Papakura), 32m, fifth, rode well and finished very fresh. Ho has been a consistent performer this season. He gels £2 cash a/ad trophy. J. Jacob (Auckland), IMin, sixth man, was unlucky, as he was second man through Papatoetoe, then broke a pedal strap, which affected his chance over the latter Ftages of the race. This Maori rider is the most improved man of the season's racing. £1 cash and trophy is his portion. L. G. Pinfold (Auckland), 25m, seventh to finish, was also one of the unlucky, ones of the race, for, when Hearing home through Mangerc, and riding with Harcourt and Francis, he had a bad spill, injuring his right leg and arm. He did well to finish, as he was very sore. N. H. Bcllringcr (New Plymouth), scratch, last year's wini.cr, had a. lonely ride, and recorded good time, 3h 57m 18s, third fastest, being beaten For a prize by Francis by 41s. His was a great effort, as he rode the entire distance unpaceib , fclater Hayes was the disappointment of the race, as he was riding in his best form before the event, and how Harcourt managed to drop him is surprising. Hayes was only fifth fastest. D. (J. Fletcher (ex-amateur) was having hi? first rid: with the cash riders, and was doing well until he punctured on the Kuzorback twice, forcing him to retire. He will win in his turn, as he is a good one. l<. R. Roberts (New Plymouth) punctured twice, and R. Caulton (To Aroha) had a bad blow out when riding strongly and fast picking up the front markers. J. Lindop (Auckland) developed cramp, and dropped well back. Next week's event in the Auckland Club will be a K5.8 miles handicap, not the consolation event, as the field would be very small.

OPPERMAN FOR NEW ZEALAND

A CHRISTCHURCH OFFER. (By TclegrnpH.—Press Association.) CHRISTCH URCH, Monday. It is reported that Hubert Oppcrinan, the champion Australian cyclist, has accepted an offer made by a promoting company which has been in touch with several leading athletes and cyclists in Australia, and will appear at the English Park Stadium on December 14 and IS.