THE CASH RIDERS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 142, 18 June 1930, Page 14

THE CASH RIDERS.

HAT TRICK TO RITCHIE.

CLAY'S UNPACED EFFORT.

FIXTURES. ' . June 21.—1S Miles Handicap (7 lapa circuit), 2.45 p.m. , June 28.—23 Miles Handicap.

The Auckland Cycle Club's road programme was advanced a further stage on Saturday under much better conditions than have been encountered for many weeks, though a bitterly cold southerly was blowing, which did not hamper the riders to any extent. A much better field than last week faced the starter, fifteen riders lining up to battle over seven laps of the circuit, a distance of eighteen miles. The race was notable for two very fine efforts, that t of A. C. Ritchie the scratch rider, who by his latest success completed the hat trick, and now joins the select band along with Gordon Hall, who won the first three events in 1928. The other was that of H. CLay, a new member, who registered one of the best unpaced performances for a limit rider, only to have victory snatched from him in the last mile. Team Work Deciding Factor. In the race it was early seen that half the contestants were not fit, and when Ritchie (scr) partnered K. Mathie son (lm 455) in the first lap, it was also apparent that the team work of the two back men was to be the deciding point Of the race. So well were these two working together, that at the end of the third lap they were only 3m behind Clay (s§m), the leader. He, in turn, was lm ahead of Moore (4m), with L. Hall (6|m) 20s behind him, and W. Mathieson (3m 355), 255, next. With five laps completed, Clay was stilt leading Moore by 50s, and going/ well. W. Mathieson now having moved up into third place, being 23s behind Moore, the two back-markers now being only lm 35s bqihind. For.the start of the final lap, Clay (who had now ridden six laps unpacpd was only 30s ahead of Moore and Mathieson, and 45s ahead of the back men, it now being evident that the final result rested between these two, as they had been gaining, on an average, 45s a lap. A mile from home Clay was caught and passed, apd a (piarter of a mile from the finish Ritchie was in front, to stay there, and win from his team mate K. Mathieson by two lengths, with W. Mathieson well back tb-ird, and Clay very tired fourth. Comment On Eiders. A. C. Ritchie (scr.) once again gave a great exhibition, and proved that he is a rider of class. But there is no mistaking the fact that if Mathieson had not waited for him in the first lap he would never have found himself in the position he was at the finish. As in the previous week's contest, "Ritch" left it to Mathieson to do the work on the up grade, which he evidently does not relish, but on the flat Mathieson had to do his best to pedal with him. In the future the handicapper should have no difficulty in placing this rider. Ken Mathieson (lm 455) evidently realised that his only chance of gaining a place was to wait for the scratch man, although G. Hall was only 15s ahead of him. His ride with Ritchie the previous week .must have still been uppermost in his mind, when he elected to teani np with him again. Ken had had enough at the finish, while his mate was very fresh. W. Mathieson (3m 355) rode unpaced for the three last laps, but had an advantage of having two men in view all the time. Hβ rides very steadily, and should have no difficulty in notching a win before the' season is much further advanced. H. Clay (s£m), as previously mentioned, gave a great exhibition of unpaced riding, and was decidedly unlucky to be overhauled in the closing stages. Like L. Hall the previous week, he led throughout, and with no rider in front, was set a herculean task of holding oS" the back men for 18 miles. His laps were very steady, and considering it was only his second ride in the cash ranks, it was a wonderful performance. The writer predicts a good future for this rider, and a win for him will be very popular among his club mates. With another rider to help him over the early stages next week he may go very close. Country Eider Competes. E. C. Moore (4m), of Waharoa, joined the club last week, and intends competing every fortnight. This rider has , notched , two seconds this season over 34 miles, with the Waharoa Club, and, showed by his ride on Saturday that he is very fit, and a likely place-getter. Riding strongly ho gradually worked his way into second position, but tired over the final lap to eventually finish fifth. H. H. Camp, another country rider, from Te Aroha, will do his future riding with the club, now being a resident of Auckland again. He was once a member of the Manukau Amateur Club. He competed with success at Te Aroha last Easter. C. Reid has also rejoined the club, after an absence of three years, his last ride being in a 14 miles handicap in 1927. It is very gratifying to see an member again entering the sport to help his club; a few' of the younger members would do well to take note of tills.

Club Notes. Next week the club will hold another 18 miles open handicap over seven laps of the circuit, and all members not conversant with the course are asked to assemble opposite Clarke's Cycle Works, Newmarket, at 2 p.nu In three weeks' time the first cup event will be decided, so all members should make it their business to ride from now on to be absolutely fit. S. .Litchfield was awheel again on Saturday, having recovered from his accident while riding a motor cycle. His knee troubled him slightly, but a few more rides should see him at his best again. Bill Pratney informed the writer during the week that he will be competing again in a fortnight's time if everything goes well with him, as at present. This is indeed good news.