CYCLING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 91, 18 April 1934, Page 15

CYCLING.

WITH THE AMATEURS. OPENING OF ROAD SEASON. manukau club activities. FIXTURES. Saturday, April 21.—7J-Mi;e Junior, 20-Mile Senior, 2 p.m. Sunday, April 22.—Run to Kawalsawa Bay, 10 a.m., Newmarket. The excellent support given the Manukau Club's opening races last Saturday indicates bright prospects for its tenth annual winter season. Forty-four riders raced. Taken all round, the standard of riding was unusually liigli for the first events, and there is no doubt as to how the club will fare in the open events of the centre, which will be held on the first Saturday of each month, starting with a 20-miler, primarily meant for novices, on May 5 next. Of the ten new senior members competing two were distinctly outstanding. Cliff N. Gillespie, winner, was one, and Gordon H. Cunningham was the other. Cunningham, off 0.0, finished second. Gillespie displayed rare judgment, and rode all the way with Bob Gallagher, his team mate, off 5.0, and took a share in the leading position on the fifth lap. lie packed on the pace on the down hill stretch, leading to the finishing line, and won by close on a chain. Gillespie has toured extensively, and naturally found 15 miles well within his ability. His time was 43.40.

Bob Gallagher (5.0) did hia best ride on the course to finish third. He simply could not hold the two newcomers over the last mile. Cyril Cronk, 6.30, noted tourist member, was another who showed improvement. Of the 34 seniors racing Keith N. Clark (2.30), fifth and third fastest in 41.48, displayed the most improvement. His training rides with lion. Foubister have evidently been to good purpose.

Johnnie Brown (scr.) was fastest in 40.58, after a splendid exhibition. He appears to have held his form of last season in 6pite of his inactivity during the track 6eason. lion. G. Foubister (scr.) only lacked in sprinting powers, but should be seen at his best in the longer events. During the past three years wood rims have given considerable trouble, and Les. H. Dwight (scr.) had to retiro through hiy tyre blowing off his wood rim.

D. C. Moxon (3.30) rode unpaced to beat the other nine juniors in their five-miler over two laps. It was his first race, but his time of 14.52 certainly does not class him a limit rider any longer. Chas. T. Dwight (6cr.) started oil well by securing time honours in 14.11, but Geo. W. Holland (1.0) was only 7s slower. It is interesting to record that Holland's last lap was clocked in 7.18, while Dwight took 2s longer. In. spite of the early morn rain, 17 riders went throught to Pukekohe on Sunday, and the new members who participated must benefit from tlicir 64-mile ride. Such a big number of riders, headed by a tandem on the outward journey, created much interest to passing motorists. From now on till October such sights will be familiar to road users. Club captain Bill Morris has started his Tuesday and Thursday evening training rides, which start from Newton Keservoir at 7 p.m.

Manukau riders have started a petition to the centre asking it to adopt the oldeetablished Western Springs finish, as they consider the Gladstone Road suggested finish is only introducing unnecessary difficulties. On a point such as above the views of the riders should be welcomed by the centre, as it Is out to do its best for the sport. Entries for the first centre open race on May 5 close on April 28. A register of individual riding colours was taken on Saturday. There appear to bo enough riders wearing light blue to row a Cambridge eight. The "light blues" could overcome the difficulties by introducing different coloured bands to their jerseys after a round-table talk.

AUCKLAND AMATEURS,

In almost perfect weather conditions, with, the circuit in excellent order, and a record number o£ starters in the two events, the Auckland Club commenced their 1934 road season last Saturday. The 19 riders in the novices' scratch race got away to a rolling start, and disappeared over the hill. It was very gratifying indeed to find that such a large number of riders had turned out for this event, and with such an influx of "new blood" the club cannot fail to be well represented in the open centre raccs throughout the season. Only ecconds separated the first three riders for the major placings, which, together with their individual riding times, were as follow: 11. King, riding time 24.2, 1; L. Bueth, 24.3, 2; A. McNeil, 24.4, 3. The distance for both this and the handicap event waa eight miles, so the times were remarkably good for riders, who have not previously raced on the road. Those who finished well back should on no account be discouraged, however, for they will do considerably better in the handicap events with additional training and experience. Quite a number of the old hands were missing in the handicap event, and only twelve started out on the eight-mile trip. N. Matthews (5.30) got away first, followed by S. Windsor (5.0), J. Price (4.0), J Speight, C. Thackwell, W. Perks (3.45), M Gamble (3.15), R. Rollinson, L. Phillips (3.0), H. Webster (2.15), A. Keith (1.0), and I. Laloli (ecr.). M. Gamble was fully expected to figure prominently in the placings by reason of his recent successful track season, and the generous mark of 3.15. Consequently, his first place came as no surprise. His time of 22.31, however, proved to be 48 seconds faster than the next best, and he will therefore be entitled to a fastest time certificate at the end of the season. He is also the second rider in the history of the club to record first place and fastest time. A. G. Patrick was the first to do this, and achieved the honour last season over a course from Henderson to Kumeu and return, via the Swanson tunnel hill, Brigham's Creek and the Lincoln Highway. Gamble is a tall, solidly built rider with an easy style, and will be one of the club's strongest riders over the shorter distances, though he has still to prove bis worth in the longer events of 40 miles and upwards. . , Probably the biggest surprise of the day was Jack Price's second place and second fastest time. This is Jack's first ride with the club, and his first road race for oyer eighteen months. He proved to be the old Tamaki Club's best junior m 1932 and is remembered by his fellow riders of that time as a very strong rider with a flair for hill work, which will stand him in good stead in the centre races. He displayed plenty of dash on Saturday, and though overhauled by Speight two miles from the start he shook the latternder off before the finish, but could not outsprint Gamble for first place. J. Speight rode his best race to date, finishing in third place and dead-heating for third fastest time with L. Phillips in 23 30 He got away from his co-markers easilv in the early stages of the race, but could not stay with Gamble and Price right to the finish. , The failure of the backmarkers to make any impression on the middle men was attributable to the fact that they were all riding alone off widely separated marks Riders are requested to bear in mind the centre's rules that all machines must be equipped with one efficient brake (two if the machine is fitted with a free-wheel sprocket) and a bell. This rule will also be enforced by club officials in all club races.

m>,„ Auckland Amateur Athletic ana Cvcle Club will decide a 17 miles race .for Sninrs and an eight miles race for juniors ft Te Atatu on Saturday next, the junior race to start at 2.30 sharp. Mr. B. Mud;o S d eniors.-T Ca c. Sloll. R- Arvidson scr; 2.45 ! B/ Bonison! T, Fhillirs, A- Richardson, 3.45: W. . -p* orover T. T , ri f * f> . 4.45 j «T. Sneieht.' A Wen. C. Thar-kwHI. W. Trrks. Pil Jeeves, I*. Crosbv- C. -T. Kincr, ?o • iJ Bueth, A. McNeil. C. Pane, 5.30, A. Morgan, B. Whitely. D. Matthews, B,

Donaldson, A. Miller, N. Corkin, 5.45; A; Mouily, A-'. Banhuiu, i'\ ivinross, J. Uarrod, U. Nicholls, E. bissoii, It. Ausolum, (i.10; J. Huxtauie, 8.0.

Juniors. —R. Walton, scr; A. Glover, O. Gorman, 40s; S. Yvinusor, A. Jagusch, 1.3u; J. Fowler, D. Jiruser, fc>. l'elley, K. J. (Julleu, 2.15; Andrews, si. Matthews, ti. Byrnes, O. Haryei-, 0.00.-

LYNNDALE AMATEURS.

FIXTURES. April 21.—18-Mlle .Senior, 0-Mile Junior. •April iici.—-di-jiile senior 'JL'.'X., U-Alile Junior T.T.

Excellent weather prevailed last Saturday, making it very enjoyable for cyclists when tile opening oi tne road season commenced, lue Amateur Athletic and Cycle Uluu commenced its season with a ly-iuue senior lace and a U-inile junior race, ana <i record attendance turned out. 'luis is oniy me eluu s second season, and the remarkable growth both in members aud spirit promises to make this a more than suceessiui season. Many oi tue new members, uotu juniors and seniors, gave good accounts oi tneniselves.

Xhe ten. juinors, who raced over two iaxjs oi tueir turee-miie circuit, started in tiie following oruer:—Lupton, Hansen, Williams, 2.01J; uarr, Lassetc, Stewart, 1.45; Crisp, l.lo; Uieeze, Itutton, 3Us; A. Davies, ser. At tne cud oi tiie lirsc lap (Jair and Stewart were in the lead, closely followed by .Hansen and Stewart in It.lu. Lupton, Yviliiauis and Uassett retired at tins stage. Crisp was 11 cad la HM, witu Breeze and liutum light 011 his tail. Uhis pair had gained l/s on tiie scratch rider, .Davies. Xhe last lap saw L. Carr cuine away from his co-marker, Stewurt, to win his hist road race. Ilis easy way of pedalling classes him as a rider of merit. J'. Stewart, lor his lirst ride, did well to gain second place, While Jack Jtlutton promised well wueu lie gained third place and fastest time in J. 8.00, which was exceedingly good going. i'he seniors raced over one lap of their nine-milo cncuit and one lap of their sixniilo circuit. The over-generous supply of loose metal on the back, stretch of the course caused eight riders to puncture on the hist lap, robbing the race of a great deal of excitement. i£. IJ.1 J . Smith, Scott, May, Cook, Watson, Herron, Curnrnings and Campbell were all unlucky in this respect. ~il. JN'orris, off 3.45, rode liis best race when he was first and fastest in tue creditable tiino of 41.32. Hugh is always a trier and thoroughly deserved ins place. C. Boles, off 8.30, arrived too late to start in the junior race, so started in the senior event, and his second place was well deserved. His time was 40.25.

C. Caddy, also a new member, off 7.30, will be a strong rider with competition, and his third place should give him an enthusiastic start. H. W. Smith, olt 4.0, was fourth and second fasLcst. lUore will be heard of this' rider wnen he gets into form.

TAKAPUNA CLUB,

The 22 1 /4-miles race lield over the Lake course last Saturday for tiie Merson medal, proved one of the most spectacular ever witnessed here, all iinishing riders beading into the straight iu one bunch, which, of necessity, was spread right across the road. The lust rider to draw away in the sprint was A. Sligo. L. Denning followed closely, then G. Towart challenged strongly, but within a yard oi the line V. Blomlieid came out of the bunch very fast and jumped his machine to victory. i'laeiugs were as follows:— V. Blomiield, 01.33, 1 and fastest; G. Towart, 03.3 1-5, 2, L. Denning, 07.3 4-5, 3. B. Laurence' made fastest unplaced time in 63.4 1-5. All riders had crossed the line withiu two seconds of the winner.

V. Blomlield, riding oil scratch alone, gave away 8.0 in the six laps, and won tlio medal by indomitable willpower and downright hard work. Bio never knows when ho is beaten, and certainly deserved his victory. Although he lidca the greater part of most raccs unpaced, we have yet to see it deter him from doing his best. At the top of his form this year it looks as if this rider will be adding quite a few to his already fair collection of trophies. G. Towart, after a series of disappointing and mediocre performances, allowed a pleasing return to form, and rode a line race all the way. After his steady work Gib was a shade unlucky to have been pipped right at the post. However, now his luck has changed, he may be in it with better results in the near future. L. Denning docs some very creditable work for a youngster, and has been referred to for some time as eteady and consistent. He has a nicely developed sprint, and stands well in comparison with such old-timers as Blomlield and Towart. He already has quite a few placings on record. B. Laurence, making this his first race in the new season, will not have to contest many more before he is firstclass form again. Between Sligo, B. Evans, G. Laurence, G. Evans, Durbin and Coleman there is very little to pick. All arc keen consistent riders, who did their utmost to give a splendid performance, and all succeeded. L. Dick and R. Jones proved very disappointing, both being dropped easily when the pace was cracked on, and eventually withdrawing. B. Pearco, owing to his recent illness, has a lot of ground to make up, but if determination counts for anything Bill will soon be in form. Mr. Merson was so impressed by the great effort made by the junior, L. Denning, that he donated a special trophy to this rider, which was heartily appreciated.

The Takapuna Amateur Cycling Club will hold a race next Saturday of JZ'-li miles over the lake circuit for the King Cup. Handicaps:—V. Blomfleld, D. Lydford, scr; B Oliver, G. Towart, 1.30; S. I.aurance, L. Dick, 2.0; B. Evans, 11. Jones, A. Grant, 2.30: O. Durbin, I* Coleman, A. Keating, 3.0; A. Sllgo, G. Lanrance, N. Evans, W. Pearce, 4.0; I>. Denning, 5.0.

BEACH HAVEN CLUB,

The Beach Haven Amateur Cycling Club will hold an out-and-home race for senior riders on Saturday. The course will be to the Coronation Hall, Albany, finishing at Beach Haven. This race wil start at 3 pm , distance 23 miles. The junior riders will hold a one-lap race on the club s course, commencing at 3.30 p.m. HandiCa Seniors.—B. Sharp, scr; C. French, B. Evans, 1.30; D. Patten, It. Owens, A. Benfeli, 2.0; .T. Culpan, 3.30: .T. Mnrris, 4 30; N. Hopkins, S. Hilder, F. Hawkins, 5.30; J. McGregor, E. Harvey, 0.30; C. Smith, io.o. Juniors. —K. Tout, scr; A. Bnrrell, ss, J Fitzgerald. 10s; C. Hilder, 10t!s. Results of Saturday's 124-mile senior race: —B. Sharp, scr. 1: C. French, 1.0, 2; S. Hilder, 3.30, 3. Time, 36.45.