AUCKLAND AMATEURS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 216, 12 September 1934, Page 15

AUCKLAND AMATEURS.

'•/■■■ FIXTURES. September'. 15.—17-Mlie Senior, 9-Mlle Juuior Handicaps. September 22.—141-Mile Senior Time Trial, 103-Jlile Handicap. Last Saturday the cyclists of the Auckland Amateur Athletic and Cycle Club took, full advantage of the excellent conditions to break a record that has withstood many onslaughts since it was established under unpaced conditions in 1932 by 1.. C. Laloli, whose time was lh 6m 33s for the 23V& miles. In all seven riders bettered the old time. The race was a continental handicap, in which all the ridera ■ start together in a rolling start. The time placings are taken as they finish, and then the handicap is subtracted from the actual riding time, and so the winner is found. It was evident:, right from the start that a record would be broken, for the pace was a cracker, the best back-markers making great efforts to shake- the limit ridera off, but those men stuck like leeches. One of the unluckiest men in the race was J. Garard, who was riding a great race, and would have won easily if. he had not punctured. Other good men out through punctures were Laloli, Clark and Cullen. Coming round by the store three miles from home, there was still a bunch of seven left in front, and they continued thus to the finish, when Patrick won as he liked from King, who beat Price by a small margin.

The last two weeks have demonstrated Patrick's outstanding ability as a road rider, for he has broken a record each time. On September 1 he broke the 44-mile harbour course time by about 5.0, on. September 8 he broke the 23%-mile club record by 1.51, and it appears likely that next week the 17-mile record is likely to "go by the board. With Patrick making these times now, spectators can expect something sensational in the 100-mile provincial championship race on October 6, when Patrick will be defending his title. The next best man was R. King, who clocked 64.43, and with a handicap of 3.30 was able to take second place as well. This rider has improved out of eight since riding his new cycle, and looks likely to again strike a placing shortly. He also secured third place in the centre race the week previously, after a hard ride.

One of the club's most consistent riders is Jack Price, who made third fastest time, Is slower than King. In his last seven club starts he has recorded third fastest time on five occasions, and also recorded fastest time—a great performance..

The club's .scratch junior proved his ability when he secured fifth fastest time in 64.46, and with the help of a handicap of 5.0, won the race. Although only a junior, Ernie has proved himself a thorn in the side of maiiy of the seniors, and has great possibilities in front of him if he trains wisely. Les. Phillips (3.30) again showed that he is a hard nut to crack, for he took third place and sixth fastest time. A. McNeil rode a muchimproved race for fourth place. The positions for the senior points trophy is McNeil 48, King 47, Price 41, Bowen 41. The junior points are: Clarke 37, Cullen 35, Tucker 29. The senior points for the fastest time Challenge Shield are: Patrick, Laloli and Gamble, equal with 4 points each.