CYCLING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 139, 14 June 1935, Page 13

CYCLING.

TAKAPUNA CLUB. The races held last Saturday were a senior event of six laps (22'/i miles) and a junior event of two laps (7V4 miles). 'ihege constituted the Takapuna v. Lynndale invitation races, which are held annually over the flat Lake circuit. The weather was fine, with head winds on the back stretch of the course; despite this, times were fust and spectacular finishes tho order of the day.

In the juniors, seven men rode off the scratch mark, and completed tho first lap in 0.51, thus gaining half the handicap of tho limit men, J. Gemmell and L. Hawke (4.30), both of whom were riding steadily, but were being rapidly overhauled by the middle-markers.

Entering the straight for the finish, G. Cockrane (L.) and X. Bassett (T.) fought out a great finish for placings, Cockrane being successful in outsprinting the Takapuna rider. The scratch men headed into the straight with J. Ilutton (L.) and L. Denning, both battling for "time." Once again tlie Lynndale man-"7>roved slightly superior, finishing just 0.1-5 ahead of his co-marker, Hutton's time being 20.29.

L. Denning and T. Bassett were unfortunate in being defeated by so little; both did their utmost in the sprint, after a fast ride. Denning is slightly off form at present, but may be tough in the return visit. Bassett is only a youngster, and has not had a great deal of experience, but is expected to be one of the club's strongest juniors next season. He already has half a dozen platings behind him.

J. GrCinmell, the limit rider, is probably the smallest rider in Auckland. Johnny is a great little trier, and, with plenty of training, should develop well.

In the .seniors nearly three dozen men, handicapped in nine groups, went oft" the mark. Four, Coleman (T.), Caddy (L.). McCavery (T.) and Munns (L.) being oil limit (6.30). Coleman, pedalling strongly, left them, ono by one, until the fourth lap found him the only limit man still going. At this time the rest of the riders wave in three main groups and closing up rapidly. The fifth lap found Coleman still out in front, but with five others for company. Just 31s behind came the rest of the field.

Coming into the straight for the finish (which was the type that riders expect from our handicapper) the field numbered over twenty, a compactly-moving bunch, all watching for a break. J. Baldwin (L.) drew away sufficiently to claim the decision, and right on his wheel came L. Farrant (L.), A. Hardman (L.) and A. Gunn (T), second, third and fourth respectively : a blanket would have covered all four; these were the 4.30 men.

S. Alderson (scv) (L.), last year's winner, was fifth, and Rained fastest time honours in the good time of i>B.6. A. Gunn, in finishing fourth (on a borrowed machine), must have been rather a surprise to his club mates. Alec hag missed a few races recently, but still has the ability which won him his good reputation last year. Amongst those who were regarded as likely candidates for placings, but who disappointed their supporters, were E. Williams, who pained "time" in the first four events this season, but appears to bo slightly off colour; .and A. Parker, who rode a fine race and held his bunch (scr) all the way. Alf. is a brilliant sprinter but failed to out in this event. A club run will be held next Sunday, the objective being Mercer, riders to take the 9 a.m. boat. Saturday's event is the sealed handicap and time trial, the route being East Coast roads to Deep Creek, thence to Albany, and home through Birkenhead, 20 miles! The following riders have been selected to train for the Centre's team race:—A. Parker E. Williams, S. Laurence, H. Eagles. V. Blomfield, B. Oliver, P. Hulbert and l>. Keating. The, junior championships will be held the same day. The club's main hopes are K. Jones, the present holder, and L. Denning.