CYCLING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 157, 5 July 1935, Page 12

CYCLING.

AUCKLAND AMATEURS. BARRY MAKES A FINE RIDE. In the absence of M. Gamble, the scratch roadman, fastest time provided an unusually close contest between Price and Barry. The latter rider was particularly unfortunate to have to sacrifice a couple of minutes right at the start of the race, through having to adjust a faulty mudguard, otherwise there is very little doubt that he would have registered a very decisive win. Ernie Tucker, who beat Bill Barry in a fast sprint, is now staying on better in the longer races. As a sprinter lie has always been dangerous, but this win under very unfavourable conditions entitles him to pc regarded as possessing considerable stamina as well. It is pleasing to note that Jack Price's bad luck lias now left him. In several successive road events Price punctured, but recently he has been just as consistent in recording fastest time. It is the consensus of club opinion that he should now bo given an opportunity to try himself out against Merv. Gamble, who rides from scratch alone. Price is keen, young and the right build for a good road rider. He is also a very nimble pedaller, an asset in hill climbing. Apropos of the bad luck, Merv. Gamble has had his share lately. In the Takapuna "50" he was 25s ahead of Brown and Co. when he punctured, and again last Saturday he was ahead on time by 20s j in the Lymulale senior race when, through ignorance of the course, he took the wrong turning. Enthusiasts are expect-1 ing a keen contest next Saturday in the centre race between him and Brown. Two members who ftive the impression that they will strike their best form very shortly are Alan Richardson and V. Ivey. The former rode well for the greater part of the journey, but lack of training told on him at the finish. Ivey, who lias not been racing much lately, rode from virtual scratch. He possesses good physique and with more regular competition would easily be among the four best riders of thu club. At the club's monthly meeting it was decided to keep the 100 kilometre race a purely club event. Owing to the monotony of racing such a long distance (G2M: miles) on the To Atatu circuit, this race will take place on an out-and-homo course to be decided upon by the committee. Through the resignation of Keith Moshiem, the club handicapper, the position of club captain was left vacant. Logan Laloli was elected to, this position. A dance committee, comprising the secretary, treasurer and Messrs. King, Gamble, and Byrnes was set up with a view to organising club dances every fortnight. It is the intention of the club to send a strong road team south for the New Zealand championships, and good support of these dances by club members will enable that object to be realised. GLOUCESTER CLUB. K. McKENZIE IX GOOD FORM. The Gloucester Cycling Club held its races at Mangerc under boisterous condiitions last Saturday. Two events were staged and in spite of the weather good j fields contested. The junior race of 5% miles resulted in a popular win for Clarrie Rickards (3.30). This is his first season at racing and only his third ride. After giving disappointing performances in his first two races, he showed very surprising form and, maintaining a very steady pace throughout, he never gave the ot,hers a chance to catch him, finishing on well to score by half a minute. After conquering all the troubles of a new rider, he has now developed some form and may be looked to for further good races. His time was 16.41. Next to finish was Bert Horscroft (2.30). There is a marked improvement in this rider's form, as it is only his second race on the road, and by being placed in both starts, he seems to be in for a prosperous season. This rider's father (who is* an interested spectator) was one of the old brigade of the pre-war day cyclist of the Onehunga Club. Dave King (1.0) finished in fourth place to register fastest time of 15.14. To this rider goes the credit of a most improved rider. For a junior he has good development, and with his stamina and speed he should be able to go a long way in the sport. Leo Barr, the scratch man, has now attained the age of a senior and will have his first race this week. The senior event of 22% miles was run in heavy showers and a strong head wind, which was very cold. Keith MeKenzie (5.30) came away in a good sprint to score by two lengths from Bob Craig (2.0), who just got up to topi off Jack Rollereoii (6.0) right on the line. MeKenzie's win was not altogether a surprise, as he has been riding very well this season. He is reaping his reward, as he js a starter every week, which keeps him in fine form for hard riding like this. Although he will be on a tighter mark now, he may be looked to for further performances, as ho has some creditable ones over longer distances. His time of 70.10 clocked laps at 16.55, 17.40, 17.58, 17.37. Bob Craig is not far from his best now and after an unpaced ride most of the way lie just caught the leaders on the line. His time of 67.43 was third fastest, and if he had had some one with him in the race he may have had a better chance. Nevertheless, lie rode a creditable race, and should be in the pink for the unpaced championships in six weeks' time. After McKenzie had caught him, Jack Rollerson (third) worked with him all the journey and was the unluckiest rider in the race to be topped off right on the line. Never before has he shown such consistent form, and with a bit more luck should soon pull off a race. He lapped at 17.10, 17.55, 17.58, 17.40 1-5, making his actual time 70.43 1-5. After getting rid of his co-marker in the first lap, Alf. Brass (scr) picked up Perc. Bicknell (1.0). Riding with him for three laps, he then went on on his own to register fastest time of 65.36. Lapping in 16.0. 16.24, 16.15. 16.51. ho showed that he has recovered some of his old form, which won him the fastest time points cup of two seasons ago. If he can hold this form he must surely stand a good chance of being the club champion. The junior championships will be .Jjfld on July 27 and the seniors on August 10. Both titles will be well contested, as the issue is very open.