ON THE WHEEL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 267, 10 November 1937, Page 24

ON THE WHEEL.

WITH THE AMATEURS.

EMPIRE GAMES TRIALS.

WHO WILL GO TO SYDNEY T Riders, officials and supporters of cycling are in for a strenuous season this summer, for racing will be intensified during the next two months on account of the trials for the Empire (James. From the racing already held during the past month there is every indication that Auckland will be able to field a powerful team of track men. With men of the calibre of R. T. Taylor, A. (i. Patrick, J. H. Citibanks, C- R- (iooder and M. P. Byrnes enthusiasts have every reason to expect at least two more Aucklanders to accompany J. Brown and R. S. Triner to Sydney next year. Takes Training Seriously. R. T. Taylor, of the Papatoetoe Club, is certainly in earnest in connection with his training preparations. For six mornings for the past three weeks he has been climbing on foot the steep slopes of Mount Holison, strenuous but wonderful exercise

for almost all the must-lea a sprint cyclist must rely upon. His phenomenal success in half-mile handicap events last season is quite easy to understand by any who have seen him in action. The calibre of

this rider is, perhaps, better gauged when his New Zealand half-mile record of 08s from a standing start is compared with the world's record held by the French rider L. Michard at 56 l-se. J. H. Gillbanks is another first-class | rider. Jn previous seasons Gillbanks | appeared slightly nervous; now he has ' overcome his natural cautiousness he will remain in the top flight. He has .idded incentive to do well, for his father is taking a keen interest in training him. Such paternal interest is definitely helpful, as both Ron Triner and Graham Hughes will vouch for. Slow Five Miles. Last week's live miles' points race was rather a slow affair when compared with Patrick's competition five in 10.41. Even though every third lap sprint carried points the time taken was 12.19 3-o. Patrick was consistent throughout to win two sprints and finish second in three more, giving him 15 points to C. R. Gooder's 9 and M. P. Byrnes' 7, and G. H. Cunningham's 6. The B grade two-miler concluded with a sprinting duel between H. R. Baldwin and A. W. Barnett, both splendid road riders. Every endeavour should be made to encourage such juniors as Baldwin. I >r the New Zealand titles for juniors will be decided at L'hristchurch 011 January 8 next. Programme For SaturdayParticular interest attaches to next Saturday's first scratch race meeting at the Stailium, for the events in the A grade section will be the same as will be decided at the Empire (lames, 1000 metres lime trial. 1000 metres splint and ten miles paced. All ttie other three grades are provided with one sprint event and a distance race. The result of the A grade events will naturally have an influence on the selection of riders for the trials on December 4. A week before C hristmas Day the second scratch race meeting is scheduled for the Papatoetoe Stadium. With the final trials for the Gaines on January 8, prospective riders will have to go easy on the Christmas pudding. Club rims will commence again witlf a run to Muriwai nest Sunday, leaving the Reservoir at 8..'50 a.m. The Centre will continue its open races on Thursday. with a one-mile junior. 10 miles paced for A graders, and a two miles senior next Tuesday. The A grade event will be 1000 metres time trial, the B grade a half-mile and the juniors a mile race. Small But Select British Team. The British team of cyclists for the Empire Gaines has been chosen, but the selectors had a restricted field, for few riders could obtain the four months' leave necessary. R. Hicks, W. W. Maxfield, E. V. Mills and R. Jones comprise the team. Hicks, Maxfield and Mills contest the 1000 metres time trial. Hicks and Maxfield the 1000 metres sprint, and the three time trialists will compete in the 10-miler. Jones will be the star man in the 100 kilometres road race, with Mills and Maxfield to help him. for team work will play aD important part in the latter race.

The British team will leave with their manager, Mr. E. J. Southcott, on Decern, ber 4, and arrive in Sydney on January 13" with the exception of Hicks, who is in Sydney (for he travelled with ByH Cozens, well known English professional sprinter). AUCKLAND CLUB. T.,asf evening's postponed track meetta* arranged by the Auckland Cycling Cl n h will now be held to-morrow th« Western Springs Stadium. Additional h»» dicaps : H. Bull, l."»Ov<ls; X. Whyto, 160j-<Jg~