CASH CYCLING

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 169, 19 July 1941, Page 3 (Supplement)

CASH CYCLING

M. Knight Wins Cleaver

Memorial Cup

Last week's 25-mile open contest for the Cleaver Memorial Cup conducted by the Auckland Cycle Club was one of the most successful since the cup was first competed for in 1934, a good field of 21 riders facing the starter. As usual, "Dad' : Cleaver, donor of the cup, was present to congratulate the winner.

The virtual limit men were K. Edkins, S. Hayes'and S. Gwilliam oi: Si minutes. There was a strong bunch on scratch. J. Wade. K. Knight. T. Sheehan and J. Bickneil. The winner came from the middlemarkers. M. Knight (5.15) finishing on much better than the previous week to score by the barest of margins from L. Couchman (7.15), with W. Gavin (5.15) a good third, and D. Viscovich (G. 15) fourth. These riders, after bunching early, set a merry pace, and keeping it up had the race well in hand from the half-way mark onwards.

Knight (Auckland) scored his most important win ' to date, and against such a tried field proved beyond doubt the ability he possesses "as a strong and heady rider. He commenced racing barely nine months ago, and right from the start showed promise of a rapid rise in the sport. He is the third of the Knight family to take to the pedal, and with two wins and two thirds so far, looks like following in the footsteps of his two brothers.

L. Couchman (Metropolitan) once again rode a great race. He is another first-year rider who continues to make rapid progress, and it is quite apparent to anyone who is a judge of cycling that this lad will go a long way in the sport. He has the ability and grit in him that makes real champions. W. Gavin (Auckland) once more had to be content with a minor placing after being one of the mainstays of the bunch for many miles. A few more rides like this should see him a winner. I). Viscovich (Metropolitan) rode well, and may have improved on his fourth if he had not tried a breakaway about half a mile from home.

J. Wade (Auckland) made it four on end with his fastest time. G7.35, after setting a terrific pace which was survived only by K. Knight. In these shorter races, Wade is "seen at his best.

Freeson's EAortless Win

The junior cup event of 13 miles also drew a better field than usual, but was marred by at least half of the field at some part of the race meeting with minor mishaps. The cup was won by E. Free.soa (Metropolitan) off 2.0, with his club-mate V. Hawkes (3.15) in second place, and A. Martin, a new recruit of the Auckland Club, third. Freeson scored in effortless fashion, never leaving the issue in doubt once he commenced his sprint. He has been a consistent pedaller all the season. Hawkes went well, but found his club-matc too strong for him on the day. Martin was a good third considering it was <?nly his second ride, and first in a junior race. R. McGregor (Metropolitan) gained time honours, 42.30, and fourth place off scratch.

_ The Auckland Club's points positions to date are as follows:—Pardy Cup: R. Absolum 8J points, K. Watson 7, M. Knight 4. Aggregate: R. Absolum 66 J points. K. Watson 53. K. Mathieson 48. Fastest times: K. Fish. K. Knight. J. Wade, 2 each. Attendance: T. Hedlund, A. Treneary, R. Absolum 7 each.