CASH CYCLING

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 187, 9 August 1941, Page 4 (Supplement)

CASH CYCLING

K. Knight Unpaced Champion Of the Auckland Club

Ideal conditions prevailed for the Auckland Club's unpaced championships last week at Sylvia Park. The A grade event, the major contest, was the keenest race for many years with a bare 5s separating the first three placed riders. Pride of place went to K. Knight who clocked 48.50 for the 20 miles, just 3s faster than K. Fish, 48.53, with M. Knight another 2s Slower 48.55, third. The B grade contest was not so close a tussle, K. Mathieson having a fairly comfortable win from L. Harper, of Pukekohe, with T. Hedlund next. As was expected, the A grade proved to be a very open race, with at least five riders having an equal chance of carrying off the honours. The times see-sawed throughout, and it was anybody's championship right up to the finish. J. Wade unfortunately punctured when holding a slight lead at the half-way mark. In winning the championship, K. Knight proved his ability at unpaced riding, which is characteristic of the Knight family. His brother Chris, one of the best unpaced riders the club has had, won the title on two occasions. Ken has struck his best form this last few weeks, and his win was no surprise after many good efforts in this type of race previously. His time compares favourably with other years. K. Fish went very close to regaining the title which he won two years ago, and lost to Hansen last year. He specialises in this type of race, but has not had as much racing this year as usual. M. Knight was the surprise packet of the race in getting within 5s of his brother. The

result may have been different if he had not drawn No. 1 position at the start. At any rate he won the sealed handicap off 3.30.

K. Mathieson proved his consistency in winning the B grade division, for he was runner-up last year. He demonstrated that hip is not losing any of his dash to head off much younger competitors. L. Harper, runner-up, was having only his second race in the club, so he did well under the Gircumstances. He should prove troublesome in future races. T. Hedlund. third, and second in the handicap off 9.0, rode in improved style. The junior championship was a walk-over for A. Hayson, who completely outclassed his opponents to record the good time of 51.13, which was even better than some of the seniors' efforts. A. Martin was runner-up. Mold in Fine Form The Metropolitan Club held a 35mile event at Tamaki. The front men set a merry pace right from the start, and with 5i miles to go the leaders were V. Mold (7.30), D. Viscovich (7.30) and Couchman (6.15). Hayes and Harrison, both off 5.30, had dropped back in the previous lap. Viscovich's chain came off soon afterwards, but he iixed it and gave chase to eventually pick up the others again. Nearing the finish Mold asserted himself, and riding right away from the others went on to score by half a minute from Viscovich, with D. Hills (2.0) the same distance away, just heading Couchman by half a length. Mold scored his second club win in succession, and is in fine form. He finished very fresh, and extra mileage would not have troubled him any. Viscovich had a hard ride in making up his leeway, and only for this mav have given more trouble. Hills was again responsible for an outstanding ride as he rode alone throughout to also gain time in 94.59. He is in great form now. and should soon be on the honour mark.