CASH CYCLING KING WINS 20-MILE RACE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXVI, Issue 99, 28 April 1945, Page 19

CASH CYCLING KING WINS 20-MILE RACE

Another good field of 20 riders started in the combined cash cycling club's 20-mile road race last Saturday at Sylvia Park. M. Hodgens and R. Manson were off limit, 7.45, with Wade, Moffatt, Fish and Hansen on scratch. E. Harrison, after a long spell, started again, and there was a new rider in J. K. Wade. An exceptionally strong bunch of 5m men, comprising Harrison, Ward, Watson, Harvey, King, White, J. K. Wade and Gaven set a hot pace right from the start, and it was early apparent that the winner would come from that bunch. At the turn, these riders had linked up with Hodgens (7.45), M. Knight (7.0) and Edkins (6.30), and from then on the big bunch did some fine team work. Six riders entered the home stretch together, and a great finish was witnessed, half lengths separating each rider. D. King was first, R. Watson second and W. Harvey third. Lengths separated Moffatt, Fish and Hansen for fastest time, the first-named gaining the honours in 46.24. The winner clocked .48.40. King came home in good style, and has struck form quickly, for he was up in sixth place the previous week. Last season, he started near the tail-end, after six' years' retirement, to win over 30 miles in his sixth start in seven. Rex Watson, who finished fifth in .the first race, went wel> again, and his performances are pleasing to record, as he is another of the old brigade out of retirement. It is many years now since he was seen in action, and he has come back keener than ever. Harvey followed up last week's third placing with another, and has made a good start. The first six places were all filled by riders who I have made a comeback either this I season or last. '