72 STARTERS IN ANNUAL RACE

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28930, 25 June 1959, Page 5

72 STARTERS IN ANNUAL RACE

Ashburtoii-Cliristchurch On Saturday An outstanding field of 72 riders has entered lor the Christchurch Amateur Cycling Club s annual Ashburton to Christchurch road race on Saturday. This year the marks have been tightened, and there is only a 19}min limit. This means that the bunches will be bigger than usual and closer together. Little separates the break riders on 2 J min from the scratch men, and it is possible that time honours could come from either of these marks, with break riders appearing to nave the best prospects. On the front two marks there are two riders who have every chance of holding the lead to the finish, but to do so they must ride away from the others on these marks that are not keeping up the pace. Some excellent racing should be seen from the riders on the 4Jmin mark, and if this bunch can link up reasonably early with the 7min markers, the best from these two bunches have every chance of going through the field Except for the scratch and break riders, it is possible that the field after about 40 miles will be in three big bunches, and there could be a very large number of riders in the leading bunch to dispute the major places. How the race is run will depend on the weather, however, and should there be a following wind the middle markers have every chance. If there is a head wind, the back-markers with the short limit have their best chance of moving through the field.

The handicapping of the race this year should produce much faster riding than has been seen in the bast. The race is expected to finish en the Lincoln road extension about 3.30 p in.

Stall Entered.—A slide in the ice-cream stall at Wilding Park was forced open on Sunday night and stock valued at £3 12s 6d was stolen.