Cycling AMANDA WILKES HANDICAP

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 29008, 24 September 1959, Page 15

Cycling AMANDA WILKES HANDICAP

45 Riders Entered

The amateur road racing season will conclude on Saturday with the open Amanda Wilkes handicap event. Forty-five riders have entered for this 50-mile classic, which will be an out-and-home event from Yaldhurst along the West Coast road and return. The shorter distance may help some of the scratch riders who failed badlv in the Timaru and Gorges races. On this mark is G. Shepnerd (Christchurch) and he appears to have the best chance of taking fastest time. The break mark of 4 minutes does not appear to have the strength to hold off the scratch riders for fastest time. On 7 minutes are some excellent juniors, who should perform well, but this is a difficult mark Some good riders are out on marks in front of them and these will keep up a steady pace and it is doubtful is the 7 minute riders will get up. The riders on 15 minutes should have little difficulty in overhauling the limit riders on 19 minutes. However, N. Stuart and E. Barnden, both of Avon, who rode well in the early stages of the Timaru race are certain to keep the front men moving.

Having his first road race this season is the New Zealand junior track sprint champion, B. Hazeldine (Christchurch), and he is riding from the 11 minute mark. On this mark are the two Papanui riders, B. Seeker and R. E. Bush, who filled the first two places in the Timaru race. With other fairly strong riders on this mark, the bunch should go reasonably well. Much will depend on conditions. If they are as good as they have been for the last two Saturdays, the winner'should come from one of the three front marks. If it is windy, especially on the outward run, then the back markers will have every chance of being up at the finish.