CYCLING D. NIGH TAKES N.Z. JUNIOR TITLE

Press, Volume C, Issue 29638, 7 October 1961, Page 5

CYCLING D. NIGH TAKES N.Z. JUNIOR TITLE

D. Nigh (Auckland) became the national junior cycling champion when he won the title at Waikari over 50 miles yesterday. Soon after the race began a strong north-westerly wind changed to a strong easterly. The course was from Waikari along the North road to the Hurunui turn-off, across to Hawarden and back to Waikari. Three circuits were made. Forty-two riders began in one bunch from Waikari, but the field broke up early After 12 miles a large representative bunch led the rest. Auckland, with 10 representatives. had seven in the leading bunch and rode as a team.

After the leaders came a bunch of five, who were only half a minute behind. Three minutes after the leaders came another bunch of five A. Eager (West Coast. North Island), last at this stage, was only three minutes and a halt behind the leaders. After 28 miles the leading bunch comprised Nigh, M. Grace and K. Goldsworthy (Auckland), and G. Grey and G. Butterworth (Waikato). These five held a 25 second lead over K. White (West Coast North Island) and K. Rowan (Wellington) Forty-five seconds behind 'hese came B Jarden (Auckland) and B. Bayley (West Coast. North Island), who held 30 seconds over P. Yarrell (Wellington) and D Grace (Auckland). Fifteen seconds behind these two came the first Canterbury representative. R. Mann, who was only one minute and three-quarters behind the leaders. After 44 miles the leaders had been joined by White and Rowan. These seven were easily dear of the rest and contested the finish. Attempt to Bunch With about half a mile to go the three Auckland riders tried to bunch. Grey took the lead and. with more than 300 yards to go, began the final sprint. As they neared the line Nigh and Grace ranged beside him. With a finals burst Nigh took the title froth Grace with Grey third.

Only one second separated the seven riders.

Fifty seconds later came three more, with D. Grace (Auckland) just shading W Thorpe (Canterbury) tor eighth place and B. Jarden (Auckland) tenth. Auckland riders filled five of the first 10 places. Today, over the same course, senior riders will contest their title event over 100 miles.

Results were:—D. Nigh (Auckland) 1. M. Grace (Auckland) 2, G. Grey (Waikato) 3, K Goldsworthy (Auckland) 4 K. White (West Coast N. 1.) 5. G. Butterworth (Waikato) 6. K. Rowan (Wellington) 7, D. Grace (Auckland) 8, W. Thorpe (Canterbury) 9.’ B. Jarden (Auckland) 10. Winner's time: 2:6:8.