CYCLING Gruelling Race Won By D. Savage

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30497, 20 July 1964, Page 14

CYCLING Gruelling Race Won By D. Savage

The Christchurch and Avon cycling clubs combined on Saturday for an event from Christchurch through Lyttelton to Teddlngton, over Gebbies pass and finishing at Halswell. This very gruelling race, In a strong wind and cold conditions, proved a triumph for D. Savage (Avon), who won from the scratch mark. Cash riders competed In the 36-mlle North- Canterbury Championship conducted by the Southbridge Sports Club. This event was run over a block course of 12 miles. Amateur Event Savage, who last week won the 50-mile Amanda Wilkes handicap from the 9min mark, was handicapped to the scratch mark and put up an outstanding performance to go right through the field to take first place and fastest time. G. McGregor (Christchurch), the veteran of the field, started from the limit and maintained the lead through Lyttelton but other riders were gradually gaining on him. Savage, who hart

G. McGregor (Christchurch), the veteran of the field, started from the limit and maintained the lead through Lyttelton but other riders were gradually gaining on him. Savage, who had been Improving his position all the time was at the top of the pass only 2min behind G. Leppens (Christchurch). Leppens appeared to have the race well in hand as he was riding very strongly. Savage was also riding at the top of his form and five miles from the finish gathered In Leppens. Savage was far too strong and rode away from Leppens to win by 2min 59sec. One minute forty-nine seconds later came Cumberpatch to take third place. G. Sword (Avon) off the scratch mark, was a little unfortunate to puncture but carried on gamely to take fifth place. Results were:— D. Savage (Avon) (scr.), 2:34:57.5, 1; A. Leppens (Christchurch) (7mln), 2:44:56.5, 2, D Cumberpatch (Christchurch) (16mm), 2:55.45, 3; R. Fitzgerald (Christchurch) (ISmin), 3:1:6, 4; G. Sword (Avon (scr.), 2:44:12, 5; M. Flood (Christchurch) (llmin), 2:58:49.4, 6. Fastest time: D. Savage (Avon) (scr.), 2:34:57.5. North Canterbury Championship A. O'Hagan took the senior championship and J. Blacknum the junior. B. Yaxley was the winner of the race. This was his third success in four weeks.

Over the first lap E. Shaw broke away from his co-markers, A. Shaw and C. Willcox, off the limit mark. E. Shaw was still holding the lead at the end of the first lap by 30 seconds from his comarkers. Entering the last lap Shaw still held command but only by 15 seconds from his co-markers. Yaxley gradually gathered in the bunch in front of him and with A. Howison and M. Woolford caught the leaders two miles from t.he finish. Yaxley still had plenty in reserve and rode away from the other two to win by nine seconds from Howison with Woolford third. The three limit riders held on to fill the minor placlngs. Over the last few miles O'Hagan rode away from his co-marker, J. Swanston, to take the title by 18 seconds. Results were:— B. Yaxley (Simin), 1:32:39, 1; A. Howison (Bmin), 1:35:33, 2; M. Woolford (Bmin), 1:35:34, 3; E. Shaw (21min), 1:48:49, 4; A. Shaw (21min), 1:48:50, 5; C. Willcox (21min), 1:48:51, 6. Senior championship: A. O’Hagan (scr.), 1:29:38. Junior championship: J. Blacknum (2fmin), 1:32:40.