50-MILE CYCLING

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31161, 10 September 1966, Page 27

50-MILE CYCLING

Fitzgerald Favoured

It is unlikely that anyone but a rider from near the back marks will win the 21st anniversary Ashburton-to-Christchurch 50-mile race on Saturday. And just as In the Akaroa race last Saturday the winner should come from the 3min and s|min bunches.

Both of these marks have six riders and very few of them would not be capable of riding from scratch and performing well. However, the increasingly greater depth of senior cycling in Canterbury, from this season, has meant that handicap races are given greater attraction by the higher quality of the marks one and two in front of scratch.

The most likely winners, if there is a bunch sprint, are the seniors, C. B. Fitzgerald and J. H. Cleary, and two juniors, D. B. Hewson and B. G. Stockwell. When it is borne in mind that the riders in these two bunches also include P. A. Skilling, R. J. Hogan, I. D. McLean, B. E. Holland and D. J. Savage—all willing workers—then the chances of one rider taking the valuable prizes for first and fastest are very strong.

There are five riders on scratch but with the two internationals, T. J. Tabak and J. S. Danielson, doubtful starters, the chances of this bunch taking fastest time are reduced.

If it does succeed, and stays together, then R. D. Mann is certain to beat the fast-developing D. Jones and the Blenheim junior, J. Sneddon, who probably will be out of his depth.