One More For Clean Sweep

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31837, 15 November 1968, Page 13

One More For Clean Sweep

B. G. Stockwell (Papanui) will attempt to become the first rider to win the Canterbury senior, junior and boys’ road cycling titles when he faces the starter in the senior race at the Leithfield block course tomorrow. His chances of winning the 100-mile championship are bright, but W. W. Thorpe and R. J. Hogan (Papanui), and to a slightly lesser ex-

tent M. W. Litolff (Avon) and H. R. Bush (Papanui), have the ability to take full advantage of any chances offered. Stockwell has won the junior title twice and the boys’ race once, and to complete the treble would be a fine achievement for an 18-year-old. If the race is hard all the way Hogan and Thorpe should be the danger men, but if there is any slackening in pressure Stockwell will be to the fore. Before his departure for the North Island and New Caledonia. Hogan was unable

to match Stockwell but his successes against many fine riders suggests that he has improved considerably. His

form will be watched with great interest. If he can last to the finish Litolff’s renowned sprinting ability would give him a grand chance of victory. Because of this the leading riders will be anxious to drop him as quickly as possible. Litolff is not lacking in stamina but he is unlikely to match Thorpe and Hogan.

Thorpe has never been fitter, and he is confident that the harder the race, the better will be bis prospects of success. This may be his best chance of winning a Canterbury senior title. After his accident at English Park last Sunday D. Jones (Avon), winner of the Christchurch-to-Akaroa and return race in October, is out for a few weeks. He has done a big mileage in the last few weeks and could have done surprisingly well

The senior race has attracted 23 entries and the junior event, over 50 miles, 10. The most pleasing entry is for the 15-mile boys' race! which has tollected 30 likely starters.

R. K. Anderson (Papanui),! who has ridden off the scratch mark in open races [ {this season, will be the strong j favourite in the junior race but he will probably have to contend with the sprinting ability of his club-mate. P., D. Brydon. S. Keys (Avon) rode very well lasi Saturday to finish a close second in the HarrySaundercock Memorial 100kilometre race and B. R. Chisholm (Papanui) is capable of staying with his more highly-favoured opponents. The decision of the South Island 15-mile boys’ champion, R. E. Kight (Hornby), to put track races first, has made the boys’ field very open. J. P. Mullan (Hornby), second in the South Island race, has a fine sprint but a club-mate, K. D. Wapp, and two Timaru riders, G. McD. Howes and G. R. Goodall, will have strong claims. '