Fine Cycle Win By Bush

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32395, 7 September 1970, Page 11

Fine Cycle Win By Bush

Another fine performance was returned by the Papanui cycllet, H. R. Bush when he was returned by the Papanul took time honours tn the annual 100-mile Timaru to Christchurch open cycling race on Saturday.

Bush, riding off scratch, appeared very exhausted when passing through West MeltonStill eight miles from the finish, but he plugged on and proved too strong in the final sprint for fastest time.

Second fastest time went to R. E. Bush, who has now occupied this position in the last three major events, going down to his older brother on each occasion. Bush was quick to

acknowledge the help that his older brother gave him in rejoining the bunch after a spill 30 miles from the finish. The race winner was the young Avon rider, D. McMillan. In his first road cycling season McMillan showed plenty of fortitude in breaking away at Ashburton and riding the last 50 miles alone. His victory in what was his initial Timaru to Christchurch ride also gave him his first open cycling win.

The time for the race was a comparatively slow 4hr 40min 22sec, but considering the buffeting that the field suffered from gale force winds especially near Orari and Rakaia, it was quite respectable.

Only 18 of the 54 starters finished, which bears out Bush’s statement that it was probably the toughest race of the sea'son.

Passing through Paparoa, McMillan had a five-minute lead over R. Reid (Avon) who, in turn, was Imin ahead of B. Stockwell and J, Mullan. Closely following the latter was the main bunch, including L. Manners, R. Kennedy, A. Hood, I. McLean and the Bush brothers. Stockwell and Mullan picked up Reid before Yaldhurst but it was obvious at this stage that they would not catch McMillan. Just when it seemed that Stockwell was assured of time honours he was siok only half a mile from the finish and could hardly turn the pedals as he eventually crossed the line in eleventh place. His effort deserved a better fate for he had been responsible for forcing much of the pace and attempted breakaways that enabled the backmarkers to dispute the race finish. Although still feeling good at Paparoa the lack of recent hard road racing apparently caught up with him over the concluding part. Results were: McMillan (58mln), 5:37.19, 1; H. Bush (scr), 4:40.22, 2; Mullan (lOmin), 4:50.23, 3: A. Hood (Bmin). 4:48.24, 4. Fastest time: H. Bush 1, R. Bush 2. Stockwell 3.