Mauger Makes History

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32396, 8 September 1970, Page 11

Mauger Makes History

(N.Z.P. A.-Reuter—Copyright) WARSAW. I. Mauger, of New Zealand, has made speedway history at Wroclaw, Poland, by winning the individual world championship for the third successive year. The 30-ycar-old Christchurch rider who is at present based at Manchester, in England, won all his five heats to score a maximum 15 points. Nearly 50,000 spectators watched the races and more than 1000 British fans led the cheering as Mauger, in a lightning start, led all the way in his final heat to become

the first rider to win the title three times in succession. A major surprise was the eclipse of another Christchurch rider and former world champion, B. Briggs, who won only one heat and scored a low total of seven points. An expected challenge from three Russian riders did not materialise and only V. Klementiev, sixth with eight points, was among the first nine of the 16 finalists. TOUGH CONTEST

The main danger men for Mauger were Poland’s experienced P. Waloszek, aged 32, and A. Workna, aged 29, who finished second and third with 14 and 13 points respectively. Mauger and Waloszek were level with nine points each when they met in the decisive heat Waloszek had the inside position, but again Mauger's brilliant starting technique carried him to the front and he fought off the tenacious Pole to the finish. HEDGE UNLUCKY Britain’s sole finalist T. Hedge, had an unhappy day, dropping out of his first two heats with engine trouble, and being seriously shaken up in a spectacular collision with G. Kurylenko (Russia), in his third ride. The judges ruled the 27-year-old Soviet rider responsible for the spill by “causing a dangerous situation” and disqualified him from the heat Hedge limped shakily from the track and a substitute took his place when the heat was re-run. The Briton reappeared for one more heat Mauger is shown on the winner’s rostrum, flanked by the Polish riders, P.i Waloszek (left), and A. Woryna. I