Track riders favoured for road race title

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32629, 10 June 1971, Page 22

Track riders favoured for road race title

(By

R. M. CAIRNS)

The Air New Zealand Grand Prix, so often one of the most gruelling stage races in the cycling calendar, is almost a track rider’s benefit this season.

Those who do well in the national final normally travel to the tough four-day tour of Tasmania, but the prospect this year is a more relaxed fortnight in New Caledonia.

Into those two weeks are scattered a track meeting—maybe two—a 100 kilometre road race, and another road race of 120 kilometres. In linear terms, these amount to races of 62 and 75 miles, roughly, which are little more than training rides to the average New Zealand road man of any quality. Accordingly, the national final has been reduced from three days to two, and the shorter stages are bound to strike dismay in a few hearts —especially among those who have ridden this season with an Air New Zealand tour as their aim.

On the first day of the

final, July 24, there will be two stages of 45 or 50 miles, and there will be a final stage of 85 miles the next day. The first three rides over all will be chosen automatically for the tour; the remaining two places will be filled by the national selectors. This means that some track riders are bound to be chosen, particularly the likes of P. A. Medhurst (Auckland), J. A. Dean (Wellington), M. F. N. Vertongen (West CoastNorth Island), and the Canterbury pair, P. D. Brydon and J. P. S. Mullan.

All can ride the road capably, particularly short distances, and their track ability will suit the requirements of this particular tour. They are less likely to be impressed by the entry fee

of $5 being asked for the final, however. To fall in line with the changed set-up, the Canterbury centre has altered its qualifying tour. It will now be held on one day, July 11, at Sefton, and consist of three stages. There will be a 32-mile first stage, a one-mile time trial, and 100 kilometres (about 62 miles) for the final stage. The first four riders will qualify for the final, and two others will be chosen.