ANOTHER FAILURE FOR N.Z. CYCLING

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33447, 31 January 1974, Page 8

ANOTHER FAILURE FOR N.Z. CYCLING

(By

R. M. CAIRNS)

"We can find reasons but we cannot make excuses,” said a despondent manager of the New Zealand cycling team (Mr Des Smith), after more diSappointing results from his wellfavoured track squad last evening.

In ihe most surprising result of them all, the New Zealand pursuit team failed badly in its semi-final against Australia, which it had beaten by nearly 3}sec in the afternoon’s qualifying round. And to cap a bad night for the host country, the tandem team from Auckland. Paul Medhurst and Phil Harland, was also relegated to riding for the bronze medal in its specialty event.

New Zealand’s chances of collecting a medal in the team pursuit—an event added to the Games programme after this country’s urgings—looked particularly bright after the qualifying round. It was not expected it would beat England’s worldclass quartet for the gold. Although England lost Rik Evans after 3000 metres, its other three riders continued on to a time of 4min 44.905ec, handsomely clear of New Zea,and’s 4min 50.405ec. In the semi-finals, England caught Scotland with 300 metres to ride, but New Zea-

land was an unusually ragged combination against Australia after what appeared to be a false start, but which was not recalled.

“They were so untidy, and Australia started so fast, that we just did not find or regain any tempo,” said Mr Smith. “This performance was the most disappointing of the lot and the whole teams’ effort cannot be explained. “This is the best prepared team we have had; we could only give them everything they needed, organise everything, and wait for results. But the only ones who have ridden above themselves are Rene Heyde and the tandem pair.”

The tandem pair of Medhurst and Harland certainly provided spirited opposition for the young Australians, John Rush and Danny O’Neil, but failed in their quest to meet Ernie Crutchlow and Geoff Cooke in the final.

The England team overwhelmed Wales in straight heats, but the Australia-New Zealand semi-final went to three matchings.

Australia clearly had the legs on New Zealand when leading out, but Medhurst gave the team a chance. He showed great daring and skill in the second match to go through on the inside, forcing his way to the front, and surviving a protest. I But Crutchlow and Cooke [look very warm favourites to {emulate their country’s fourman team in the search for I more gold medals.