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Press, 12 November 1977, Page 12

The leading New Zealand contenders for the Dulux seven-day cycling tour had varied, and not always satisfactory rewards for their labours.

Garry Bell (No 21 in the photograph above) performed worst of the lot. In the Tuesday afternoon stage from Tokoroa to Rotorua, Bell missed a vital break and only finished as close as he did to the breakaway because it missed a turn.

Two days later, Bell plummeted even further down the general classification when — with a puncture not helping — he missed the main break on the stage to New Plymouth from Otorohanga. Steve Cox (No 23) made his greatest impact with a bitter denunciation of Paul Jesson after the penultimate stage, from Wanganui to Palmerston North. Interviewed immediately after the stage finish, Cox made clear what he thought of Jesson after he had failed to contribute towards catching the break that ensured Phil Anderson and Jack Swart of first and second places respectively.

Jesson (No 32, obscured) was a disappointment, even in fourth place. He was rarely positive, and often this season and in this tour has appeared more preoccupied with his opponents than in instigating some action nimself.

Blair Stockwell, shown at left winning the stage to New Plymouth in record time, ws the New Zealander who most looked likely to win the tour. He was comfortable and assured at all times, and embellished his fine record with another third placing.

In previous tours, Stockwell has been first, second, third and King of the Mountains.