Canty favoured in cycling

Press, 15 July 1978, Page 52

Canty favoured in cycling

By RAY CAIRNS Domestic strife in Dunedin! cash cycling circles has resulted in the disappointingly low entry of three cyclists from that area in the field for the Bob Harrison Memorial 70km scratch classic today. But the back-markers are hardly likely to mind, for the Main West Road is swiftly establishing a reputation as a scratch-marker’s playground .in the winter. Should the sou’westerlies continue long enough, the gradual uphill drag will make a mockery of the marks; there is ample recent evidence of this in both cash and amateur races on the course. Thus, the scratch riders — and especially Russell Nant, the sprinter, and Steve Doherty, the strong-man — will be watching the weath-er-cocks with particular interest. Their co-markers are Clayton Yaxley, of the Hornby club; Tony McManus # one of only three Otago riders honouring the memory of a man involved in the sport and the code for half a century; and South Canterbury’s Grant Scott and Ross Currie. If they are to strike major opposition, it should come

not so much from the break mark, off 2min — and likely to be picked up quite quickly, too — as from the groups off 4min and 9min. There is a solid look to the 4min bunch, with Tom HartEl easing out on the marks and having among his company Tony Morris and last year’s winner, Graham Skinner.

Brian Roulston, returning after a spell from the sport, is off 9min, and his useful company includes Ray Craig, John Doherty, Gary Froggatt and Peter Carvell. There are 49 starters, and many of them have more racing tomorrow, in the national 40km team time trial championship. With the unfortunate defection from Dunedin, Canterbury Is a likely winner, with Nant, Doherty, Yaxley, John Cleary and Gary Radbumd forming its top squad. It may be a case of the first three ensuring they keep one or both of the other two with them to the line.

Mid Canterbury looks next best with Hartiil, Skinner, Jim Ward, and the Wylie brothers, Owen and Paul. However, South Canterbury — Scott and Currie providing the power — should not be overlooked.