Unique cycling twist

Press, 5 September 1981, Page 24

Unique cycling twist

By

RAY CAIRNS

Provided there are no scratchings, 138 cyclists will be riding the 160 km between Timarli and Christchurch today. But they will not all be riding in the same race, because of a unique twist to one of the most famous courses in New Zealand, the amateur and professional races are on the same day. Thankfully, there is not the bizarre likelihood of the two groups being cheek ( by jowl, for the professional race this year, as it is now every second year, is from Christchurch to Timaru; the amateurs are racing in the northerly direction. So, round about 11 a.m and probably until noon, the casual spectator somewhere between Chertsey and Ashburton, will think he is at a tennis match, as cyclists flash by from both directions, as scheduled, 74 of

them in the amateur race, 64 in the cash ranks. The latter has a 65min limit of veterans, and a total of 11 bunches. The most favoured of those bunches is second break —12 min — including last year’s 160 km champion, Grant Scott; the favoured junior, Tony Ward, and his closest challenger, Graham Schist; and the veteran favourite. Willie Stevenson. Further out on the marks, Frank Paviell must be impressed with his 27 1 / z min, while there is interest in Eddie Ward of Ashburton and his four cycling sons — Tony, Jim, Bob, and Michael — all starting.

The scratch riders, seeking the national 160 km title, are Steve Doherty, the unrelated Peter and Greg Cox, Paul Hoskin, John .Reid, Clayton Yaxley and the Australian, Peter Barker. Their amateur counterparts, who should surely also take fastest time, are Brian Fowler, Blair Stockwell, Murray Steele. Wayne Howes, Peter Goding, Barry Tall, Jim Ryder and. last year's winner of first place and fastest time, Brent Kircher. The front-marker who looks to have a real chance is -Merv Dryden, while there is considerable strength on the 31, 39 and 45min marks.