Fowler fancied

Press, 26 May 1984, Page 72

Fowler fancied

The in-form cyclist, Brian Fowler (Woolston), appears the logical winner of the DB Harbour road race, which starts from Halswell this afternoon. Fowler rode most impressively last week-end, claiming the Canterbury 40km time trial on Sunday and taking fastest time in the 88km Amanda Wilks Shield the previous day. With the road season relatively new, Fowler’s stamina, which is being built up as he prepares for the Olympic Games, is obviously greater than most of his rivals, and he should be suited by the hills that the Gebbies Pass — Teddington — Governor’s Bay — Lyttelton — McCormick’s Bay route offers.

Chief among his rivals might be Blair Stockwell, who was well positioned during much of the Amanda Wilks race. Stockwell has not had as much racing this season as Fowler, and might find the shorter distance of 55km more to his liking. John Hughes, who made a short-lived bid for glory towards the end of last Saturday’s race, is also to be respected among the scratch riders. Hughes took fastest time in last year’s harbour race (Ihr 24min ss) and will be keen to reach the same sort of form again. Murray Steele and Craig Adair, noted more for their track riding, have entered, the event, although they are hardly likely to figure prominently at the finish.