CYCLING

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 184, 2 May 1929, Page 8

CYCLING

By

“VELOS"

Saturday next is tlie opening of tlie road season for Wellington cyclists, and from the secretary of the I’ort Nicholson Cycling Club all is reported in readiness for the day. Good entries have been received, amongst them being such well-known performers as A. R. Mutton, winner of last year’s Palmerston North-Wellington event, S. Wright, who put up an excellent performance on his recent ride from Auckland, and F. Christensen, who gained first place in last season's 50-mile New Zealand championship. Other riders of mention who will be seen out early in the season are Milton Gane, runner-up, and E. F. Bellman, that promising junior who gained third place for the Corbett Cup; also Cyril Flett, present New Zealand champion road rider, and Jaek Carswell, whose performances on track and road are of high standard. Unfortunately Sid Webber may not be seen out so early 'owing to a recent injury to his foot, but it is hoped he will soon be in training once again. Club Captain “Billy” Bray it; at present away in Auckland and will not be present for the opening. However, be will be here for the next event, and “Velos” advises the new members to take a lesson from Bray's pedalling when he is seen out. There is not a better actioned pedaller on the road. Percy Sutherland will not be seen out for a while as he is taking a spell for the present. Another promising junior, Sutherland, is making a wise move after his strenuous track season, which followed an equally strenuous road season last year. Training. Adverse weather conditions did not make possible the usual club run out on Sunday last, although a few riders turned up at Lambton station. Some of the younger riders, and the older ones too, insist, when out training (in fun no doubt) to bump and jostle others. This practice is very dangerous and will not be countenanced not only in view of serious injury which may result, but we want clean sport and we are going to have it. Harrier Versus Cyclist. This is an event which the Port Nicholson Club is to endeavour to stage this year. These events are very popular in Great Britain and ou the Continent. The course selected is usually over a distance of five miles with conditions equally favourable to both harriers and cyclists, the trail being laid by a runner and cyclist. An effort was made to put on the event last year, but it was left too late and therefore held over until this season. Pacing. In his report on Stan Wright’s record from Auckland, one writer mentioned that as Wright was accompanied by a car this would in a sense act as a pacemaker. How this would be “Velos” fails to see, as the car was never in front of, or beside, the rider at any stage of the long journey. If the fact of being followed by a car did assist in giving pace, would not all out races be termed as being paced, as all big events and the smaller ones, too, are followed by not one but several cars. It must under the circumstances be admitted that Wright was absolutely unpaced the whole length of his journey. Wanganui-Palmerston North. It has been mentioned that this event, which last year was held from Palmerston North to Wanganui, will not this year be held. It is to be hoped by all connected with cycling that this will not be so as Wellington, and also prominent South Island, riders have already hinted at their intention of entering. Undoubtedly the Wanganui Road Cycling Club has had several setbacks of late months owing to the loss of some of their prominent riders who have left Wanganui for other centres. Hutt Road Cycle Track? The dangerous state of the Hutt road cycle truck, which has previously been mentioned in this column, was evidenced on Saturday night last, when two wellknown racing cyclists suffered a bad spill which mav have had serious results. Whilst setting a steady pace in a training ride they suddenly came upon one of the worst patches of the track—a patch which has been broken up by heavy lorries, and in attempting to avoid this, the leading rider collided with a lady cyclist, who could not be seen owing to the glare of the lights from motorists on the road. On the same night a quantity of oil was spilt on the bitumen road and in consequence several motor-cyclists came to grief, one being removed to the public hospital. Within la short space of time a covering of sand was sent out from town and spread over the road, thus ensuring the safety of motorists. In fairness to cyclists it is time something was done for their safety too. General. Cyclists are reminded to secure their new numbers from the number steward before the commencement of Saturday’s race. . Through the kindness of Mr. Creeke, superintendent of the Central Fire Station, permission is allowed riders to change their clothing at the rear of the station.