CYCLING

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 54, 27 November 1929, Page 8

CYCLING

By

"VELOS"

The position regarding the control of cycling throughout. New Zealand is , at present, occupying attention in all athletic circles, and, in order to ascertain which side to aid with its support, a general meeting of the Port Nicholson Amateur Club has been called for to-morrow night. It is imperative that every club member make it his business to attend this meeting. which will commence at 7.3(1. The position to be decided is briefly as follows:—

Under existing conditions cyclists in New Zealand are controlled by the N.Z.A.A.A., or, to be more correct, by various centres under its jurisdiction, tn some centres this control has been lax and unreasonable towards the cycling fraternity generally with the Inevitable result of dissatisfaction on the latter’s part. Reviewing the situation Auckland cyclists decided to apply for affiliation to the Uhion Cyclists’ Internationale, which body controls ail cycling throughout the world. The move was detected by the N.Z.A.A.A.. however, and the association, too, decided to apply for the privilege of affiliation. Botli applications were received by the Union Cyclists' Internationale at the same meeting, and both were deferred until the next conference to be held in February next at Zurich, Switzerland. This enabled inquiries to be made, and should the Manukau riders prove that they .have general support of New Zealand amateurs, the chance of their affiliation will be decidedly improved. . * • The Manukau .Club docs not want to assuuic complete control of cycling for themselves—far from it; but their slogan. “Cyclists controlled by cyclists," is a sound one and has been ' received with general sympathy in the South Island. Our own position here in Wellington Is more difficult to define than that of tlie other centres. The Wellington Centre ot the N.Z.A.A.A. Is really a line organisntion, with plenty of genuine interest to bestow upon the cyclists, and it promotes sports meetings with plenty of vigour. Of course their every move does not meet with entire approval, but it is a,most. certain that, it every centre in the Dominion was as efficient as that ot this C.ty, the "break-away” movement would not have progressed so far. Centre’s Official Opening. The Basin Reserve will be the scene ot a splendid athletic and cycling programme next Saturday evening, when the Wellington Centre will officially open its 1929-30 track racing season. The cyclists are well catered for and events In Hits direction comprise a half-mile handicap (open), a three-mile handicap (also open), and a one.-mile Invitation scratch race. B grade riders have three races allotted them over the various distances. Provided tine weather prevails, the meeting should attract a good attendance of 'tlie public, as there are no serious counter-attractions on that date. Entries received include those of J. M. Gane, C. Flett, T. Sutherland, and Other brilliant pedallers. Petone Club Active.

At Petone on Wednesday night last, L. Pearce made his first appearance for this season, and showed good form, but by no means his best. Gane was better than he in the one mile by half a length, after Pearce “lending out.” A fonr-mlles event was conducted by the club, tlie object of this race being a "try-out” for the Lay-

kold Cup event, which is to be held on December 7. Off the middle marks Morris and Ericsson worked well, and not until the last lap did Gane and Pearce overhaul the leaders: H. Scarfe led at the bell, only to be defeated by Ericsson. Gane off the scratch mark sprinted fast into second place, a length ahead" of J. Morris. Next Wednesday this enterprising club intends conducting a race over five miles, which will have a limit of 420 yards. These evening meetings are very popular with Petone and town riders alike, and events are keenly contested. Riders nre reminded that track fees are now due to the Reserve Committee for the use of the Petone Oval. Hubert Opperman.

The dates fixed for the appearance of Hubert Opperman, the Australian road and motor pace champion, are December 14, 18, and 23, at English Park banked track, Christchurch. Opperman’s opponents in this country have not yet been definitely selected, except that at the initial meeting he will be matched against Harry Watson (of Tour de France fame) in a tandem paced match race over a distance of five miles. Then ex-amateur .1. It. I. Anson and Jackie Henderson will be riding one tandem, and the Jordan Brothers the other. On the second night it is practically assured Phil O’Shea will compete against Opperman in a special match race. Opperman, known as "The Wonder Man of the Wheel,” is an adept, at motor-paced riding, and to enable, tlie best- New Zealand talent to be pitted against him. four riders have been selected to train for n series of eliminating motor-paced test races, the winner of which will have the honour of meeting the renowned visitor in a three-distance match race. Those picked are: A. C. Ritchie (N.Z. champion), W. T. Weir. L. Pither, and C. Austin. Austin and Weir., who are at present residing in Dunedin, have had motor pace cycles sent down for training purposes, and as both riders have proved their worth behind the rollers, their appearance at English Park on December 14 is being eagerly looked forward to.

Opperman hns proved his superiority in so many different phases of cycling that his performances are too numerous and varied to comment upon. His most outstanding feat of recent date Is, however, the record of 39 hours 42 minutes 12 seconds for the BBT miles' ride from Sydney io Melbourne: that effort must go on record as the greatest, in the history of Australian cycling. The wonderful reception accorded lhe champion on his long ml". culminating in between (10.900 and 70.000 people witnessing the final stages nf the rice, testify to the popularity of Opperman's popularity. He leaves for New Zealand on December 6.