ROAD CYCLING

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 202, 23 May 1936, Page 24

ROAD CYCLING

All Clubs In Sound Position MANY NEW MEMBERS I (By C.V.A.) Judging by the enthusiasm displayed by Wellington pedallers and supporters during the past fortnight, the 1030 season should prove successful indeed. Each, local club has experienced losses by transfers, and several giving the sport best, but new members have more than compensated for these defections, while the material available should ensure some . stirring contests when the open events are staged, as each club is well supplied with well-performed back-markers. Petone Club.

The Petone club's opening event last week must have been encouraging indeed for those who have strived to make a success of the road racing section, and three of the several newcomers who have signed up, R. Staples, J. Kent and E. Kershaw, filled the major placing®, while that loyal and consistent scratch pair, Tom Roe and Charlie Biggs, annexed fastest time. The Roe Brothers and Chas. Biggs will be the club’s strongest hand in open events, while W. Barlow is a likely improver. Harry Biggs continues to make such steady progress that his e’der brother will have to look to his laurels.

Port Nicholson Club. From a club point of view the new season should prove to be the best since the breakaway movement for the Port Nicholson club. A goodly supply of new members, active and non-active, new trophies and a healthy financial state combine to make those in charge optimistic for a good year. Club members regret the departure of Len Sowerby to Nelson after five years of good service, and this well performed rider has annexed numerous classic event titles for the old club during that period. However, brother Les, who reached the first flight during 4 the track season, should still keep the well-known Johnsonville name in the limelight, while his trainer, N. Robinson, will sec that his protege lacks nothing in fitness. A valuable gain is Floyd Franklyn, from Pahiatua, who while doing splendidly in classic races, should hold his own with the best in the country, especially now that more regular competition will be obtained. The Port Nicholson Club Is strong indeed in back-markers and time piacings should take _ a wide range. The Wilson brothers, Disley', Sowerby, and Franklyn at this early period appear to be an excellent Hope Gibbons Shield team. Last season “Ossie” Disley took some considerable time to reach his best, but last week’s registration of time honours from Franklyn and Ken Wilson, reveals that he is in earnest, and he should not be long in repeating Saturday’s performance. In addition to Franklyn and I. McLeod, last week’s winner from G. Amey and W. Smithers, the “Niconians” arc fortunate in signing Chas. ■ McGurk and Walter Keighley, two well-performed Petone club boys. Poneke Club. Always the magnet for new members the Poneke club have signed eleven during the past fortnight, and several more are expected to link up with this progressive body in the near future; therefore the numerous defections caused through members retiring from active competition are amply compensated for. A welcome return to the ranks is evergreen Roy Evans, who spent last season in Nelson, where he was responsible for forming a strong club, and one of his associates. Jack Trewieke, a rider of no mean ability, has moved to the capital city, thereby assisting to swell the Poneke ranks. Both Evans and Trewieke should perform well in distance events. A serious loss to Poneke's scratch division is the retirement of Ron. Ulmer and Frank Blackett, who will only be available occasionally. Nevertheless, with back-markers of such calibre as Dutton, Barber, Loader, B. and L. Walsh, the red and blacks possess worthy representatives. Last week’s winner, C. Roberts, is perhaps the most promising recruit seen in the two initial events held, as his third “time placing reveals, and his sub-

sequent form will be followed with interest.

Ken. McLeod followed his centre race win by a second placing, thus demonstrating that his association with bis bosom pal, Leo Walsh, in training spins, is resulting in great improvement indeed: last year’s slakara winner should enjoy a good season. Barber and B. Walsh, by annexing time honours in the centre event, and L. Walsh and Dutton similar success in last Saturday’s sprint around the peninsula, revealed form that foretells interesting contests for “time” in subsequent events, and this youthful quartet should render cycling valuable service for years to come. A. Huxford, consistent handicap performer last season, was again to the fore, finishing second in the centre event, while “Darky” McHardy, who rode well as a junior two years ago. celebrated bis return by recording third place. The club’s social activities will be resumed next week when a dance will be held in the Tararua Tramping Club’s hall. All kindred chib members and supporters are invited.