ROAD CYCLING

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 208, 30 May 1936, Page 26

ROAD CYCLING

Hope Gibbons Shield Contest AROUND THE CLUBS

(By

C.V.A.)

While it is perhaps too early in the season for such an day’s contest for the coveted Hope Gibbons Shield should, as was the case iu each race of the series held last year, result in a close decision. In an event of this nature. one witnesses cycling at its best, as indivffiual success does not count, while unselfish naeiu"' and combination usually result in a speedy side indeed. The trophy was donated in 1934, Poneke B earning the distftetion of being the initial holders, while Port Nicholson A proved successful last season; but the numerous instances of machine bother, such as those that occurred on the rugged Kilbirme course, should be absent during the present series, as the Hutt Road route is to be used for one race. Port Nicholson A should be difficult to defeat in the first tilt, although the services of O. Disley, who met with an accident last week, will be sorely missed but a warm combination iu Poneke A will see that a torrid pace is maintained throughout, while Petone A, always an evenly-balanced team, should be well im the picture. Of last seasons Poneke A team, -Outton and L. Walsh retain their places, but B. Walsh, Loader, and Barber are worthy successors to Blackett, who is absent in the country, and Ulmer, who has given the sport best. J. Boulton, who has yet to race this season, is an emergency tO ßort Nicholson A, while losing Len Sowerby, have gained a splendid performer 'in F. Franklyn, and, with a rapid improver in G. Arney, who promises to reach the first flight shortly, will. not disgrace himself substituting, for Disley. The Petone club’s A combination is the same as last season’s, but Poueke B, who for the past two years have been of almost equal calibre as their A team, are not quite so powerful for to-day s event. Petone Club.

K Staples and 11. Kent, first and second in the club’s opening event, reversed the decision in last week’s 20-miler, while a useful performer in A. Cook, who finished third, assisted them to keep well clear of the remainder of the field, the trio possessing a tidy start of six minutes. By recording placings m successive events. Kent and Staples revealed form not altogether expected of new recruits, and greater improvement still, should be evident when they are associated with some of the men on the rear marks. As usual, “time” went to Tom Roe, whose sprinting ability again proved too much for Charlie Biggs, while R. Triplow. second in the 1935 “102,” was third fastest rider in the pack. Biggs and Triplow should be difficult to dispose of in time trial events, as both are a little unfortunate in having to deal with such an accomplished sprinter as Roe.

Port Nicholson Club. Similar to the suburban club, new members have dominated the placings :n the “Niconian” club's first two events, two limit boys, P. Johnston and L. Cartner. proving successful last Saturday, while the previous week's winner, 1.. McLeod, recorded third place after riding practically the entire 21 miles journey unaccompanied. The subsequent rides of the placed lads will be followed with interest, but McLeod is not altogether a newcomer, as he raced for the Poneke club about four years ago. although his participation was brief. A real road man of the rugged type, Franklyn lias never impressed as a sprinter in previous seasons, but his defeat of Ken Wilson in the tilt for time placings surprised considerably. When properly lit. the provincial champion should turn the tables on the ex-Pahiatua man, who takes his cycling very seriously, while his training methods could be copied with advantage. With Franklyn, Lisle,v and Wilson disputing time honours in future events, “Nicoiaan” supporters arc doubtless anticipating many a stirring contest between this wellperformed trio. Poneke Club.

In past seasons junior events have been deleted in order to maintain good “fields” in senior events, but a different and wiser policy is being adopted this year by the Poneke chib’s committee, and the younger boys will be catered for throughout the season on chib days with races ranging from five to 15 miles. The majority of the red and blacks’ prominent pedallers have risen from the junior ranks, and with a good course available, and a fair amount of competition for the youngsters, the club should be well served when they attain senior status.

While only six competed in Saturday s race over eight miles the event was a good one. and the lads enjoyed themselves immensely, this being evident nt the conclusion of their ride. Trevor Walsh, not to be outdone by his better-known brother Leo, annexed first handicap place from the midget, Harry Sparkes, who plugged away manfully in senior races last year, while a newcomer, N. Hewett, was close behind in third place. Two fresh faces, S. Roberts and W. Mouutjoy, turned the pedals round _ to good purpose in registering fastest time and, with several more juniors registering with the red and black jersey wearers, success should take a wide, range. A better display of club spirit on the part of several senior members should result in larger “fields” than that of last week. Nevertheless, the 20-mile event proved to be a well-handicapped affair, with fast times the order of the day, and it was quite evident that close attention had been paid to strict training during the past few weeks. Ken McLeod rather unexpectedly continued his “trot,” but was perhaps fortunate in being handicapped on the same mark ns C. Roberts and A. Huxford,. who finished second and third respectively, and Roy Evans, off three minutes, and this quartet’s combination was excelled only by the scratch men. McLeod deserves all the success that comes his way, but he will be on a short mark in future races, and his association witli the rear-markers should result in greater improvement still. Evans, with bis sprinting ability, would certainly have disputed the placings had be not punctured, but his turn should come shortly, and, with his withdrawal, the contest was regarded as a certainty for McLeod, and he did not disappoint, although Roberts with a little more experience would have made his task more difficult. The previous week’s winner appeared to be worrying more about the man in third place, Huxford, than the winner, who was only a length ahead at the finish. A good career is predicted for him, and the Poneke club are fortunate in possessing a new member of such ability.

A great plugger and a good club member, Alex Huxford is a credit to himself and his associates, and it is a pity that bis lack o f sprinting ability on numerous occasions leaves him having to be content with a minor place. While Ron Barber was seriously hampered by a careless civilian cyclist, which resulted in his being left with no room to sprint until it was too late, Les Walsh thoroughly deserved time honours, as he worked splendidly throughout, and, being a keen and enthusiastic club worker. his success was popular indeed. Barber should shortly be recompensed for his ill luck, while Dijtton, though riding well, will prove a tough proposition for his speedy co-markers when the distances lengthen. While Bob Loader and Barney Walsh rode well off the “break.” their task for time honours was almost a hopeless one, and should Loader be handicapped on the scratch mark at a future date, L. Walsh and Co.',will have to look to their laurels. This rising rider surprised somewhat by the ease with which he disposed of the scratch men in the eprint.