ROAD CYCLING

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 220, 13 June 1936, Page 18

ROAD CYCLING

Disappointing Fields

PETONE CLUB’S “AT

HOME”

(By

C.V.A.)

Regarded as races, last week s 15 and 25-mile junior and senior open events, conducted by the Pctone club, were first-class, but the small fields, coupled with a sjiorta®e of officials, left much to be desired, lhe starters in both events numbered a meagre 34 the Poneke contingent totalling Id, that of Port Nicholson nine, while the local club could only manage a mere haifdozen, surely a poor welcome to its city rivals. In addition to the lack of support by its wheelmen, the suburban club s officials were not in evidence with the exception of one, the handicapper, and had it not been for three Poneke club officials, the event would doubtless have been a farce. .. „ The Hutt Valley, which is essentially a cycling district, should) be in a position to boast of possessing one of the strongest cycling clubs in the Dominion, but the example set last Saturday, demonstrates the need of organisation and enthusiasm. One has only to compare the pedalling spqrt’s activities in Auckland and Christchurch with Wellington’s to become painfully aware of the poor active “population” in the capital city. In the northern and southern cities contestants in various weekly events total nearly 300, whiie Wellington is fortunate if fifty compete, in fact the Manukau (Auckland) and Papanui (Christchurch) clubs’ weekly events exceed this number at times. Of recent years, much support by. wellwishers and supporters has been forthcoming by donations of challenge trophies, the Poneke club possessing a handsome array. In a lesser degree the Port Nicholson club also are provided, but even the generosity of the donors does not appear to be sufficient inducement. In. the past energetic and hard-working officials have, by their unselfish endeavours, placed the sport on a high plane, but when these enthusiasts relinquished their unenviable positions, their good work went for nought, hence the present state of affairs, and it is only when one recalls the “boom” days the value of such men is realised. Since the conclusion of last road season each local club has increased their membership, and the Poneke club must be commended for again maintaining pride of place, especially when 16 defections are taken into consideration. The “Niconian’ club, while possessing no juniors, are in a much happier position numerically than .they were formerly, and Petone have, like their Poneke friends, more than made up for their defections. Nevertheless it it, only too obvious that there is something lacking, despite a slight improvement, and a conference between clubs’ representatives with a view to increasing the popularity of the game locally should, at least, not be a waste of time.

Notes on Racing. Kent was the only suburban rider participating in the junior event last Saturday, and, considering his first and second placings in successive senior events, was well treated by the handicapper, and he did not disappoint. His time was. only two seconds slower than the best registered. Kent has made a splendid start to what should prove to be a successful racing career. Fourteen-year-old/ Trevor Walsh was second boy home, a similar placing to that recorded in the Poneke club’s last junior event, and when he has developed physically, he should follow in brother Les’s footsteps. In his few outings he has revealed unusual ability for a midget. Roberts, fastest in Poneke junior 8 miles, pedalled to good purpose to repeat the feat, and this youthful speedster, along with his older brother, who has already proved his ability in the senior ranks, is a distinct asset to the red and blacks. Both recently arrived from Auckland. On paper the 6min. markers appeared to possess bright prospects of being placed, and by steady mutual pacing throughout deservedly made a clean sweep of the place prizes. Entering the straight Jack Treweek’s chain came off, which was hard luck indeed for the ex-Nelsonian, who is a good sprinter, but his old club-mate, Roy Evans, supplied the first place, to the delight of all present, there being a wealth of meaning in the good hand he received. No one has the sport at heart more than Evans, who is approaching the veteran stage, and his good work in the struggle for cyclists’ control of their own affairs a few years ago will not be readily forgotten, while this victory compensates him for his ill fortune in having machine bother in a club event recently when in a winning position. Second position was occupied by a hefty newcomer, P. Johnson, who won the “Niconian” club’s last event. This recruit possesses speed and stamina, attributes that combine to make a successful long distance specialist, and he should perform with credit in the “marathons” later in the season.

N. McLeod, fifth in “102” last year, rode his best race this season, and his solid pacing deserved something better than third placing. Nearing the finish he endeavoured to “burn” his co-mark-ers, with the result that he had nothing in reserve for the final clash. xln able set of pedallers on the scratch mark did not work in harmony from the commencement, and the least said of their participation in the event the better. Only T.'Roe, who was credited with, third best time, actually recorded fourteenth.

Ron Barber for some unknown reason was advanced slightly in thee handicap to partner Bob Loder, his club-mate, and Jack Wilson, who has not yet competed off scratch in a club race this season, was relegated to that mark. Loder and Barber pedalled so well that the scratch quintet was outclassed by two minutes, and while the former annexed major (jme honours in the sprint home, he readily admitted that it was Barber’s race. The latter rode splendidly, his punishing laps fully extending Loder, who should hold his place on the scratch mark, a mark he will doitetless compete off in future events. Well as Loder and Barber rode, time honours would certainly have been won by the three-minute trio, Barney Walsh, D. Evans and R. Amey, had the first-named been rendered a little more assistance. A mere second separated the two bunches, and Evans, appreciating Walsh’s good work, did not attempt to sprint him at the finish, the barren honour of being third speediest falling to Amey. Miscellaneous Notes.

At'a special meeting this week, the Poneke club decided to abandon the Kilbirnie course, and to hold the first danare of the season on June 27 in Miss Margaret O’Connor’s studio. Mr. E. West has been elected treasurer of the Wellington Cycling Centre, and Mr. M. Matson to a similar capacity in the Poneke club. Poneke club members are requested to meet at Lambton station to-morrow at 9 a.m., for a club run to Paraparaumu and return.

Ponelte Ra.ce To-day, The Poncke Amateur Cycling Club will hold a 25-miles race for the West Cup this afternoon. The course will be from the central fire station, Jervois Quay, to a point near the Taita Hotel, and back. The competition for this cup was commenced last season, being won by A. Ploughman. This rider, with a handicap of seven minutes, will have a very reasonable chance of a further success. The race is to start at 2.30 p.m. The handicaps are as follow: — Seniors: R. Dutton, L. Walsh, R. Loder, R. Barber, ser.; B. Walsh, K. McLeod, C. Roberts, D. Evans, 2min. H. Ilurford, R. Treweek, R. Evans, 4min.; R. Thomas, J. Barnsley, N. McLeod, 6 min.; A. McHardy, A Plowman, C Clark, C. Aldridge, 7mim; G. Pye, N. Doig, Omin. Juniors: S. Roberts, 2min.; T. Walsh, W. Mountjoy, 2|min.; K. Tlayes, N. Hewett, 3min.; H. Sparkes, M. Tait, 4 min.