ROAD CYCLING

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 256, 25 July 1936, Page 15

ROAD CYCLING

Hope Gibbons Shield TO-DAY’S FINAL RACE (By 0.V.A.) Enthusiasts will trip out to Petone today to see the final contest for the coveted Hope Gibbons Shield, and, while the crack Poneke A combination appears to be certain of annexing the trophy, the issue is still in doubt, especially when one remembers the chapter of mishaps that occurred during the second test of the series. Each club will again field two combinations, and the first teams will be at full strength; therefore, given fine weather conditions, a torrid pace will be set from the commencement, and anyone being fortunate enough to follow the progress of the contest should be rewarded with a splendid display, as in the teams system of racing one sees road cycling at its best. As the season will not finish for three months at least, it is doubtful whether the policy of concluding the series of shield races so early is a wise one, especially when it is remembered that the season had barely commenced when the initial event was conducted, and the majority of participants were far from fit.

Reward for Consistency. If an award were made for honest and consistent riding, one would have a difficult task in choosing between Barney Walsh and Georgo Amey, who annexed time honours in their respective club events on Saturday. Since the season commenced both lads have worked solidly, only to be ontsprinted at the finish through lack of ability in this department, and the writer's prediction that their real worth would be revealed in time-trial matches was duly fulfilled when their clubs held races under this system on Saturday, with atrocious weather conditions. Walsh, who commenced road cycling only last season, quickly forced himself Into the limelight by annexing numerous placings, and while he has proved an ideal number “5” in the successful Poneke A shield combination, it is not likely that he will be included on the scratch mark; but. Amey. whose active participation covers a few seasons, has reached the top grade by gradual improvement and would not disgrace himself with Disley, Franklyn nnd Co., on the Port Nicholson rear mark, a position on which he should certainly figure in subsequent club races.

Walsh, who pedals a medium gear, more than holds his own with the Poneke scratch riders, who, apart from Ron Barber, use patent gears. His success was not altogether unexpected, and he completely outclassed Les Walsh, Barber and, until he had a puncture, Ron Loder. In future club races Walsh will be associated with proved talent, now that. Joe Boulton, Henri Houston nnd possibly Lauric Roberts (who is attempting a come-back) have resumed, and a fastest time will certainly place him on the mark of honour. Novel Event.

Handicap events usually find competitors using gears from 79in. and over, but at least, ouce a year the Poneke club promotes a restricted gear event, when the pedallers try conclusions with their clubmate “pushers.” Last _ week’s bleak weather conditions, especially the galelike northerly, made racing anything but desirable. The small gears saw a fair display of speed into the wind, and the furious revolutions of the pedals on the return journey soon sorted out the unfit competitors. 'Roy Dutton was the only scratch rider to adapt himself to the novel racing conditions, and demonstrated his versatility by recording second best time, nine seconds slower than Walsh. It is doubtful whether any Wellington competitor trains more solidly or often than Dutton, and his devotion to systematic preparation is the main factor contributing to his continued success. Three seconds sep.'frated R. Barber, L. Walsh, and A Huxford in the dispute for third time honours, but the trio were almost two seconds slower than the speediest pair. Huxford performed with credit m this type of event last year. . . A pleasant change was provided in the handicap placings, when the front markers won major honours. In almost every event they have had to pedal in pairs and singly, having no chance with the solid middle and back-markers. C. Clark, for a first-season rider, has displayed encouraging form in each race; therefore his second placing was not unexpected. and he should be prominent m next week’s Makara race, as he iMill still be ou a good mark. Barney Walshs good effort resulted in him occupying third handicap placing also, while for the first time this season Thomas displayed the form that a few years ago made him a force to be reckoned with, his improved riding resulting in fourth place.

Port Nicholson Time Trial. Not content with time honours, George Arney secured the double, and th its deserved dual success should annex for him valuable points for club trophies, but he was fully extended by Jack Wilson, who was only 40 seconds slower, and runnerup in each section. IVilson, following some disappointing rides, appears to have arrived at last, and should always be difficult to defeat in the future. lan McLeod, third speediest, displayed the ability that obtained two wins early in the season, and his association with the betterperformed men is having the desired effect. McLeod is the type of rider who should be suited to long distance events. Smithers again plugged away to good purpose, and third time and fourth place fell to this member, Who is always handy to the place-getters, while one of the front-markers, P. Johnson, who has already figured upon the winning lift, gave Smithers a keen tussle in the handicap, only 13 seconds separating the pair.

Grand National Cup to C. Biggs. Charles and Harry Biggs have been the shining lights in Petone club events recently, and they scooped major time and place honours again last week in the order named, Charles becoming the proud possessor of the coveted Grand National Cup by his effort. Barlow, who hails from Australia, filled third place with similar time to his credit, and displayed his best form to date; but he is expected to provide solid opposition in the forthcoming long distance races. Charles Biggs’s splendid riding since the season commenced has frequently been favourably commented upon in these columns, but it eannot be denied that Saturday’s race was very easy for the winner, and tile suburban club’s committee to prevent a repetition and possible discontent, should call the handicapper to task. The official responsible for the time-keeping is obviously at fault also on occasions, as Charles Biggs was credited with times in two events which, if correct, would have been almost world records. Local enthusiasts, however, will have an opportunity of measuring Biggs’s ability with that of other Wellington star riders when the provincial title is contested.