"REAL RIDERS"

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 24, 30 January 1928, Page 10

"REAL RIDERS"

CRACK CYCLISTS ARRIVE J. STANDEN AND D. GRAY DOMINION TOUR Among the arrivals by tho Makura from Sydney this morning were two Australian amateur track champion cyclists, J. Standen and D. Gray, and their trainer-manager, Mr. F. W. Kaltenbaeh. Standon and Gray have been brought to New Zealand by the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association, and are to compete at-the various centres, making their first appearance at Wanganui on Wednesday. Mr. Kaltenbach, who is making the trip at his own expense, has been, connected with cycling for over 20 years. The N.Z.A.A.A. agreed to a trainermanager accompanying Standen, but instead the Australian- authorities invited Gray to make the trip. Not to be outdone, however, Mr. Kaltenbach decided to accompany the two cyclists at his own expense. That Mr. Kaltenbach is proud of his two charges is shown after a few minutes' conversation with him. "They are good boys and real riders," he told a "Post" representative this morning. SOME PERFORMANCES. Standen is a youthful champion, being but eighteen years of ago. He came under tho notice of Mr. Kaltenbach, who encouraged him to take up the sport about four years ago. Since then he has not looked back, and his ambition is to represent Australia at the Olympic Games. He has trained and lived with that objective always in view, and now, with Gray, ho has been selected for the Games. After winning junior Australian titles, Standen went to Victoria last year, wke'r- he won the mile Australian title, and secured third place in the five miles championship. He did not start in the halfmile aud ten miles championships. This year he crossed the line first in tho half-mile, one mile, five miles, and ten miles championships, although in the one mile ho was disqualified, and the title was awarded to Gray. Standen also won both the 1000 metres Olympic Test and tho time trial held recently. Grny filled second place in each event. In addition, Standen is also the holder of State championships. He is a member of the Marriclcville Bicycle Club. "Dune" Gray, who is older than Standon, is the star rider of tho Goulburn Bicycle Club, and in Goulburn cycling is booming. Gray has a number of very fine performances to his credit. In 1926 he won the five miles State championship, and was sent to Queensland as a representative of New South Wales. Since then he has been riding prominently and showing great improvement. "I am absolutely proud of those boys," said Mr. Kaltenbach. "They are great pals, but on the track they are keenest rivals." Mr. Kaltenbach mentioned that Standen has a younger brother, Len. Stauden, who is showing great promise. He won the two junior Australian championships recently. "He will be the boy you want to bring across next," added the manager. Mr. Kaltenbach is a very keen advocate of pursuit races, which, he considers, would create a great deal of enthusiasm in New Zealand. Standen and Gray compete here on the afternoon and evening of 11th February, and at a meeting to be held on 29th February. They will also take part in a meeting at Petono on 7th March. AUSTRALIAN CYCLING. Deferring to the trouble in Australian cycling circles, mention of which was made in "The Post" on Saturday, Mr. Kaltenbach said that tho three States—Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland —were at variance. In Now South Wales the capabilities of B. W. (f'Fatty") Lamb as a road racer were fully recognised, and it was considered that he should find a place in the team for the Olympic Games. There was much petty jealousy, however, and matters were by no means peaceful. CIVIC WELCOME. A civic welcome was extended by the Mayor (Mr. G. A. Troup) to the two cyclista and Mr. Kaltenbach in the Council Chamber, Town Hall, to-day. In welcoming the visitors, Mr. Troup said.that he trusted they would have a very enjoyable tour, and take back with them very pleasant memories. Mr. H. Austad, of the council of the N.Z.A.A.A., referred to the fine performances of Messrs. Standen and Gray. A year ago the Victorian, E. W. Lamb, had toured the Dominion and created a good impression. Standen and Gray, however, had both defeated Lamb. Eeturning thanks for the reception accorded, Mr. Kaltenbach said that he was sure Messrs. Standen and Gray would provide sterling contests throughout the tour.