SATURDAY'S BIG EVENT

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 93, 17 October 1934, Page 7

SATURDAY'S BIG EVENT

PALMERSTON-WELLINGTON

RACE ARRANGEMENTS

Keen interest is being taken by I cyclists iv tlio 102 miles road race from Palmerston North to Wellington on Saturday. A total of 87 entries have been received, and among the starters will be some of the best wheelmen'in the country. The scratch division is regarded as the strongest since the initial race waa held in 1920, which should result in a stirring contest for the time honours. The two Aueklanders' hill-climbing ability will doubless test the Canterbury riders to the utmost. With favourable weather conditions prevailing fast times ale expected to be recorded, although large bunches may slow matters up somewhat. Still, it would occasion no surprise if K. Foubister's time of ilhr 39inin 39sec, registered in 1931, was lowered by the speedy scratch men. A perusal of the handicaps reveal that some useful material is on the 20m iv and 30min marks. Although these competitors are expected to be handy at the finish, the winner is well concealed. On the front marks are several loug-dLstauce pedallers, who possess a fairly consistent record in the "102," as the race is popularly called. As usual milk will be provided at the feeding stations, Levin, Otaki, Paraparauniu, and Porirua, and oranges will be handed out at the top of Paekakariki Hill. A strict rule that riders cannot accept refreshments from any moving vehicle is' to be enforced, as iv the past some competitors have been "nursed" by individuals following the event. FINISH AT PETONE. In the past the finish of the race has been at the Basin Reserve, but owing to unforeseen difficulties the Wellington Cycling Centre executive have decided upon the Petone Oval, and the Petoue Athletic and Cycling Club will hold a sports meeting to entertain the crowd while awaiting the arrival of competitors in the big race. As the Wellington Racing Club's Meeting will be in progress little trafh'o should be encountered on the Hutt Road. The co-operation of the Kailway Department has been enlisted at the Petone crossing, and the numerous cor-dci-s down the waterfront to Buick Street will be patrolled by officials of the Petoue Club. Turning- into Buick Street, competitors will proceed to the Oval, where they will be required to traverse half the banked track before finishing. Numerous oflicial cars and road stewards have been appointed to enable matters to be handled smoothly, and it is hoped to have frequent progress reports available in {he city and Petone from noon. The limit men will be dispatched promptly at 9 a.m. by the Mayor of Palmers tou North, Mr. A. K. Mansford. and the scratch men at 10 a.m. With a tail wind the first competitor should reach Petone approximately at 2.45 p.m. In the evening the Poneke Cycling Club is holding a "joy night" in the Trades Hall, Vivian Street, at which the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates will present the principal prizes. Altogether there are 45 prizes, a record number, for which Mr. H. J. Uutton is mainly responsible. With prizes up to sixteenth place, competitors will be encouraged to pedal to the bitter end. A wagon will follow the race to pick up those who retire from the contest, and arrangements have also been made • for ambulance officers to be present. LIST OF OFFICIALS. Officials for the day have been selected as follows:— Referee, Mr. P. N. Robinson; starter, Mr. M. Matson; time-keepers, Messrs. G. Cooksley (chief), M. Matson, D. Savidge, A. White, A. J. Couchman, and R. Grimwood; judges, Messrs. A. K. Thomas, C. W. McC'onchie, G. Harrison, E. West, G. Winter, and L. Logan; protest committee, Messrs. P. N. Robinson, F. Robinson, and G. Harrison; handicapper, Mr. S. 11. Webber; road stewards, Messrs. H. J. Dutton, H. S. Abel, F. Robinson, and L. Roberta; progress report stewards, Messrs. A. White, R. Grimwood, and L. Roberts; gatekeepers, Messrs. W. Mitchell, N. Burns, W. Dickson, and A. Pritchard; at Foxton, Mr. H. \Vis«hnosky; at Levin, Mr. E. Henderson; at Otaki, Mr. V. Kiddie.