CYCLING.

Grey River Argus, 12 February 1929, Page 8

CYCLING.

Reefton “Mugs” Road Race. SOME HUMOROUS FEATURES. (Our Own Correspondent.) The Reefton Cycling Club staged a “mugs” cycle road race on Thursday evening, when no fewer than ten riders faoed the starter. The course was from Hubbard’s corner to the railway station, on to the Buller Road, and home to the Council Chambers, a distance of three miles. There was a very large crowd to see the event, and they were well entertained. It was one of the events of the year, in which Cecil Tattley prevailed by six lengths from Cecil Curtis, wh 0 was three lengths ahead of Tommy Coghlan, third. The placings were as follows:— C. Tattley (scr) time 9 min 27 sec. 1; C. Curtis (scr) time 9.29, 2; T. Coghlan (50 sec) time 9.36, 3; C. Skinner (scr) time 9.40, 4. Also started: L. Magee 30 see, F. Flannigan 30, W. R. L. Pascoe 20, F. Scarlett 10, B. Neilson 20. Jas. Spillane also began. The limit riders, Flannigan and Mageen got away to a good start, Magee making the pace. The next man to hop off was Len Pascoe, who was hitting a 2 min 10 sec gait, and soon caught the limit men. Neilson and “Bluey” Scarlett left the barrier amidst loud applause from their sup porters. Neilson got a bad start, but showed a wonderful race temperament, and soon caught the leading bunch. Coghlan was next to go. “Lardydar,” the Boatman’s crack, did go! Then cam e the scratcr bunch Curtis, Skinner, Tattley and Spillane (and he did “spill” at the Council, through his chain coming oft (due to the attention of another riler who was the favourite for the race;. Skinner took the first lap, followed by Spillane (until the accident) and Curtis and Tattley in close attendance. All were bunched at Williams’ going out, Coghlan leading Neilson and Skinner, with Curtis and Tattley riding strongly. This bunch caught the leading ones, headed by Pascoe, at the railway station, where Skinner showed wonderful pace, hitting the front at a Great Bingen speed. Tattley and Curtis were next attended by Flannigan. Neilson and Magee, the latter three showing signs of dire distress, the pace being too hot for them. Scarlett lost his hand-grips at the Cemetery, and was practically excluded on this account. When McDowell’s Hill was reached, the order was unchanged. Skinner still leading Tattley. Then a herd of pigs was encountered, which hindered a record being put up for the course. The race was then in Tat'ley’s hands, Curtis, Coghlan and Skinner following in that order, with the two last-named fighting for a “possy,” and showing great determination to catch the two leaders. Tattley eventually won, with Curtis second, and Coghlan third. F. Manson was unable to compete, and this somew'hat hindered his colleague, Neilson, who didn’t like the other chaps’ pacemaking. Stan Newcombe was the only other rider who could not get a racing machine to start, thus Pascoe s reason for finishing last.

“Hugo,” a local sporting critic, gives a graphic account of the contest, viz:—The limit men, Flannigan and Magee, left the mark at 7 p.m., closely followed by Scarlett, the veteran wheelman, off 10 see. Next came Pascoe, who had left his whip at home, and then Neilson, who was carrying overweight. On his heels was Coghlan, the Boatman’s champion. The scratch men, Skinner, Spillane, Curtis and Tattley, had everything in their favour, and acting on t’lcix trainers’ advice, decided to tak; their clothes with them, instead of hir’ -ig a car. Owing to the lateness of the hour, the Golden Coast Butter Factory was unable to supply all the riders with skim milk, and as Magee arrived first, he got the pickings. At this stage. Flannigan looked as if he were going to shoot the shooter. Curtis heard about the pumpkin juice handy to the road, so this kept him back. Spillane couldn’t find time to be everywhere at once, and Skinner was looking for the shortest way home. Further on the road, Neilson and Coghlan heard about Pascoe’s reception coming through Chattockville, so they turned back to get their share. Scarlett had found “Aard” work, and reduced to second gear. The advance cars arrived with the news that Curtis was holding himself in readiness., and that Tattley could only see the pot of gold ahead, the other riders beginning to string out, on account of the potholes. The slogan, “One man at a time” was in vogue. At last the riders arrived in sight home. The band struck up, and the police were busy keeping the crowd back. Tattley came with a dash to beat Curtis by six lengths, with Coghlan three lengths behind. The crowd were anxious to get a view of the placed men, and everybody crowded around. Flannigan, the fastest time man, slowed down, and was beaten by 45 sec. Magee and Scarlett finished neck and neck. Pascoe then arrived at a good pace, to fill last place. Neilson didn’t want to finish, as he would have been carried shoulder high. All the competitors were disgusted because the light spoilt their photo for a weekly paper. Another race of this nature, and also a ladies’ race, would be a wise move on behalf of the club, in the near future.