Good Prospects For Cycling In North

Northern Advocate, 31 May 1939, Page 3

Good Prospects For Cycling In North

(By “Pedlar.”)

Prospects in the North for cycling were never brighter than at present, and the Whangarei club is going strongly. Perhaps larger fields have been seen, but it is safe to say none have been keener, and a successful road season is almost assured.

A strong team is already in training for the 100-mile road classic, Auckland to Morrinsville, to be held later in the season.

Maiiy of the sports clubs now incorporate cycling on their programmes. Waipu held three races, Awanui three and Herekino five. Inquiries have been made recently by Kerikeri as to the prospects, and it is hoped that other bodies will follow suit. It has been mentioned that the progressive Maungatapere Athletic Club intends, at the next meeting, to increase the prize money for cycle events, bringing it well, in line with almost any of the one-day meetings in this country.

The Whangarei club assures any recruit a welcome and is always willing to give information or assistance. After all, without new riders and new blood, no sport can carry on. Shaping Well. Athol Young and Ivan Viscovitch, who rode their first races last week, are shaping well and will undoubtedly make good with a little more experience. The essence of success is team work and combination, and the wmrk of the back markers last Saturday was a splendid example. Bruce MacKenzie rode a nice race last week and will need watching. Bert MacKenzie, one of the most popular riders, is already showing his form and should be nicknamed “Sticker Mac.” He cannot be shaken off and apparently intends to hold his title of most improved rider. Len Byers is riding strongly and shows his keenness and splendid sportsmanship by redonating the Tangiteroria Cup won by him last season. Jack Byers, club captain, appears to be riding up to form and by his performances will be in the hunt.

Theo Young is going very well, but so far has been unlucky, with a puncture in one race and a defective brake in the next. Creditable' Race. - Bill Buckley can still show what a sprint is and rode a most creditable race on Saturday. Hec McMasterg staged a comeback after two years and can be relied upon to make a big impression when he strikes form again. Ivan Mears promises to be back and winding the pedals in his usual good style next week. Sid Mogford, with his cheery ways, is being missed. H. (Pomp) Povey is playing football this season, but, who knows, the whirl of the pedals may call again. A welcome addition to the ranks is S. Budge, late of the Metropolitan Club, Auckland, who is now residing in Portland.