SPORT OF CYCLING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19753, 28 September 1927, Page 16

SPORT OF CYCLING.

ROAD RACING REVIEWED. GOOD CONTESTS LAST WEEK.' NORTH ISLAND CHAMPIONSHIP. Weather conditions last Saturday were perfect for cycle racing. The rain cleared off just in time to allow the sun to dry the course, this being the first dry course fo- three Saturdays. The 22-miles open event held by the Manukau Amateur Cycling Club drew 18 starters only. A large scratching occurred owing to the 11-miles novice race taking place at the conclusion of the open eveut. The open race was a splendid one to watch. The limit riders again filled the first four places. Byrnes and Wade rode well, pacing each other nicely. They never saw the winners, who finished with more than 60s to the good. Byrnes and Wade average over 22 1-3 miles an hour, which is the fastest time io far registered a* Slangere for a similar distance. The winner of Saturday's open event, S. Lichfield, had the liberal allowance of sJjm and made full use of it. He and LI. Capp were the pacemakers for most of the journey, but when it came to racing Lichfield had too powerful a finish for the others. He has been.a consistent performer this season, having three wins to his credit, as well as two fastest times. J. L. Devlin, who finished second, was unlucky not to have been the winner, for if he had commenced his sprint sooner he would have won. He was one of. the favourites for the race. R. Capp, the third man in, was one who did a lot of fast pacing right through the race This, no doubt, took it out of him, and over the last 100 yards he tired. So also did C. L. Russell, who finished close up fourth. Byrnes Gets Fastest Time.

Byrnes beat. Wade for fastest time by two lengths in a fast finish. Both had ridden a hard race and were tired. These two riders have had strenuous rides on the last three Saturdays, and it is beginning to tell on the younger rider, Wade. He would be well advised to ease oft until the big Wellington event. C. G Galbraith was the victim of aD unfortunate accident on Saturday. While riding to Mangere the wheel of his bicycle .broke and he was thrown and was badly knocked about, requiring medical treatment. W. Dwight fell in the open event, receiving abrasion* and cute. He was attended to by th» St John Ambulance Brigade. The 11-miles novice event held by the Manukau Club was responsible for sonw fine riding by the back-markers. Their pacing 'was good and on entering the last lap it was certain the limit riders would be caught. 'lhis happened three mil'es from the finish. The winner, A. G. Baird, has been competing most of the season at Mangere, but Saturday s win was his first in the period. R. Foubister was well to the front in the pacing and was a Very .creditable second. So far, he has not had a win, but a second, a third and a fastest time have all come his way this season. Scratch Men Eace Well.

The Auckland Athletic and Cycling Club's race to Papakura and back was one of its best events this year. The limit rider, on kept the lead alone to Wiri on the return journey. He was unlucky in not having a mate with him to help him along. After being caught by the 6im riders he was satisfied to finish with the stragglers. The 4m men, Sutherland, Henderson and G. Mathieson, were responsible for a good ride on the outward journey, but 'on the home stretch Mathieson retired at Manurewa. Henderson and Sutherland had no trouble in picking up the field, and over the last two miles had things all their own way. When it came to racing Sutherland beat Henderson hy three lengths in a good, finish, Biythe being a . similar distance away third. The scratch riders, .White and Prior, rode the distance in good time, and were right on the placed riders when tliev finished. The race for fastest time was won by A. White, who beat F. Prior by two lengths. White's fastest time, 111 20m 20s, was only 2-5s faster than Prior's. Sutherland, the winner, rode a solid race throughout, putting in some fast laps. He has been a competitor all the season, but this was his first win. Henderson had the bad luck to have a spill on the outward journey. He remounted and sprinted until he caught up with his bunch. This took a lot out of him, and when it came -to fighting out the finish he did not have anything in reserve. , S. Biythe, the third man, has had a first, a second and a third this season. A Hard Eace to Win.

The Dunlop North Island championship will be decided next Saturday over the Hamilton-Auckland course. The distance is approximately 97 miles, _ and the race is one of the hardest in New Zealand to win. No road event in Australia or New Zealand has hills as_ steep as the Razorback to negotiate. The entry of 27 is very representative, and, so far as Auckland is concerned, is particularly good. Given a fine day the competitors should have a much better ride this year than last, as the reads right through are much improved. Once Papakura is reached this year the remainder of the jotirnev should be easy. The route finally decided on is;— Start at Hamilton Post* Office, through the four check and feeding stations. Hnntly, Te Kauwhata, Mercer and Papakura, along Main South Road to Mamikau Road, and then to Alexandra Park trotting grounds, back entrance, in Market Road, finishing in front of the stand. A noteworthv entry t,s that of Breckon, of Hamilton "lie is* 70 years old, and has done the journey in 12 hours. He still maintains he can finish in front of some of the younger riders. His performance on Saturday will be watched with interest. From present appearances the scratch division will W Prior, White, Hayes, Ilarcourt and Sutherland, the present bolder of the title.