SPORT OF CYCLING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19953, 23 May 1928, Page 16

SPORT OF CYCLING.

MANUKAU CLUB'S RACE. GOOD RIDING WITNESSED. Although ideal racing conditions did not prevail on Saturday as a. strong, cold westerly wind had to bo encountered, a record entry was received for tho Manukau Qjlub's 17 miles road race. Fifty riders started, and the officials are to be complimented on the fact they despatched such a large field without a hitch. The previous record entry of 43 was established on August 3, 1927. The steady riding and fine pacing of each individual bunch was a feature of the race, and the fact that no accidents occurred is a compliment to the ability of the competitors. Mr. T. Faithfull was again at Robertson Road corner, controlling the progress of riders at that particularly difficult point, where extreme caution is necessary. His services were much appreciated 611 Saturday when such a largo number of new riders were racing. The three limit riders rode prominently throughout, and were never headed. They attribute their success to tho fact that each took his share at pacing. Their first lap, 5? miles, took 17m 7s, but they gradually slowed over the following two laps, completing tho full distance in 51m Is. The next group of riders was unalilo to bridge the gap, and finished 30s after the winning batch. D. Fletcher, who won off 7m 30s, joined the club three weeks ago, and has competed in three races. Ho is ono of the youngest and smallest riders competing in open events, yet he displayed a remarkably strong sprint, beating his co-marker, C. Francis, by 10 lengths. C. Francis, who finished second, is a junior member, and intends to compete in open races to gain moro experience. He will be ono of the hardest riders to beat in tho junior rond race championship to be decided on June 30. W. Clarke had a hard ride to gain third place, finishing 30yds. behind Francis, lie was always witli the first pair, giving good support by pacing well. He is a brother of C. A. Clarke, who won the Mercer 50 miles event conducted by tho Manukau Club in 1926. The sprint for fastest time was fought out by the scratch men, Byrnes, Wade and Whit-ten, the trio finishing in that order. Byrnes beat Wade by half alength for the honour, his time for the 17 miles being 44m 545, an extremely fine performance. Now Byrnes has regained his old form spectators can be assured of seeing some stirring contests between Wade and himself. Whitten has yet to develop a stronger finishing effort. Good work was done by members of tho club in keeping the road clear, but finishing riders could greatly assist by going on past the line, thereby giving other competitors a straight course for their final Sprint. Arrangements aro well in hand to make next Sunday's run a successful outing, and members will leave the Grafton Bridge at 10 o'clock. Next Saturday an 11 miles open and a 5£ miles junior handicap will be held. Tho junior and senior championship events are scheduled for June 30. One hundred and thirty-five financial members are now on the club's register.