SPORT OF CYCLING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22241, 16 October 1935, Page 20

SPORT OF CYCLING

■ OPEN ROAD RACES TAKAPUNA CLUB'S EVENTS FAST TIMES RECORDED In spite of the presence of a fairly strong westerly wind, splendid times were returned by the competitors in the two open road events conducted by the Takapuna Amateur Cycling Club on Saturday. The club's course, which encircles Lalce Pupuke, is probably the fastest used by any of the six local cycling clubs. It is 3$ miles in circumference and is practically level. The three laps junior event was the fastest ever run over the 111 miles course. L. Denning, of the promoting club, and R. S. Trincr, of the Manukau Club, combined so well in their pacing efforts from tlio scratch mark that they shared the lead with two miles still to be ridden. Denning proved the superior rider in the final sprinting effort and won by four lengths. Denning's time of 30m 3s reduced the old record by 255, while on the second lap he and Triner clipped 23s off the lap record held by R. D. Jones when they clocked 9m 155., Thirty-six rode in the six laps, 22i miles, senior race. The scratch group comprised M. T. Gamble and M. P. Bvrifes, of the Auckland Club, and J. W. Clark and E. F. Raper, of the Manukau Club. Two Takapuna Hilars, A. Gunn and G. S. Towart, started oL the limit mark of 10m. Gunn and Towart by mutual pacing maintained a big lead throughout the race. Over the final round Gunn went away from Towart, who was feeling tlio effects of his fall in the 100 miles race the previous Saturday, and won comfortably by 325. Towart is the oldest active member of the club. Ho was 32 last month. On the third lap Gamble and Clark successfully attempted a breakaway movement on Byrnes and Raper, after which they steadily drew away from tho latter pair, and in a fast finish Gamble proved tho better and returned the fastest time in 59m 435. Gamble is possibly the most improved rider of the present season, and at distance work he has consistently proved himself outstanding. In the annual Palmerston North to Petone race last month ho was fifth fastest rider in 4h 43m 2s, while in the recent 100 miles championship he was tho fastest of the scratch group. PROFESSIONAL CONTEST WATSON'S FINE PERFORMANCE Tho fastest race ever run over the Palmerston North to Wellington course was the first professional contest held over the route last Saturday. Ideal conditions prevailed, and H. G. Watson, the Dominion's leading professional cyclist, rode the 101 miles in the remarkably fast time of 4h 6m 10 4-ss. In the annual amateur race a fortnight previously F. J. Grose did 4h 37m lis, but Grose finished his effort at Petone and covered a greater distance than Watson, so comparisons cannot be made with true accuracy, although Watson's effort would surpass that of Grose if distance was the only consideration to be made.

Watson is, undoubtedly, the greatest road rider in the Dominion, and he also ranks high in the estimation of the Australian enthusiasts, for he was second fastest competitor in the gruelling 1000 miles held in Victoria last road season.