SPORT OF CYCLING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23226, 21 December 1938, Page 22

SPORT OF CYCLING

GRASS TBACK EVENTS I. WHITE'S DOUBLE SUCCESS MEETINGS DURING HOLIDAYS d Although inclement weather prevailed last week only the Papatoetoe Club was compelled to postpone the cycle events scheduled. With the exception of the Otahuhu Club, all will be conducting evening meetings this week and will recommence during tho second week of the new year. The grass track at Ellerslie was wet with heavy dew. The cycle events were conducted, although high speeds were impossible and the back-markers suffered, accordingly. I. A. White, of the Papatoetoe Club, won both the open events. Near the head of the field throughout he exercised caution by not sprinting until into the straight. In the three miles ho was fortunate enough to bo able to avoid three fallen riders half-way through the event. F. N. Wardell, of j the Papatoetoe Club, also had two wins during the week. His first was at Manurewa in the three miles event and his second at the Otahuhu track in a two miles race, for which he was awarded the Skeates and White Cup. In the latter race he had a far harder task, as L. Corrigan ran him'to a wheel-to-wheel finish. Wardell has raced fairly consistently for the past eight years. He is a strong believer in low gears. Auckland has never had such a remarkable half-miler as R. T. Taylor, of the Papatoetoe Club. Immensely strong and quick off tho mark he generally overhauls his field in the initial lap and, possessing an equally powerful sprint, usually leaves no doubt as to the decision. His latest win was at the Otahuhu grass track when he clocked 695. The Knight brothers, Rickards brothers and H. Brown almost monopolised the events at Papakura and, but for Wardell, would have done the same at Manurewa. P. E. Knight was not brilliant on grass tracks last season, but extensive training on his home track at Papakura has improved his riding to such an extent that he now starts from scratch. H. Brown has specialised on grass tracks since he began riding last season and has done extremely well. The secretaries of the Botorua and Hamilton Clubs, Messrs. W. H. Pitts and J. R. Hill, report splendid entries for their meetings on Boxing Day and New Year's Day. Visiting riders will bo surprised at the fast surface of the Botorua grass track. The success of S. A. Windsor on this track last year has influenced a party of Northern Club riders to attend the meeting next Monday. Steele Park will be the scene of the sports at Hamilton, while the Taumarunui Club will hold its meeting on the following day. All three meetings will benefit from the remarkable increase in membership of the Waikato and Bay of Plenty clubs during the past year.