CYCLIST INJURED

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12395, 15 March 1926, Page 8

CYCLIST INJURED

CHAPTER OF ACCIDENTS HORDER AND O’SHEA BOTH FALL NEW ZEALANDER UNHURT Per Press Association. 1 AUCKLAND, March 14. The prospects of some exhilarating racing between Harris Holder (Australian champion cyclist) and Phil O’Shea (New Zealand champion) at Blandford Park Stadium on Saturday evening were spoilt by a chapter of accidents, ending in both riders falling heavily and Horder receiving rathei severe injuries, which may prevent him from riding for some time. Although an X-ray examination will be necessary to determine the exact nature of Horder’s injuries, it is believed that he has broken a bone in his right foot. In addition he sustained painful abrasions on the leg and thigh. O’Shea was more fortunate, but he was badly shaken and also received abrasions. However, his injuries were not serious, and he was able to compete again later in the evening. Misfortune appeared to'dog Horder as lie fell twice in three starts. His first mishap occurred in the first of three match races with O’Shea, which were the star events on the programme. From a good start Horder went out to follow the pacer, and until the second and final lap was nearly completed he was about a length ahead of (/’Shea. However, just as he was turning the bend leading into , the straight his bicycle skidded and he was thrown heavily. O’Sliea swerved clear, and sped on to win in lmin 8 l-fisec. To the relief of the crowd of 5000 Horder rose unhurt and made his way back to the pavilion. The Australian champion next started in the open handicap of four laps, and won with a great burst of 6pced in .2min 10 l-ssec. O’Shea won the third heat in 2min 9 4-ssec. Shortly before the final Horder’s ankle began to swell, but lie decided to start, and limped to the scratch mark to take his stand alongside O s ’Shca. The men kept together over the first two laps, and then Horder drew slightly abend. IT* was still in front about 20 yards from the spot where he had previously fallen when he suddenly fell, bringing O’Shea down also. Both cyclists fell heavilv and had to be assisted to the dressingroom, and Horder was in great pain. Ho was taken to the Auckland Hospital and treated in the casualty ward, but it was not possible to ascertain'whether he had a broken bone in his foot as was suspected. Horder has numerous engagements to fulfil in America, and has booked his passago on the Niagara leaving on Tuesday. O’Shea was a starter in the final event of the evening, the Horder farewell invitation scratch race, hut a punctured tyre put him out of the race.