CYCLE ROAD RACE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18761, 15 January 1923, Page 2

CYCLE ROAD RACE

WON BY MATHEWS. A cycle road race between two taxi-drivers from (ho Custom House lank took place on Saturday afternoon Tho contestants were J. Walker and W. Mathews, who competed for a substantial stake provided by the taxiowners from the various taxi ranks. The distance was 50 miles frni Manse street to Waihola and back. Both competitors started from scratch. Much interest was centred in the contest owing to the fact that a previous race had taken place between these two to Henley ami back. In the first race Mathews conceded Walker 3min, and on that occasion tho latter rode a free wheel, which doubtless assisted him materially on the down grades. Mathews, not being satisfied with his defeat, challenged Walker for a further contest, conditionally that both started from scratch, no free wheels to bo used, and the distance to he increased by extending it to Waihola and hack. The Now Zealand Athletic- and Cycling Union granted permission for the event to be for tho title of the Otago 50 miles road championship cycle race. Some 20 motor cars conveyed (lie respective supporters of the competitors to and from Waihola, and throughout tho journey people gathered at various points and cheered tho riders ns they passed on their way. On reaching Waihola, Mathews was loading Walker by 4min. It was anticipated that on the return journey Walker would make this up before reaching Henley, but Mathews, who was riding very strongly gradually increased his lend and won easily. Mathews’s riding time to Waihola was Ihr 50niin, and for the total distance 3hrs 36miti 13soc. Ho completed the journey without dismounting.