CYCLING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21828, 15 December 1932, Page 4

CYCLING

1 — <{p* . PROFESSIONAL NOTES Owing to the uncertainty of the weather last Thursday evening, there were no large fields at the Otago Athletic and Cycling Club’s weekly meeting. There was also a noticeable decrease in the number of spectators. A strong northeasterly wind was of considerable trouble to cyclists in the sprint, and as a result the times recorded were not up to the usual standard. A One-mile Novice Race was held, being won by A. H. Brown, with J. Brown second and P. Beale third. The Mile and a-half Handicap was won by G. 0. Johnstone, with A. C. E. Wills second and E. Brosnan third. E. Brosnan won the Half-mile in a close finish from Wills, with Johnstone two lengths back. E. Brosnan rode a great race in the Half-mile, and put up an excellent sprint to beat Wills home. Brosnan has been riding consistently of late, and his win did not come as a surprise. G. 0. Johnstone secured another winning bracket last week. Johnstone is now riding off a harder mark, and will find it more difficult to be the first across the line.

A. C. E. Wills showed a glimpse of his old form again by gaining two second places. Wills is, however, far from fit yet, and should go best towards the end of the Christmas circuit. J. Kennedy rode a good race from scratch in the novice event to qualify for the final, but. in the other events he found the distance separating him from the limit men too far for him. A. J. Brown did not ride up to expectations after his splendid showing at Tahuna. He is using a new machine, and should be heard of at Christmas.

A. Ralston is riding fairly consistently, but on Thursday could not catch the long limits.

T. Brosnan, who was off the scratch mark with Ralston, made a desperate bid to catch the front men, but found that the starts lie has been used to arc made harder by the front men beiii" much fitter.

R. Wilson-Pyne ia now approaching fitness, and it is unfortunate that owing to his work he will not be able to complete the Christmas circuit. A starter to-night will be W. Lucas, the well-known cyclist of a few years ago. Lucas is another rider that is attempting a come-back, and his performance will be watched with interest. T. Kearney had the misfortune to injure his knee, and was unable to start last week. It is hoped that he will bo seen in action again to-night.

D. Hconmi lias not been able to train lately owin'? to cricket practices, but has stated his intention of startin'? again tonight. L. Johnstone made a reappearance on the track last week after a long spell. It was his first race on the Caledonian track. In the final of the Novice Race Johnstone rode well in the lead, but tbe wind made the going too hard for a man on his own, and a fast hunch led hy A. IT. Brown caught and passed him in the last Inn. A. IT. Brown rode up to his usual form in the novice event when he pulled a large bunch up at a good speed to overtake the limit men. and finished Ins effort with a good sprint to lead over the line.

T. Ralston. a brother of the well-known sera tell rider. A. Ralston, had his first start in the Novice Race, and showed a trood style.

K Blyth started only in fho Mile Novice, but made a good showing.

Thanks to the efforts of R Jackson, one of the dub’s nmners. a bus has boon secured to carry riders around the Christmas circuit. Among those who intend competing arc T. Brosnan. E. Brosnan, J Brosnan. A. J. Brown, A. H. Brown J A. Brown. L. Johnstone. C r . 0. Johnstone, A. C. E. Wills. J. Kennedy. W. Lucas, M. Cannon. T. Kearney, M. Paul. A. Ralston, C. Turnbull, and other of the club’s riders.