ROAD RACING

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17606, 23 October 1931, Page 10

ROAD RACING

YESTERDAY’S CONTEST WINNER’S GREAT FINISH Riding a strong race all the way, J. Watts carried on yesterday’s Makaraka cycling load-race handicap by the margin of half a wheel from R. Dolman, champion of earlier years whoso attempt to come back has aroused a great deal of interest this season. The winner gave a line exhibition, and Ins tactics m the last mile of the race probably accounted lor his victory, lor he snatched a short lead while Dolman was sizing up another challenger, and just managed to hold his own against tho veteran’s final sprint. Had Dolman possessed the confidence’ to break away from his bunch while lie was fresh enough, there might have been another stoiy to write about the finish. He seems to Jack his old initiative as yet, though he lias improved out or sight since he took up the game again two months ago. There are two more races this season before road-racing is abandoned, and Dolman should go well in whatever event he contests. He was unlucky to be up against such a seasoned and well-conditioned rider as Watts when it came to the hard finish. Tho field foe the event comprised 22 riders, and the handicaps allotted gave general satisfaction, though one very young rider was not regarded as having a chance with his seniors. There was a large, crowd of spectators, and tho staff of the Makaraka School assisted tho promoters of the race by keeping tho school-children off the road during tho contest, Tho course was well patrolled, and only one untoward incident happened, when a motorist blocked one of the riders. One spill was recorded. K. \y. Davis falling heavily at one of the turns, and receiving attention from the St, John Ambulance attendants later, though he was able to finish the oourso. MIDDLE-MARKERS’ TASK The middle-markers in the race were, given plenty to do by most of the longhandicap riders, a bunch of the latter staying out in front and hanging on grimly to their, load until the last two miles’of the 16-mile course was entered This group comprised Kelleher, Grey, Wells, O’Connell, Dixon, Clarrio Davis, and 11. J. Davis, and the nearest of their pursuers were Dolman, Watts and Legg, this trio working hard to get iip with tho leaders. Well behind these riders, hut fighting a sustained tussle tor fastest time honors, were 1). Miliier (sc'r.l, K. Foster (20sec.), and Hairy Davis (60see.). They had no chance of winning or riding into places, hut they put up a good fight, and at the finish gave the spectators a great thrill. ’ Onoe the middle-markers caught the limit bunch they had things fairly E eir own way, and Dolman allot out in front only to be challenged by Clarrio Davis. Those two were intent on each other, when Watts staged his effort, and dievv out to win by half a wheel with 1 'avis a close third, and 11. J. Davis, W. Legg, E. Grey, F. Wells, D. Kelleher, C, O’Connell, and R. Dixon, all close up in the order named. Of the lust trio. Millier was first home, to cet fastest time, with Foster 10 yards, back and ITarrv Davis a similar distance awnv. Millier’s time was 42min. 32 <5-6sec. /