Cycle Road Race

Southland Times, Issue 17079, 30 October 1902, Page 2

Cycle Road Race

The weather was perfect yesterday for the 25 mile road race under the auspices of the Invercargill Cycling Club, 'lhe sun was perhaps a trifle hot for the racers, but for the spectators the conditions could not have been improved upon, and after so long a spell of boisterous weather the club should consider themselves fortunate. This class of race is decidedly popular, and the people Showed their approval ot the event by turning up in large numbers to see the start and cheer the riders on their way. At 3 o’clock twenty-one competitors were in readiness, and the first man set off at u good pace out the East road, the route being to beyond Woodlands and back, a. total distance ot 2<> miles. A few minutes later the whole string ot cyclists was under way, the scratch man, Ralston, receiving around of applause ns he sped away at a good pace. It was not long before (he telephone tinkled, and the waiting crowd were informed of the position of the riders at Woodlands. It was seen that Ralston had made good headway, and the information which came a little biter that ho was leading on the return journey was received with a. satisfaction that showed plainly how the sympathies of the people lay. Shortly after four o’clock a large gathering lined the road to welcome heme the weary competitors. A little cloud ot dust away up the rend announced the first arrival, and there was much excitement while his identity was undiscoverable. Then a shout ot

■' Ralston •; well riden Andy," ran along the expectant ranks, anil the scratch rider dashed hoime in fine style, securing a popular win in fast time amid loud cheers. The others were close behind him, und a few seconds saw live of them pass the tape. The sixth man ran over a dog and came to the ground, and the seventh could not avoid the fallen bicycle and was also laid low, but no injuries resulted. The prizes ami times were as follows :—

1. £2 2s (presented by the Southland Centre), and pair tyres and tubes (from the Continental Tyre Co.) : A. Ralston (scr.)—l hour 20 minutes 30 seconds. 2. Tyre und tube (from Messrs Mackenzie and Rouch); and free wheel and back pedalling brake (Air R. Murie) : T- Von TunzlOman ,(7niins.) —1 hour 20 minutes 42 seconds.

3. Acetylene lamp ,(Mr P. H. Vickery), und Coventry roller chain (Invercargill Cycling Co.) : Alex. Brankfe mins.)—l hour 20 minutes 43 seconds. Special for fastest unplaced competitor ; pair Dunlop tyres from the- Dunlop Co., Christchurch : G. Cushnie (li mins.)-! hour 20 minutes 46 seconds. Summers was the fourth man in, but was beaten in actual riding time ioi the special prize by Cushnie by about half a second only,