CYCLING

Southland Times, Issue 21850, 29 October 1932, Page 19

CYCLING

(By

“Plugger.”)

To-day: 56 mile Southland Championship.

To-day marks the close of the 1932 road season in so far as our club is concerned, although it is probable that a few short road races will be conducted by the different country clubs. Weather conditions look good and an interesting race should eventuate, large entries have been received, and although no competition is forthcoming from Dunedin, keenness will not be lacking among the local boys especially the scratch men who will be after Championship honours. This is the longest road race to be held in Southland for many years and is the first amateur championship to be held so backmarkers will be all out in the endeavour to become the first Southland champion. Entries have been received from as far afield as, Athol, Wyndham, Winton, Woodlands, Tokanui, although the majority of the field will compose of club riders. The big day will wind up with a dance in the U.F.S. hall this evening, when the various trophies will be presented to the placed men. The Avon cup will also be handed over to A. Jackson who holds it for 12 months, the Dunlop cup will also be handed over to the rider gaining most points in road races throughout the season; this of course will not be finalized until after to-day’s race. The race will start from Mary St. at 1.30 p.m. and the limit men are asked to be on their marks before that time so as to avoid any delay. There will be a break of 20 mins before the scratch men get away and they will leave about 1.50 p.m. The race being 56 miles long over a fairly stiff course the hardest available, it will be about 4.30 p.m. before the first man gets home to finish in Elies Road at St. Andrew St. A bus will follow the riders over the route to pick up casualities. The track season opened in town last week when the City Cycling Club held a sports meeting at the Park. A disappointing crowd witnessed a good afternoon’s sport, which was got off in quick time. The last event was run a little after 4 p.m. The absence of the t(,vo motor-cycle events from the programme caused interest to wane but as the motor-cyclists promised the grounds committee not to go on for a fortnight yet, nothing could be done to remedy the matter. Only seven starters completed in the two amateur cycle events, but exciting finishes were witnessed in both cases, L. Johnson rode with good judgment to win both races while L. Bloy was second in the two races. Both the riders rode off scratch and had little trouble in catching the limit men, as the limit was exceptionally small compared with last year’s handicapping, and as the scratch men are always in the bunch at the finish the front markers could be let out a little more, as they cannot beat the back markers in the sprint and have to keep away from them right throughout the race if they are expected to win. A slight mistake was made in last week’s notes concerning the Drummond Club’s opening day. This should have been stated as November 5. Last Wednesday the Winton club held their opening day with an evening road race. The course was round a fourmile block twice through the town and finished in the main street. Another successful club run was held on Labour Day when 7 riders including the acting president (Mr R. McCash) made the trip to Otautau sports. The Jackson brothers of Wright’s Bush also rode out. The weather was at its best for cycling, and an attractive sports meeting was witnessed. Two events for amateurs were on the programme. L. Johnson continued his good form shown at the Park last Saturday and won the 4 mile but was closely challenged by E. Summers, about six inches seperating first and second. Johnson had a nasty spill in the one mile event just as the field started, when one of the “pushers—off’ stood on the track instead of making for the line, and Johnson’s front wheel went right between his legs. Johnson landed on the back of his neck and was out for quite a while. He got a lift home in a motor car. It is doubtful if he will be a starter in to-day’s race, as he is still suffering from slight headaches.

A. Hagerty (scr) won this event with J. Flynn j a length back in second place. Flynn showed good form for his first year on the track and after leading for three laps he hung well to Hagerty in the sprint. Had Johnson not met with misfortune he would have just about won the race also, as he had 25 yds. start and the track which was a little on the heavy side just suited him. A very enjoyable and welcome tea was partaken of, kindly provided by some lady supporters of the club who made the trip out by car, and all the riders were loud in their appreciation of the kind offer. The trip home was covered in good time and town was reached at 7.15 p.m. many expressing the wish that Labour Day came more than once a year.