CYCLING

Southland Times, Issue 22074, 22 July 1933, Page 15

CYCLING

(By

“Pedaler.”)

I.A.C.C. NOTES.

Fixtures.

To-day: Woodlands and return 22

miles. Start at 1.45 p.m. July 29: Woodlands, Rakauhauka and

return 27 miles. Start at 2.15 p.m. August 26: Annual Gore-Invercargill 40 miles.

Judging by the enthusiasm shown last Saturday when the club made a successful start for the 1933-34 season, this year should prove even more successful than previous ones. Nineteen riders faced the barrier, including eight new riders who made their debut in road racing. Weather conditions were excellent although the roads were a little heavy from Kennington to Roslyn Bush. Good time was made by C. Robinson the winner, who covered the 17 miles in 4Gmin 45sec, while J. Flynn who collected fastest time took 45min 15sec.

An early start is being made for today’s race, so as to enable riders and supporters an opportunity of seeing the Town-Country game at the park. The Gore Invercargill race will be held five weeks from to-day and riders are already making preparations for long rides in preparation for the big event. Much discussion has taken place since last Saturday’s race, regarding riders who are not competing in a race following the race behind the scratch men and ducking in between the riders. Last week a rider was tipped off his machine owing to one of these menaces, and at the general meeting on Tuesday evening it was decided to inform the riders concerned and any others who have the intention of doing same, to stop the practice as they are only a source of annoyance to riders and spectators alike. New riders are asked to pay their registration fees to the secretary as soon as possible, so that they can be forwarded to the centre in Dunedin without delay. Club-captain Les Bloy has been arranging club runs which have been very enjoyable, but have been very poorly supported by the riders. To-morrow will be an open day and riders can make their own arrangements for the day. Next week on July 30, a run will be held to Riverton and back, all intending to make the trip to be at Mary street at 10.30 a.m. A good muster is essential to make these runs a success and the writer would have much satisfaction in seeing a good turn-out. It has been suggested that on these runs there be a fast and slow pack to be alternately in charge of the captain and deputy-captain each week. This is being done with success in northern towns and should be worth a trial. The Invercargill Harrier Club have suggested a combined harriercyclists race at some future date. This has been very favourably received by all members and it is hoped a race will eventuate before the road season is over. Some congestion is often caused at the finish of a race by over-eager spectators who wish to obtain a good view of the final sprint for the line. Unless some method is arrived at to control the crowd, an accident is bound to happen sooner or later; a new idea is being tried to-day to keep the crowd off the crown of the road and spectators who happen to read these notes are asked to co-operate with the officials to make it a success.

New riders last week rode very well, the pick of the bunch being A. Targuse who took some very fast laps and with a little more concentration on sprinting should soon be heard of in the final placings. J. Mclntosh who has been riding well in club runs was evidently too severely treated by the handicapper to show his true form, but will be heard from in the near future. W. Bailey is training more seriously this year and should not be long before coming to the front. A. Tunbull rode well from the 2.45 mark and if he settles down to hard training he should make a good rider. Bob Flynn, Jack’s brother, had his first ride, but had done no training, and riding a small gear he found the pace a little hot over the last few miles but finished the course in good time. Cliff Thompson had the misfortune to have his chain come off when riding in a good position. Des Patton will have to take a bit more weight off before he salutes the judge. C. Robinson the winner, created a surprise by beating good sprints like George Elliott and Nelson Shaw in the final sprint. W. Shaw must find the secretaryship a load off his mind; and give him more time to train, as was shown when he rode into second place last week.

W. Pickford rode well off 1.15 mark but his co-marker H. Insall was not fit enough to be of any assistance to him. Les Bloy on a new machine soon dropped V. Flynn but had too big a gap to close up to reach the leaders. The scratch men teamed well, and overhauled the middle-markers in good time but found the limit bunch too fast, and as they teamed very well the backmarkers had no chance with them over the short distance.. Mauri Wilson strained a muscle in his leg and has been advised to give the game best for a week or two. H. Grell another new man showed up well and if he gets together more with the members he will soon pick un a few hints which will be to his advantage.