GRUELLING RACE

Southland Times, Issue 22464, 29 October 1934, Page 5

GRUELLING RACE

CENTENARY THOUSAND. NEW ZEALANDER SECOND. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 11.5 p.m.) Melbourne, October 28. Registering the fastest aggregate in the Centenary Thousand which has been declared the most gruelling cycling race ever held in the world, H. Cruise, of Melbourne, was declared Australasian champion, winning £5OO and a gold cup. H. Watson, of New Zealand, was second. He rode brilliantly throughout. H. Opperman’s misfortunes continued to the stage when he retired after 20 miles, suffering from the effects of injuries received in Wednesday’s mountain stage. The handicap section was won by F. Stubenrauch, of Melbourne. J. W. Duffy, of Melbourne, was second and E. Toseland, of South Australia, third. The A grade sprint on Saturday was won by Borsari of Italy. A. N. Ralston, of New Zealand, was second. Thousands ' cheered the 64 weary riders out of 108 starters who rode to the finish at Como Park.

Criticizing the severity of the alpine section, Mithouard, of France, who retired, said it was suicidal for riders to attempt such a course. The French authorities would not allow such shocking conditions. Borsari said he had never seen such conditions and paid a tribute to the courage of the riders.