CYCLING

Southland Times, Issue 25341, 20 July 1935, Page 15

CYCLING

(By ‘

“Wheelman.”)

Coming Events. I To-day.—Woodlands—Rakauhauka, 27mile final of Avon Cup series. July 27.—Rimu—Woodlands and return, 26 miles. August 3.—Mabel Bush and return, 30 miles. August 10.—Winton and return, 42 miles. August 17.—Woodlands—Rakauhauka, (time trial), 27 miles. SPECIAL EVENTS. August 31.—Gore-Invercargill, 40 miles. September 14.—South Island and Southland championship, 52 miles. ( ). —Tour de Southland. Last week’s event attracted a good field and was interesting to witness, especially when the scratch rider, W. Frame, caught the field. Frame would not have caught the limit riders if they had teamed on the return journey the same as was the case on the outward journey. It is only on race occasions that a scratch rider gains a placing other than fastest time, this being one of the rare occasions. On the outward journey with an 89-gear Frame was touching 35 miles an hour and his average for the journey was approximately 23. The final sprint was perhaps the most interesting finish witnessed this season, for practically the whole field participated. E. Summers, off the imin mark, who secured second place, was instrumental in bringing Frame up the field. This rider, who vias till lately considered a long distance rider, is showing his worth in shorter events and is in the running for the Avon Cup.

G. Jones, who shaped well last season, secured third place, being beaten fox - second place by half a wheel. C. A. Robinson, the fourth competitor, was in a bad position at the commencement of the sprint and was lucky to be as close as he was at the finish. This competitor would fare better if he would discontinue those “coffin nails.”

P. Meehan was disappointing, lack of training being probably the cause of his poor - showing. '■ L. Wilson and W. Bailey started for the first time this season and gave a fail - display fox - their first race. A. Caldex - has the writer’s sympathy in his being just too late fox - Saturday’s race, but it was also pleasing to see the event start right on time for a change. It is hoped that in all future races it will be the same.

The points so far secured fox - the Avon Cup with one race to be decided are: W. Frame 4J, E. Summers 3J, P. Meehan 3, A. Drury 2, FI. Reynolds and G. Jones 1 point each.

Last week’s race was Imin 21sec slower than the time for the same event last year, which was run under perfect weather conditions. W. Frame secured fastest time.

To-day’s race is the final of the Avon Cup Series over a 27-mile course.

The ladies’ social committee held a successful social function last week in aid of the princess carnival fund, cards and dancing being the features of the evening’s entertainment. Starting from next Wednesday social evenings will be held weekly in the Don street room.

The club’s social committee has arrangements well in hand for the grand ball next month.

The princess flags were flown fox - the first time last week and the writer - is sorry to state that the I.A.C.C. flag was at the bottom. Members, supporters and the ladies are earnestly asked to attempt to put the flag at the top in the very near - future. Posters fox - the sixth annual GoreInvercargill road race to be held on' August 31 Will be out this week. Entries definitely close on August 21, with the entrants’ last three performances and must be on N.ZA.C.A. forms. This rule includes members of the local club as well as othex - clubs. The prize list is as follows: First. Challenge cup valued at £3 3/-, R. Walker cup valued at £2 2/-, and minature of Challenge cup valued at £1 1/-; second, cup valued at £2 2/-; third, G. Wilson cup valued at £1 1/-; first unplaced Southlafxd rider, A. Moore trophy valued at 15/-; fastest time, cup valued at £2 2/-. There is a ’ possibility of a 25-mile unpaced championship being staged within the next three or four - weeks and members would be well advised to train for this event as it is almost certain to be held.