DISAPPOINTING ENTRIES FOR CYCLING

Southland Times, Issue 23610, 10 September 1938, Page 15

DISAPPOINTING ENTRIES FOR CYCLING

By

TYRE

After the big field for the Gore race a field of 13 riders was very disappointing in the Riverton race, over a distance of 53 miles.

Since taking up cycling O. Drury has proved that he has all the stamina and pedalling ability necessary to make a good cyclist. His effort off 19 minutes under hard conditions, was for a young, and inexperienced rider, an outstanding performance. R. Duncan, off nine minutes rode an excellent race. Starting on his own he caught the riders on 11 minutes just before Riverton and teamed with them until the leaders •were caught. He succeeded in breaking up this bunch and rode in with Drury to the finish to take second place. R. McDougall rode well until his condition gave out about nine miles from home. He rode on, however, to gain third place. McDougall has been having a spell recently because of a poisoned hand, and his performance last week proves that he is rapidly getting back to his best form. It should not be long before he is collecting some of the major honours.

M. Burgess again rode a solid race but the tactics of Duncan proved too much for him when they were still a few miles from hime. He finished with McDougall. A. Drury (scr) showed that he is still the fittest man in the club, by again registering fastest time. If he rides in the Otago 50-mile championship at Dunedin', 'he has very bright prospects. M. Harris was again beaten in the sprint for fastest time. Although he is a great worker on the road, he cannot put in the finish necessary to gain the honours. Alan Jones and C. Orme had a nasty spill, both suffering bad abrasions. The fall was the result of another rider skidding in the loose gravel and colliding with Jones’s front wheel, Orme falling over Jones. It is to, be hoped 'that the fall will not affect them for future races.

The club is endeavouring to be well represented at the Otago 50-mile championship. A minor invasion is planned, and it is to be honed the members will rally round the club. The massed start 44-mile race to Edendale and return today will be a good preliminary for riders competing in the Otago event.