Speed-Cycling on Road and Track

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 676, 30 May 1929, Page 6

Speed-Cycling on Road and Track

_ By

"CYCLOS."

THE AMATEURS

The fast times registered in the 17mile handicap event held by the Manukau Amateur Cycle Club last week were a good indication of the splendid conditions that prevailed. With a slight breeze, which helped, rather than hindered riders, the limit men were able to make the pace a “cracker,” thus eliminating the backmarkers from participating in the placed division.

First home was E. Andrews (smin 20sec), who signalled his return to road cycling after a spell of three seasons. No doubt be will be placed on a harder mark in future, as he was looked upon as a certainty before the race. His effort was a good one. Ilis previous experience of road racing stood to him when it came to the final tussle. He won easily by four lengths.

F. TV. Restall (omin 30sec) finished second and his performance stamps him as a good colt, as he had to tight out every inch of the journey. Although beaten by a better general he was by no means disgraced. A win for him in tlie near future would be well received.

As predicted in these notes of last week, Junior E. Hall (omin oOsec) gave senior riders something to think about. Taking his turn admirably with a bunch of about seven riders, he came away at the finish, and was only beaten by inches for second place. There is no doubt of the ability of this lad and if he trains in the right manner he should gain further honours.

When Timekeeper Les Wilson announced that Jack Wade had registered fastest time—42min 12sec—and had incidentally broken bis own record for tho 17 miles, established on September 29 of last year, the latter was the recipient of many congratulations from his club mates. liis ride was a brilliant one.

Coming into contact with Con Gainsborough’s back wheel, which had a protruding spindle, Jerry Whitten had the misfortune to break eight spokes. Had lie not met with this accident he would havo extended Wade for time honours, as liis time, 42min 32sec, equalled the old record, and was only 20sec outside Saturday’s record. L. B. Roberts, who has lately been showing good form, but meeting with little success, rode some great laps last week. Deserving a better fate for his consistency, he will be very hard to dispose of in the next championship meeting, when lap prizes are given.

H. Russell is a rider who is not afraid of the hard work in the races. Perhaps more success would come his way if he did not take on the other fellow’s laps.

It has been stressed in these notes the need for proper pacing and it is to riders’ advantage, not only to take their laps—which, if possible, should bo of short duration —but also to shelter their ■ co-hiarkers from cross winds. Pacing is getting better among tho amateurs, but there is still much room for improvement.

Tho week-end jaunts inaugurated by the club captain, Frank Casey, are deserving of better success. Last week a run to Pukekolio was held, only nine riders participating. Frank does his best tp get boys lit for the longer rides and a small muster like this does not give him much oncouragen>ent-

Next week a 34-mile- open handicap and a 5i miles junior handicap will be held. So as to enable riders to finish before dusk, members are requested to be at the Mangere Post Office at 2.30 p.m. sharp.

THE PROFESSIONALS

Tho result of the 25-mile handicap event held by the Auckland Cycle Club last Saturday was a further triumph for Hundicapper Knight. Finishes like those of this season stimulate interest in road cycling, besides making riders more contented. In any branch of sport liandicapper is no rosy position and Air. Knight has every reason to be satisfied with his work, as he has certainly obtained the results desired. Last week’s winner was J. Jacob, a Maori, who is a newcomer to professional cycling. He rod© a well-judged race and was never seriously troubled over the final stages. On Saturday’s form lie will be hard to beat even on a middle mark. W. Archer rode the whole journey with Jacob, both lads putting in some good laps, which resulted in their ultimate success. Archer has been out of form for some time and his second should give him some encouragement. Unlucky Ken Mathieson scored another third, but; he showed great sprinting ability when lie flashed over the line ahead of a field of about nine seasoned riders. Considering his size and the big gear Ken pushes he does remarkably well, but a win for him would not be out of place. Dave Storey gained fastest time again, thanks, no doubt, to the absence of Slater Hayes, who is down with the ’flu. One of the founders of the amateur cycle club in-Auckland and also a. competitor in the first professional, race of the Auckland Club, Dave has been a constant starter for a good few seasons and lias ridden in a great many road races. F. Potter, a co-marker last week of Dave Storey, beats himself time and again. If ho would only learn to sit on a few of the willing riders and take liis own share of the pacing, he would be more often in the firing-line. In the sprint last Saturday he had the misfortune to break his chain.

Starting off from scratch on his own Jim Lindop could make no impression on th© other paced riders. With a view to competing in the HamiltonAuckland race Jim has now settled down to serious training, and he was noticed putting in some good road work last week-end, in company with, two of his club mates.

Last week the writer viewed the new. stadium at Western Springs. Although not yet completed this track will be the finest in New Zealand, and as cycling seems to be again booming, there is no reason why wellattended meetings should not be held there.

This brings up the old score of pacing. Too much cannot be said about this, as even last week it was noticed that riders were disputing among themselves as to who should take the various laps. Everyone should take their turn and if riders desire to hold tlie public interest this will have to be carried out.

Arrangements have now been completed by. the club committed for a dance to raise funds for the big classic races to be held later in the season. ■.This dance, which it is hoped, will be a forerunner to many others,, will be held in the Druid’s Hall on Wednesday, June 12, A first-class jazz orchestra lias been engaged and with Messrs. D. Storey and J. Lindop as M.C.’s, to co-operate with Secretary. Tonkin, a very pleasant evening should be the result.