THE CASH RIDERS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 748, 22 August 1929, Page 14

THE CASH RIDERS

The Auckland Cycle Club's road race last Saturday afternoon was a "-’-mile handicap over a new course. Fine weather prevailed. A strong head wind was encountered by the ’ iders over the last seven miles. This accounted for a few of the competitors not completing the distance. * • * The popularity of Ken Rae (Timin.) was demonstrated by the cheering he received when he ran out an easy winner. Although he hae filled a number of minor placings during the last two seasons, this was his first straightout win in that period. * • * Slater Hayes put up a sterling perf"'rrr.ance. He gained third and fastest time. He was only 54sec. behind the winner. If Slater keeps his form, he w ill be almost certain to gain the cup presented by the club for the rider gaining most fastest times during the season. His nearest contender is Jim Lindop, who is four points behind mm with only nine races to go. *V. Francis (sJmin.) showed a glimpse of last year's form. When he was caught by Hayes, he pedalled with him all the rest of the distance, except, of course, over the concluding sprint. He will be hard in the longer races yet to be decided. Ken Mathieson had the misfortune to fall early in the contest, thus eliminating any chances he had with the winner. With only a quarter of a-mile to go. it looked as though C. Slack would be :n third place. However, the solid pacing he did over the last two miles told its tale. When caught by Hayes at the top of the hill he had to give way. • • • The action of Rae and Slack in waiting for their other co-marker, who took the wrong course at Tamaki, was another instance of the sporting spirit that prevails among the riders. • m m Next week a 13.8-mile handicap will he held. The following week, when the race to Papakura and back is decided. The Rudge-Whitworth challenge shield will be at stake. This trophy is held by the winner for one year. THE AMATEURS Members of the Manukau Amateur Cycling Club must be getting used to adverse conditions. Again last week a high north-westerly wind tested and found out most of the riders. Twenty, five competed, but of these only four rode the full distance. The force of the wind may be gauged from the fact that it was voted the severest vet experienced on the course. Riders could not even steer a straight course over the Ihumatao circuit. No doubt, the fact that they had to pass the finishing line five times on the journey was the cause of so many retirements. • • * H. R. Dwight (scr.), in securing first and fastest time, rode his best race to

date. His gruelling tussle with Wade over the final sprint was a real thriller. His great "jump” proves him to be a hard rider to shake off when near the finish. J. H. Wade (scr.) was second. Wade put up a sterling fight for premier honours. It was such a good struggle that a dead-heat would have been popular. Still. Wade was not slow to congratulate his conqueror, to whom every credit was due. J. Leather and G. Whitehouse (lOmin. 30sec.) were the only other competitors to finish. They both received a great ovation from the crowd present. And well they deserved it. The race for them was one of pure determination to finish out the gruelling test. The junior event, which was run off while the senior race was in progress. was over miles. It resulted in a triumph for H. Gordon. This was his first victory. His consistency as a starter in the weekly events nas at last been rewarded. S. Pinfold was second. He only has to go on in this manner to eclipse his brother’s record. Fattest time went to C. Yule. His wins in this category are getting quite monotonous. He seems to have the other juniors at his mercy now. A good entry is anticipated next week-end. The reason for this is that the club has generously offered to donate all. the entry fees to the earthquake relief fund. A silver medallion has been presented for the winner. The social committee is providing the other prizes.