Speed-Cycling on Road and Track

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 972, 15 May 1930, Page 15

Speed-Cycling on Road and Track

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“CYCLOS"

THE AMATEURS Promptly at 2 p.m. last week-end cyclists were on hand ready to contest the event to be run off under the auspices of the Manukau Amateur Cycling Club. Great was their disappointment, however, when it was announced that a letter had been received from the Manukau County traffic inspector, Mr. C. N. Clark, to the effect that no races were to be run off. This was the outcome of the recent fatality. As the officials of the club did not want a breach to arise between the two bodies, members were prohibited from taking part in a race over the tar-sealed circuit. As the warning made reference only to May 10, it is to be hoped that matters are righted for this coming Saturday. A committee has been appointed to put tbe cyclists’ viewpoint before the next meeting of the council. * Even though no race was held, a very pleasing function was performed by the president of the Auckland Centre of the New Zealand Union of Cyclists, Mr. G. Paul. This was the presentation to "Jerry” Whitten of his trophies won at the Easter Carnival, held on the Western Springs Stadium. The Pascoe Cup was the first of Whitten’s prizes. To annex this coveted trophy this champion unpaced cyclist had to give of his best, as be was called upon to stall off challenges by some of the club’s best wheelmen. The second trophy received, in the opinion of all who saw the race, was the reward of an effort which won for "Jerry” much applause from the spectators. This was when he was second in the House Cup. It will be remembered that the race in question was won by Eric Cleaver, who gamely hung on to the scratch riders throughout the journey. Whitten, starting 200 yards in front of- the rear division actually overtook the latter. Had A. Mackie not put in a final sprint over the last lap, then the result would, no doubt, have been reversed. In replying, Whitten thanked those present for the kind remarks made, and assured all that his association with the sport would continue as long as he was able. * * * The races set down for Saturday are 28-mile senior and a si-mile junior event. Whether these eventuate will depend solely on the generosity of the Manukau County Council Riders are requested to watch the papers for further developments. • * * SATURDAY'S HANDICAPS The following handicaps have been declared for the two events to be decided by the Manukau Amateur Cycling Club next Saturday afternoon, the junior race to commence at 2 o’clock: SJ-miles Junior Handicap.—R. L. Francis. H. V. Gordon. T. J. Colmar.. S. Pinfold. scr; A. H. Grigg, A. W Robinson, G A. Thompson. 20s : L. Oxton, K. G. Heliier. C. C. Beart. 555; K. H. Ingram, S. Budge. L. Cogan. S. Sargent, W. Webb, | W. Paul, lm 30s; C. Campbell, 2m. 28-miles Senior Race.—A. Mackie. H. R. Dwight. L. B. Roberta, J. H. Wade. J. Whitten, scr; E. A. Cleaver. J. Leather, X. B. Casey. L. H. Dwight, G. P. <~lark. A. W. Pinker. 2m 20a; C. Francia, S. Baird, E. J. Avery, M. R. Carter, R. R. Watson. 3m; G. J. Whitehouse, E. D. Andrews, W. Tomlinson. U. Russell. A. G. Baird, C. I. Gainsborough, C. A. Clark**, E. Mullane, 3m 40s; E. Hall, A. V. Reed, H. Borland, W. K. Thompson. sm; C. Hansen, S. R. Gatland, H. F. Gribble. J. Murphy, D. Baird. J. Hitcher.. S. G. Latham, O. A. Hughes. O. E. Rae, 7m: J. C. Lawrie, T. H. Cheeseman. R. T. Baston. A. K. Cook, D. Foster. W. Borland, W. Clarke, A. J. Danks, 9m. There may be a possibility that the Manukau County Council will not per-

mit races under the handicap system, but may allow the “time trial” system, in which case events will be run over the same distances as above under the latter system. A sealed handicap will be used in conjunction with these races. THE CASH RIDERS As with the amateur bods', so the members of the Auckland Cycle Club were informed that no use of the Mangere roads would be allowed for racing purposes. This was indeed a shock to riders as the executive had spent some time and thought in planning out a course which was well clear of the circuit used by the sister body. The committee is now negotiating for the use of Henning’s Speedway. If this site is procured, then races will be held on the clay circuit until satisfactory arrangements can be made for the use of the road. It seems rather a pity that in a city such as Auckland that so little support is given to road racing. Certainly, one of the worst accidents in the history of the sport occurred here, but, as stated by one of the parents of the boys concerned, this should not debar the lads from pnr- ; ticipating in further contests. In New Plymouth alone, five seperate clubs use the road for Saturday afternoon j racing. It can only be hoped that the ; Manukau County Council will accede ‘ to the request of the deputation which ! is to approach them on Tuesday week. I and allow the races to continue under . the supervision of the club officials. • W. Pratney is still on the improve, j It is indeed pleasing to see the large i number of club-mates journeying over j ;he bridge to wish Bill a quick re- ; covery. Another rider on the injured ; list is the ex-amateur, S. Litchfield. • While riding a motor-cycle he fell off J and injured his knee, which will necesIsitate his laying up for a couple of weeks. A keen all-round sport gave cycling . a good boost recently. This was Mr. W. Hindman.' president of the Papatoetoe Amateur Athletic Club. At a ■ conference held at Papatoetoe he stressed the importance of including cycle races on the programmes of sports meetings. He further pointed out the service that sport rendered to a district. One of the old-time Auckland c-fram-pions who still finds time to take an interest in cycling is Mr. J. Adlam. As referee for the club he rarely misses 1 seeing a race. In fact, it would not be surprising to see him again don his I racing gear. His last successful j effort was in 1927 at Te Aroha, when I he won the Somerstown Handicap, of , 1| miles. Jack started later in th® day, but fell, receiving a bad cut on the back of the head. Should he elect to try conclusions with the newer ! pedallers he will not be disgraced.