CYCLE ROAD RACING

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 58, Issue 4190, 29 May 1939, Page 5

CYCLE ROAD RACING

RACE TO ROTO-p-RANGI AND BACK. The Te Awamutu Amateur Athletic and Cycling Club’s road race last Saturday afternoon was to Roto-o-rangi, via Chamberlain’s Road, and back to Te Awamutu via the main highway. Glorious weather prevailed, and thirteen riders competed. The road conditions made for fast times, and J. A. Robertson actually covered the distance in 48min 34sec. Eleven riders completed the course. Starting from in front of Selwyn Park, W. Liddington and W. Fisk were first away, with R. Phillips, E. Louden, A. Gyde and M. Melville 7 min. later. Then a spell of 1} minutes and J. T. Robertson and T. Dalziel were despatched. Another 2.} minutes and J. Picknell and S. Montgomery started, with B. Irwin, G. Allen and J. A. Robertson 1 min behind them. Up to the half way mark Liddington and Fisk teamed along in fine style, followed by Phillips, who broke away from Louden, with Gyde about 5 chains further back and Melville making a great effort to catch up again. Dalziel had left J. T. Robertson and was going along in great style, with .Picknell and Montgomery riding together at a sound clip, followed by J. A. Robertson with Irwin on his wheel. Allen had had the bad luck to crash earlier in the contest. From the half way mark things be gan to happen. First Dalziel took the wrong turning, and, like the sport he is, Jim Robertson threw away his chance of winning to stop and call at ter him. Then, not content with putting Dalziel on the right road again. Robertson carried on and teamed him for all he was worth while his condition lasted, leaving Dalziel with a winning chance. It was a really fine sporting gesture, typical of the veteran, who is held in very high estimation. , , The going on the homeward journey was terrific, yet the leading juveniles, Fisk and Liddington, profiting by their experience of previous Saturdays, were still able to hold off all opposition and pass the post with a margin of 1 min 5 sec from Dalziel, with Phillips only a few seconds separating Liddington and Fisk. The next bunch to arrive provided a magnificent sprint finish, Picknell just managing to beat Gyde. with Jim Robertson gamely giving both thenmoney’s worth; Louden came in alone followed closely by J. A. Robertson, with Irwin a few seconds further back. Then, not to be outdone, Melville pedalled in, to finish his first ride of the season. This competitor rode well, but he will have to get more riding if he is to be at top form for the championships. Results: R. Lfddington 1, W. Fisk 2, T. Dalziel 3. Fastest times: J. A. Robertson 48min 34sec, B. Irwin 48 min 56sec, J. Picknell 49min 15sec.