LEAGUE CYCLE RACING

Taranaki Daily News, 24 August 1931, Page 6

LEAGUE CYCLE RACING

CLAFFEY AND LOWE WINNERS. . RECORD TIME TO A. ELLIS. Two road races were decided on Saturday in ideal conditions under tae auspices .of the New Plymouth League Cycle Club. The officials were: Judges, Messrs. F. E. Orbell, G. Tippins and E. Knofflock; starter and timekeeper, Mr. D. George; number steward, Mr. A. Gable; referee, Mr. G. Sole. B Grade. Third of series of six races for cups. Barrett and Phency Roads, about nine miles:

W. Lowe (Imin.), 22min. 21sec. .. 1 F. Fitzpatrick (ser.), 21min. 21 l-ssce. 2 H. Cavaney (l£min.), 23min. ssec. .. 3 G. Thompson (Imin.), 22min. 38scc. . 4 Also started: W, Martin 3min., Stan Rodgers B. Sole Imin., G. Tuffery scr. Fitzpatrick gained fastest time and Lowe second fastest time.

Martin, alone, led for five miles, when he was joined -by Thompson, Cavaney, Lowe and Rodgers. The scratch boys were gaining fast, and when close to the leading bunch Tuff cry ran off the road and Fitzpatrick broke away and picked up the leaders coming down Allen’s Hill. On the last hill Fitzpatrick and Lowe broke away, and in a good sprint Lowe beat Fitzpatrick by threequarters of a length. The rest were strung out 150 yards back. The points are: Fitzpatrick 12, Lowe 7, Cavaney 6, Thompson 5, Puffery 2, Rodgers 1. A Grade. Third of series of six races for cups. To Okato and back. Previous record held by A. Putt, 1927, Ihr. 19min. 52sec. Twenty-eight miles: L. Claffey, (7min.), Ihr. 22min. 22see. 1 M. Wylie, Urenui' (Simin.), Ihr. 24m. 2 H. Eva (7min.), Ihr. 22min 30 l-ssee. 3 A. Ellis (scr.), Ihr. 15min. 49see. .... 4 Also started: C. Le.hrke and R. Sole ser., G. Tippins, T. Haw and J. Wigg 2 min., L. Standing BJmin. Ellis gained fastest time, which is a record for the race, lowering the time by over 4min. The cup points arc: . Tippiris 6, Wigg 6, R. Sole 4, Claffey 4, Wylie- 3, Eva 2, G.’Sole 3, L. Puffery 1, Standing was the first to retire, and at Okato the groups were the same. Claffey, Eva .and Wylie led by 3mtn. from Tippiris, Haw and Wigg.' Phe scratch boys, Ellis, Lehrke and Sole, were 4min. ssec. behind the leaders. Oh the return journey Ellis, riding well, left Lehrke and Sole after Tataraimaka and picked up Tippins, Haw and Wigg before Oakura. Over the last few miles Ellis left these riders and set out after the leading three, who were nearly 2min. ahead. Claffey left Wylie and Eva ou the last hill, one mile from the finish, and went on to win alone, Wylie just beating Eva by a length for second place. Ellis came next, only 27sec. behind the winner. Wigg was fifth, followed by Haw. Ellis’ performance was an exceptionally fine effort, as he had to ride the last few miles alone and then lowered a long-standing record by over 4 minutes The next races will be held in a fortnight’s time. Phey are: A Grade, Pariki and back (44 miles); B grade, Mountain Road and baek (10 miles). Phe club’s first euchre party will be held tonight (Monday), when as many of the committee as possible'are requested to be present. “' ’ ' • J