ROAD CYCLE RACING

Taranaki Daily News, 3 August 1932, Page 4

ROAD CYCLE RACING

NEW PLYMOUTH CLUB EVENTS.

PROMISING FORM SHOWN.

(By

“Wheel.”)

The New Plymouth League Cycle Club sweepstake races are drawing good fields so far this season, twenty riders starting last Saturday. There are still a few °to line up, and the indications are for a good entry in the mountain race.

Saturday’s race to Onaero was a good one, and some fine riding was witnessed. C. Gilbert, having his first race for the season, scored a win in a close finish with Haw and Plucke, after haying ridden well on the journey. Gilbert is going to be a much more solid road rider this year, and with ordinary luck should be one of the hard ones to beat in the mountain race in October. T. Haw is also showing good form and should be a good partner with Gilbert. Angus; Mackie, ex-amateur of Auckland, showed improved form and was responsible for the best laps over the return journey, This was pleasing to witness, as tlio general opinion was that Mackie could take pace well but not make it. His finishing effort was firstclass and it will take a good rider to beat him. He is by no means in his best form yet, and “Wheel” expects him to be capable of riding off the scratch mark with success.

“Mac” Parker battled the journey out well, but was left without a sprint at the finish and was headed by both Mackie and Bellringer. Parker has been training only a week, but nevertheless will need to train hard to hold the riders as he used to.

N. Bellringer is early in good form this season, and by October should be riding as well as when he established the record time for the mountain race in 1928. Bellringer thought he had been overrated when placed on the mark with Parker last Saturday, but the handicapper knew best, and Bellringer easily defeated ' Parker at the finish. Even allowing for Parker’s unfitness, Bellringer *is riding much steadier races these days and uses his head much more. If is-probable that he will beat Parker again before the season ends. A. Ellis surprised by riding a fine race from scratch in his first attempt for the season, being still with Bellringer and Parker at the finish. Up to 50 miles Ellis has proved that he caii stay with the best, but he is unfortunate in lacking a finish. Ellis seems to give all he has on the journey and saves nothing for the final effort. A little more concentration on this point might help, and he could still be a good, worker.

Stan Rodgers, who has been riding quite well, has been off the scene for a week or two with an injured finger.

J. Wigg will be missing from the races from now on, as he is taking up farming at Okato. George Plucke is the most promising newcomer this season, and is riding well. He figured in a very close finish on Saturday with Gilbert and Haw. Though beaten by half wheels, he appeared to be riding comfortably as the line was crossed.

B. Berryman, who won the first race of the series,, was not in form on Saturday, jlaving. not quite recovered from an attack of 7 “flu.” ' G. Tuffery and H. Eva rode good races and finished with the first bunch, Eva finished fairly well, but Tuffery still lacks the sprint. The remarks in Ellis’ case also apply to Tuffery. L. Claffey, the oldest competitor in the club’s races, can still ride a fair race, apd should be in good form again by October. J. Gillies and K. Grey, ex-amateurs, finished first and second in the B grade race on Saturday. Neither is anywhere pear fit yet, but Gillies has a good sprint at the finish. Doug. George again registered fastest time in the B grade event. He shows plenty of promise and rode a nice race, nut found Gillies and Gray too solid at the finish. George is only 15 years’ old and will not be asked to take on the game seriously yet. The. third races of the series will take place on Saturday week—the A grade around Inglewood and the B grade to the aerodrome and back.