CYCLING.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 18819, 6 March 1931, Page 10

CYCLING.

MEETING AT CALEDONIAN GROUNDS. The Timaru Cycling and Athletic Club held an evening cycling meeting at the Caledonian Grounds last night, when, despite cold weather, there was an encouraging attendance. A half mile and a two mile handicap, and a one mile Derby, comprised the programme, and the response by competitors was very pleasing. Although the majority were young riders, the races did not lack interest, all finishes being very close, and at times exciting. The half-mile handicap was annexed by R. Bakery a youthful rider, who led for most or the journey. This is Baker’s first season on the track, and he promises well. The two-mile handicap was won by H. W. Birch, of Christchurch, who is at present on a holiday visit to Timaru. Although he has not ridden for some time, Birch is an experienced track rider, who has competed with success at many Caledonian meetings in Timaru. Birch defeated J. Mitchell, of Timaru, by a narrow margin, but rode a well-judged race. The Derby was carried off by R. Welsh, of Timaru, who took the lead rounding the bend for home, and won by nearly a length from J. Mitchell.

It was intended that W. Willmott, and H. W. Birch should give an exhibition motor-paced, but owing to Birch’s machine being unsuitable, he was unable to accompany Willmott, who, paced by B. Lovegrove, did a quarter-mile in 25secs. In a second attempt, paced by T. Stoddart, Willmott was clocked over the distance in 23 3-ssecs.

Officials controlling the meeting were:—Judges, Messrs H. H. Fraser, G. V. Tozer, R. A. Rodgers; gates, Messrs R. Rennett, R. Peebles; timekeepers, Messrs J. Fraser, G. Haywood; ambulance, Mr A. Toneycliffe; mark stewards, Messrs W. Ellems, J. Willmott, T. Stoddart, B. Lovegrove, R. Hall; starter, Mr W. Drew. Results were as follow: —

HALF-MILE HANDICAP. First heat—J. Parfitt (130yds) 1. A. McKay (80yds) 2, R. Baker (110yds) 3. Six started. Won by a wheel. Time—lmin lsec. Second heat—H. W. Birch (60yds) 1, J. Hall (120yds) 2, J. Brooks (125yds) 3. Six started. Won by inches. Time—lmin lsec. Final—R. Baker 1, J. Parfitt 2, J. Hall 3. Parfitt jumped away from the start with a good lead, and maintained this for a short distance. Before the first lap was completed, however, Baker was in front. The back-markers, Birch and McKay, could make little impression on the leaders. Baker held command to the post, beating Parfitt by a wheel, with Hall a similar distance away. Time—6o 4-ssecs.

TWO MILE HANDICAP.—H. W. Birch (200yds) 1, J. Mitchell (215yds) 2, R. Baker (350yds) 3, G. Metcalf (260yds) 4. Ten started, but half of that number cried enough before the eight laps were completed. The pace was slow from the start, Willmott, the scratch man, who was conceding a lap, acting as pilot for about three laps, before he pulled out. At the bell Mitchell was leading a bunched field of six riders, but on entering the straight, Birch sprinted and caught the former to win by a wheel, Baker being close up third. Time—4min 34 3-ssecs. ONE MILE DERBY HANDICAP—R. Welsh (100yds) 1, J. Mitchell (scr) 2, R. Baker (80yds) 3. Nine young wheelmen contested this race, which for the first two laps was run at a fair pace. The strain of the two previous races told on some, however, and the third lap saw the field well spread out. In the run home Mitchell went to the front, followed by Welsh and Baker. A good effort by Welsh won him the race by nearly a lerigth, wheels separating the other three. Time—2min 18 3-ssecs.