CYCLING ON TRACK AND ROAD

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17881, 24 June 1926, Page 11

CYCLIN G ON TRACK AND ROAD

by “ WHEEL.’*

FIXTURES. September IS—Rangiora fifty miles road race. October 2—Timaru-Christchurch road race. October 9 Warrnamfcool-Melbourne road race. Horace llorder. writing to Mr J G. Maelde, states that he is at present an inmate of the Sydney Hospital suffering from injuries received on June 4 through being run over by a motor lorry whilst riding a push-bicycle. His injuries were very extensive, consisting of a fractured pelvis, double fractured hip, fractured thigh, fractured knee, leg broken below shin, fractured collar-bone and concussion of the brain. According to the tone of the letter, Horder is very downhearted, as he will be unable to race again. He feels his position keenly. His many friends in Christchurch wish him a complete and speedy recovery. The date of the Timaru to Christchurch race has been definitely fixed for Saturday, October 2. This decision was arrived at last night at a meeting of the executive of the North Canterbury centre of the X.Z.A. and C. Union. The Mairehau Sports Club will hold * road race on Saturday, July 3. over rbe usual thirteen miles course/ Further particulars will be announced next week. Mr W. P. Daley has been instrumental in securing a cup valued at £lO, which is for competition amongst members of the Mairehau Amateur Cvcling Club. The Southbrook Cycling Club held a most successful road race last Saturday afternoon, over a fifteen-mile course. A field of twenty-three riders were despatched by Mr TV. J. Waite-, over good roads. 35 A. Leathern and C. L. Burnard were on the mark of honour, giving a*.vay omin to A. E. (Dad) Porter and F. Wilton. The progress of the race was watched by a large crowd of interested spectators. The limit men. Porter and Wilton, completed the first lap (three miles) in Smin 17sec, the scratch men, Leathern and Burnand, putting in an appearance 4min Msec later. Carey, riding alone, gained 7sec on the backmarkers. Porter and Wilton again led the second round, followed by Clark and Vaughan, 14sec later. At this stage. A. Leathern and Burnard had picked up Austin, Carey and B. Leathern. This team was 2xnin 4Gsec behind the IcadAt the commencement of the fourth ftp. Clark. Porter, Vaughan and Wilton led, G. W. Prebble following olscc 'ater. A team consisting of Hack. Power. H. F. Prebble. Chapman and Dixey followed 19sec later. The next ratch to show up were W. T. Weir, Fidier, X. F. and A. J. Archer, and J. Parsons 17sec after. A. and F. Leathein and Austin followed 33sec behind, A. Leathern being Imin 50scc behind the leaders. Vaughan and Clark, riding stronglv, led for the final lap. Chapman and G. W. Prebble passing 30 sec later, closely followed by X. F. and A. J. Archer, Weir and Fidier. A- Leathern, riding alone, followed lmin 32sec behind the leaders. The race resulted in an easy win for C. Clark, who beat F. C. Vaughan by a second. G. G. Chapman was third, and A. J. and X. F. Archer fourth and fifth respectively. The fastest time honours went to A. Leathern, who rode the elistance in 38min 17sec. 35 35 35 The committee of the Southbrook race entertained the competitors and officials to afternoon tea at the con elusion of the race. This was appreciated by all concerned. The president, Mr P. Power, in presenting the

Prizes on Saturday. stated that. t] Club would be holding further 1'0“ races m the near futurm

C. Clark, the winner, appears to have taken a new lease of life, registering two wins in two starts. His form has improved beyond all expectations during the past few weeks, and his dual win should give him the necessary encouragement to go on with the sport. The time reaisiered by Clark was good. F. C. Vaughan, second place, is performing consistently this season. Though small of stature, he is very hardy and only fails at the business end of the race through being unable to produce the necessary sprint. Vaughan hails from Clarkville, .and his familiar figure is to be seen at all road races in the vicinity of Christchurch. G. G. Chapman, third place, rode a splendid race. He rode the last lap and a portion of the fourth unpaced, and his form made a good impression on the spectators. His re-appearance was after a long spell from racing and he is shaping well to occupy a back mark in the forthcoming big road races. Chapman has some good performances to his credit and his luture will be watched with interest. se « » A. J. and X. F. Archer rode well and were unlucky to miss a place, finishing fourth and fifth respectively. These brothers are excellent road riders and there is very little to choose between them. « K X A. Leathern continues to hold his own on the road and again secured the fastest time prize. If he can strike his true form, he will prove a dangerous opponent to the other back-markers in the coming championship races. If. F. Prebble. a competitor in Sat urday's race, was unfortunate in having his pockets picked. He left his clothes in the hall where the competitors changed and was relieved of a fair amount of cash. At the end of the track season, Prebble lost a sum of money in a similar manner at English Park. This should serve as a lesson to other riders not to leave valuables of any description in the pockets of their clothes. As a safeguard, money and jewellery should be handed to an official before the race. Mr J. R. Devereux, the “green-leafer." still follows up the sport and again showed his practical sympathy by giving substantial cash donations to the Mairehau Sports Club and the Mairehau Amateur Cycling Club. A wellknown rider of some years standing has adopted the "green leaf’ diet, and will be a competitor in the l'imaruChristchurch road race.^ P. G. Hack, who was placed in the 1924 Timaru race, was a competitor in the Southbrook road race on Saturday, but was evidently out of form.