OPPERMAN V. O’SHEA AT ENGLISH PARK.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18947, 18 December 1929, Page 7

OPPERMAN V. O’SHEA AT ENGLISH PARK.

To-night, at English Park, the public will have an opportunity of seeing Hubert Opperman. the “ human motor ” and the most brilliant cyclist in Australia. contesting a two-distance match race against Phil O’Shea, the best all-rbuhd cyclist produced in the Dominion.

Last Saturday evening, thousands were thrilled by Opperman's wonderful speed and stamina when he defeated Harry Watson, the New Zealand road champion, decisively, after a particularly strenuous ride. In O’Shea, however, Opperman will find a formidable opponent, as the veteran is a combined track and road rider, and able to unwind a fast sprint after a hard ride. On Saturday, O’Shea rode brilliantly in the handicap races and demonstrated that he is capable of extending Opperman in the match race. Arrangements have been made for Opperman and O’Shea to be “ human paced ” by teams of tandems. After the experience gained on Saturday, the race should prove a thriller from start to finish.

T.he meeting between Opperman and O’Shea is the greatest event in cycling history for many years. Both riders have marvellous records on track and road, each having won the Australian Road Championship three times in succession.

During the evening, Opperman Is to make an attempt to lower the New Zealand motor-paced record of Bmin 58 sec, recorded by W. Mackie in 1926. A great race is promised in the meeting of A. C. Ritchie and W. T. Weir in a five miles motor-paced race to decide who will meet Hubert Opperman in a grand motor-paced match race over three distances on Monday. Both Ritchie and Weir have proved themselves to be expert motor-pace followers and should give a thrilling exhibition of pace following. Other events on the programme include handicap cycling and running, all the local talent participating. The Woolston Band will play from 7.30 p.m., the sports commencing at eight o’clock.