CYCLING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 111, 13 May 1931, Page 4

CYCLING

(V

"VETERAN .")

Cycling was started on Saturday i afternoon with the Wanganui Amateur Cycling Club holding their initial fun lof the season. The Kaimatira Block 10-mile course was chosen to loosen the I muscles of the riders and although the I course was only some nine miles the j weather conditions were such that they ; added several miles to the ride. For the first run it. was a very satisfactory bunch that turned out and the club is confidently looking forward to a very successful season. Several new members put .in an appearance and they shaped well, in fact it is confidently expected that the new’ talent is such that ' it, will make the older members look to thejr laurels in the near future. Stewart thoroughly deserved his sue cess on Saturday, having trained consistently for the race, while Smith also rode well and his performance was tu 1 of merit. D. Miller. iyho had to ride the latter part of the race unpaced and yet rolled into second place, was probab'y one of the best performers of the day. He is looking very fit and if he can continue on through the season as he has started he will make a good name for himself. Scratch men were inclined to loaf over the latter portion of the journey and there seemed to be no cause f/r this at all. Constantine is in good condition and if he can hold it and keep it up he will do well during the rides ahead, Alp is not yet thoroughly fit. but as he is in the hands of a very capable trainer t.pis season it shouli not be long before he gets down to tintacks and makes the miles fly . by, When the bigger rates are in the offing it is expected -hat he will be ready foi them and will take his acustomed position at the end of rhe run Springer .s expected io b eak the. tape before the season is much further advanced and in spite of his years he will take a lot of heading as the season progresses. Crcsswcll rode well for the first stretch on Saurday but his large gear hampered him considerably over the harder country and ho was therefore wise in dropping back in order that he might not overdo it for the first run, a procedure that might well be followed by many young members. The trophies raced for on Saturday were donated by the president of the club, Mr S. Hewgill. Two trophies that are connected with the history of the cycling in Wanganui in recent years are the Adamson and Falconer Challenge cups. In the year 1927 two cycling enthusiasts, Messrs C. Stagpoole and E. IDustin, decided to re-introduce amateur cycling into Wanganui and a committe of seven was formed consisting of members of the Pirate and Wanganui track clubs. Great success was made of the venture that year and the nucleus of a sturdy band of cyclists was formed. The late D. A. Adamson, then a very ac.'ive member of the committee, decided that the second grade cyclists would receive greater encouragement if they were able to ccmpete for a trophy and in his generosity he presented the club with a fine cup. Competition among the “B” grale riders is always very keen for til's valued trophy and this year ’s competition will not be aa exception when the time for the anuuil contest is set. Adamson was as swraf.e.i nder at the time he presented the cup and Hie impetus that his kindly action impelled was to send several younger members hard on the trail of his wheel marks. Another progressive year was recorded by the club tho following year when C. Chainoy, L Ross and Dustin took a hand in the management of the affairs of Wanganui cyclists. Club rules were remodelled for the better enjoyment of the members and the club took the name of the Wanganui Amateur Road Cycling Club, under which it' is known to-day. Mr Hewgill was elected the first president while Dustin took over the office of secretary. The club had increased in membership and began to make a name for itself, 'i'he Adamson Cup was passed over to the committee and now became known as the Adamson Memorial Cup, by which it is known to members to day. Another cup was also presented at that time by Mr A. E. Falconer for competition among all members, and as with the Adamson Cup every contest . for this trophy has always been one of the keenest and often very exciting. Since 1928 the Wanganui Club has not Kokcd back and with an increasing membership under an able management it has steadily progressed. Holders of the cups since they were firt put up for competition have been:— Adamson Memorial Cup. .1927 A. Olsen .1928 C. Gurr .1929 E. Crcsswcll &G. Taylor (jointly) 1930 J. Alp Falconer Cup. 1928 (J. Gurr 1929 G. Taylor 1930 J. Alp New members will receive a hearty welcome on joining the Wanganui Club and they may be assured that they wil’ receive every encouragement and consideration.