CYCLING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 135, 9 June 1937, Page 5

CYCLING

THE ROAD AMATEURS V. ALGANUI CLU3 NOTES ON SATURDAY’S RACE Weather conditions were very unsatisfactory on Saturday for the road cycling amateurs’ race of 16 miles held on the Main South Road out-and-home course. A number of riders found changeable gears and sprint wheels an advantage, the outward journey being assisted by a very strong tail windMany found the pace too hot and were forced to retire. There were only 21 starters last Saturday, which is the smallest field of the season. A number of riders did not put in appearance, probably due to the weather. . This week’s surprise was the sterling effort of W. Pidwell, who gained pride of place and fastest time. Pidwell dropped his co-markers and continued on his own to go right through the field to gain a well-earned victory. This was the best effort of the season. It was a splendid achievement, more so considering that he did not have the assistance of his comarkers early in the race. This is a feat which is worthy of his position as a scratch‘rider. Jack Jeromson gained second place and second time from Danielson in a very close finish. He made a spirited effort to defeat Pidwell and was only a matter of inches behind at the tape. Danielson secured third time and third place from Chalk, which shows that he maintains his improved form. Chalk filled fourth position. He appears to have lost his dash at the finish. If he would improve hi< sprinting he would become a rider of note as he has been in at the finish of every race this year. A number of riders made their initial appearance with the road club this year. Charlie Gurr is an old member of the club and it is pleasing to see him making a reappearance. If he regairis his form of a few years back the back-markers will have to look to their laurels. Tom Pidwell also made a start and should be a notable contestant with a little more competition. Hawkins is another who has joined the ranks of the pedallers and rode very well for his first race. It was very unfortunate for the front-markers to be caught when only a hundred yards from the finish. It was only the adverse weather conditions which enabled the back-mark-ers to catch them. Again there was a massed finish. With the exception of the few who found the going too tough all the riders finished together. The handicappers are to be congratulated on their splendid work. Wanganui B team, one at Upokongaro and the other at Wanganui. It was decided to meet the request for a match at Upokongaro, tne date to be left with the fixtures committee. Permission was asked for by the Wanganui Harrier Club to allow races to finish on the racecourse. This was granted. The Pirates Club wrote challenging the holders of the Maoriland Cup (third grade). This was referred to the fixtures committee. The request of the Wanganui Referees’ Association for revision of the list of passes issued by the Wanganui Rugby Union was referred to the Management Committee of the major union. The classification committee reported that it would not reclassify Zimmerman. (Waitotara) senior to junior. In view of the fact that Wanganui and Old Boys were not agreeable, the committee decided to drop the intention of playing Old Boys and Waitotara juniors as senior B. Mr. Cotterill expressed surprise at a team objecting to being elevated to senior status. He always thought that it was the ambition of every player to become a senior.