WITH THE CYCLISTS

Wanganui Chronicle, 3 October 1946, Page 2

WITH THE CYCLISTS

PALMERSTON NORTHWANGANUI RACE IN REVIEW

(By “Free Wheel.”)

Offering perhaps the best trophy list in the history of the race, last Saturday's big event, the Palmerston North-Wanganui race was expected to draw a very large number of entries, possibly between 70 and 80. Only 46 entries were received, however, and of these .39 faced the starter. Already

this season three races over approximately 50 miles had been contested in the West Coast (N. 1. Centre, with the result that many riders, more especially the juniors,* felt that they had had enough long races for this season. This, no doubt, accounted for

the entries falling below the numbers anticipated-

The race was nevertheless full of interest, although this was lessened Io a certain degree from the Wangaehu hill onwards, from which point it became apparent that only four riders, the first bunch over the hill, had any nrospect of securing the major placing',.

Full credit in securing both first place and iastest time goes to Mobberly. of Palmerston North, as he did his share of the work and still won fairly comfortably. This boy, onlyjust out of the junior ranks, shows great promise. With about 30 miles of the journey covered, he appeared to be finding the going a bit heavy, but a miles farther on he had settled into his work again, and eventually finished full of pep.

The second man. Bell, of Hamilton, also ode a solid race, and although he could not hold the winner over the last 100 yards he was quite a comfortable second, gaining also second fastest time honours.

The youngest rider in the race, Rogers, of Feilding, who, by the way, is still a schoolboy, went a great race for third. After the first few miles his co-markers were of no assistance to him, and after dropping them he rode many miles on his own until caught by the “break” bunch. For one of his age it was a splendid performance. Fastest time amongst the juniors also went to this lad.

First of the local riders home were Martin and Beswarick, ivho filled fifth and sixth places respectively. Had these two been able to hold their places on the Wangaehu hill they would have disputed the finish with Mobberly and Co., but the ground they lost at this stage could not be recovered.

Adams, who secured second fastest time as far as the West Coast senior riders were concerned, went a solid race, but again was inclined to indulge in “tearaway” tactics, thereby lessening his own chances. He was one of those who lost their position in the scramble on the Turakina hill. From this point on he rode very well.

Another Wanganui rider, A- Higgs, figured in the list of fastest times, this boy securing the prize for second fastest time among the juniors. He fully deserved this as his effort was a good one, far better, in fact, than that of many of the older riders.

The scratch bunch had a bad day. Originally made up of five riders, it was reduced to three when the two Aucklanders, Lapwood and Ludlam, found themselves unable to get down to Palmerston North owing to slips on the Main Trunk line. This was rather unfortunate for the scratch boys, particularly as there was fl strong quartet on the “break” mark. With 15 miles covered, the back markers had lost nearly a minute, and by the time Bulls was reached they had dropped lmin. 20sec.. on the 3’min. bunch, eventually finishing up by losing 3min. 53sec. on this bunch. As one of the scratch riders stated after the event, they hardly knew there was a race on. as over the first 35 miles the only riders they sighted were two stragglers.

In a race of this nature, or for that matter in any race over a fairly long journey, there is usually some rider who suffers from ill-luck. This time it was “Joe” Allen, of Feilding. Joe was going like the proverbial train, with, among others, the riders who filled the first four places, when he had the misfortune to puncture between Turakina and Wangaehu. This was really bad luck, as all local followers of the sport know that Allen can turn on a realy first-class sprintIt was doubly unfortunate as this was his last attempt at this particular race.

A gesture which was very much appreciated by both the riders and the officials conducting the race was that of a drover, Mr. Lynch. Originally he had intended to drive a herd of cattle from somewhere near Bulls to Turakina on the Saturday afternoon, but having noticed in Friday's paper that the race was being held on the Saturday, he rang the club secretary, and on being informed that the race was the Saturday afternoon altered his arrangements and so left r clear road for the riders. Such thoughtfulness is not very often met with these days.

Only one more race remains to he contested by the local club. Next Saturday will sec the close of the season. when the Garthorne Cup will he at stake. The course is to Turakina and return--a distance of approximately 26 miles.