CYCLE ROAD RACING.

Waikato Times, Volume 114, Issue 18987, 3 July 1933, Page 11

CYCLE ROAD RACING.

EVENT AT NGARUAWAHIA. WAIKATO AND HAMILTON CLUBS. FORMER WIN TEAMS RACE. Members of the Hamilton Amateur Cycling Club journeyed to Ngaruawahia on Saturday afternoon to meet the Waikato Cycle Club In a teams match race. The event was contested over an out and back -Course between Ngaruawahia and Whatawhata. Although the day was ideal for racing the event was marred by several unexpected happenings.. The loams were: Waikato Club— R. Norman, captain, A. Ryan, C. Hill, M. Jones, M. Montford and W. Montford. Hamilton. —L- Hodgson, captain, J. W. Taylor, W. Lentfer, N. lienwood, C-. Bull, N. Lentfer. Hamilton were first away, led by W. Lentfer, but before 50 yards had been traversed two riders lay sprawled in the road. N. Lentfer had overrun -his brother’s wheel and in crashing had brought down C. Bull. The latter’s machine was damaged, while Lentfer was unable to continue. Bull secured another machine, and Lentfer was replaced by R. Murray. After a delayed start Hamilton at length got under way, with W. Lentfer setting a fairly fast pace. Five minutes later, Waikato, led by club captain R- Norman, set off in a splendid start. The .leading bunch had not covered three miles when Murray dropped behind, the team now continuing with five riders. However, Waikato, who were going along In superb formation, had their share of ill-luck when M. Montford ran into loose santl when racing at top down a steep grade near Te Kowhai. flhe rider was thrown heavily, and being unable to continue, rode home in the officials’ car.

A Further Mishap. More mishaps were yet to come. With C. Bull (Hamilton) nothing went right.' lie was riding nicely with his team when his 'Chain broke. 11ms, with 10 miles covered llninillon wore riding with four men, while Waikato were going along live strong. At Wlniiawhala the leaders turned on even terms with the following bunch, one of whoso members was having difficulty with his chain. Iho race now developed into a test of four men against live, all riding against the clock. Both sets of iliters lapped well, the 'speed throughout being last and yet relatlvo. With but a mile to go, N. lienwood, of the visiting team, lagged behind his club mates, Hodgson, W. Lentfer and Taylor, who went on to cross the line abreast. As the ruling stipulated that the fifth man In each team must ho clocked, Hamilton’s lime was taken from N. lienwood, who rode the distance in 69in in fiasco, just 2miu 11 3-ssec slower than the first three men home. Only a couple of minutes had elapsed when Waikato, who had started five minutes after Hamilton, appeared riding strongly down the home stretch. All five riders lined up for an excellent and thrilling sprint, which carried them to victory in the good time of 67miu 2.T 2-ssee. Good Tlmos Recorded. The riding throughout Iho contest w;m a first-class exhibition of combined loam-work. No doubt Hamilton was as unfortunate as any loam could |, nss ;i,|v bo yd Iho Waikahi riders showed heller form and ability on || M . sand roads. In s-pile of several mishaps and lime l"sl, ! In* ties! Ihveo Hamilton men to finish. 1.. Hodgson., .1. w. Taylor and V . Lenl Dr. clnrko.l Iho dis I a 111 1 e 3 sees fader than the Waikato men.

After the race the officials and lad} supporters supplied afternoon tea to tiie competitors. The Mayor of Ngaruawahia congratulated the winners on their victory and the losers on their game showing. Mr R. Norman, the Waikato Club oaptaln, spoke on the good showing of the riders, and expressed his appreciation of the good sportsmanship shown. Mr Stokes replying on behalf of the Hamilton Amateur Cycling Club, extended his thanks to the home team on the way the visiting riders were treated, and invited Waikato to visit Hamilton as soon as a return match could bo arranged. Tho winning team comprised R. Norman, captain, A. Ryan, C. Hill, M. Jones and W. Montford.