CYCLING.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2328, 22 October 1908, Page 3

CYCLING.

GISBORNE RIDEfUS RETURN.

INTERVIEW WITH MR. II ANDERtSON.

Mr. H. Anderson, the well-known local cycle-dealer and rider, who has been across to Australia competing in the two 'great road events, the Goulbourn-Sydney and WarrnamboolMelbonrne road races, returned by the s.s: Monowai yesterday. In a cliat with a “Times” representative, Mr. Anderson said he had had a fine holiday, and bad enjoyed himself thoroughly. The voyage across to Australia had been a rough one, but once on the island continent ■lie liad had a period of uninterrupted pleasure. The Sydney public, especially, were very kind, and showed every consideration for the visiting competitors from New Zealand. ■ Asked for a few remarks on the Goulbourn-Sydney race, Mr. Anderson said it had been enjoyable one. The weather and the roads, the two important factors in road-racing, could not have been surpassed. “I was somewhat unfortunate,” continued Mr. Anderson, “in that I rode a high-geared machine (884) without either free wheel or brake, and as the . road was very hilly this proved a big handicap. . Practically all the other competitors, most of whom were familiar with the road, had both freewheels and brakes, and rode machines geared no higher than 77. I felt in fairly good form and finished about twentieth, passing the post inside the time limit, for which I receivo a medal.. I was the only. Now Zealand rider in the race, and I understand I am also to receive a medal for that. I found the heat very trying, and got both my legs badly sunburnt. I was quite satisfied with my performance, and I am certain that, had I been more familiar with the route, I should have been nearer the winners at the finish. One of the competitors in this race was a one-armed man, who rode surprisingly well. He was leading until about seven miles from Sydney, but the excitement of the finish proved too much for him, and he only secured third place..” “The Warrnambool *- Melbourne race,” said Mr. Anderson, in reply to a question, “provided a fine contest. There were 406 starters, the limit men (70min) riding off at 5.50 a.m., and the three scratch men, Lai’combe, Chappell, and l Morgan, at 7 a.m. I had a handicap of 29 minutes, and left Warrnambool at 6.31 a.m. There was a very heavy frost on the ground, and.. I travelled several miles before I began to' warm up. This was an unfortunate race for me, as I had four falls, and injured my knees somewhat badly. I had by thjs time covered about three-quarters or the course (120 miles), but I was feeling so sore tliat I abandoned the race and finished the remainder of the journey in . the train. At the time of the last fall, I was Tiding well, and having ridden over the course the previous day, I was familiar with it. A number of New Zealanders rode in this race, and Meharry, a- winner of the Timaru-Christ-church annual iroad race, would, in my opinion, undoubtedly have proved the winner, but his'’’machine smashed clean in tw<> and throw him out of the contest. He is- one of the most promising of our riders. Chappell, the New- South Welshman,, is a fine rider, and knows evory point of ' the game. The ai*rangements in .both races for the comfort of tho riders Were excellent, and could not havo been conducted better.” Asked as to whether he intended to rido in Australia, next year. Mr. Anderson replied that • he did not. “I have definitely, decided to discontinue road-racing,” he said, “as I find that mv business ..requires more attention. , I .have had .a long spell of racing now, and have had a good share of success. I intend, however, visiting Australia next- year, and will take across my son, Mho is .a yromis-

ing rider, and who will compete in the two big events. It is understood that .the Timaru-Christchurcli race, which did not take place last year, will be held this year, probably just before Christmas, anil my son. will als 0 compete in this. I anticipate ho will meet with considerable .success in the near future.”