Sensational Climax to National Road Race

An injury-marred National Road Cycling Championship ended with the defending champion and winner, Vern Hanaray, of Hastings, being disqualified for careless riding. Only seven of 48 starters completed the 117-mile race, and accidents caused about 15 withdrawals. A top cyclist commented after one accident: "I'd like to see Hanaray out for six months for this. Junior riders look up to guys who are national champs and Olympians. What sort of an example is Hanaray setting with his dangerous riding?"

The title was awarded to second rider home, Lyn Cooper, of Wellington, with other placings going to his team-mate Brent Cornish and Canterbury's Ross Bush.

Nelson, for the first time, was host to the national senior, junior and boys' championships, and the teams' 100 kilometres time trial, won for the fifth consecutive time by Canterbury.

Vern Hanaray (Hastings) flashes across the line to win the 117-mile race, but was later disqualified for careless riding. Behind him are Ross Bush (Canterbury), third, Lyn Cooper (Wellington), who was awarded the title, and Brent Cornish (Wellington), second

The 1972 national road cycling champion, Lyn Cooper, acknowledges the applause of the crowd. On the left is Brent Cornish, second, and Ross Bush (right)

Vern Hanaray receives the news that he has been disqualified for careless riding by the referee, Tom Tindale. If Hanaray had not been disqualified, he would have been the second rider to win the title in consecutive years. Nelson's Nick Carter won it in 1945-46-47 and 49. He was at the London Olympics.in 1948

A jubilant Robert Cornish (Wellington) holds his junior trophy aloft after winning the 50-mile title from Keith Marshall (Wellington) and Grant Freeman (Hastings)

And Cornish looks pretty happy here, as he wins the race

The boys' race, over 15 miles, gets under way

The boys' champion. Max Neumegen (Napier), is flanked by place-getters Jamie Richards (Auckland) and Keith Barlow (Morrinsville)

The finish of the boys' 15-miler, with Neumegen crossing the line first

Four members of the five-strong Canterbury bunch, who made a breakaway from the field and, at times, led by up to three minutes. From left, Peter Neale, Ross Bush, Corrie Tabak and John Chesmar

Former Nelson cyclist Ray Anderson, now living in Christchurch, entered as an individual

A group of riders emerge at the top of the hill on Maisey's Road

Nelson official John Williscroft gives directions to competitors in the 100 kilo. time trial

The Canterbury team of Tony Morris, Blair Stockwell, Corrie Tabak and Ross Bush won the team time trial

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The Nelson Photo News

No 145 : November 11, 1972

Sensational Climax to National Road Race