Star-Packed Centre Cycling Champs

Cycling fans were treated to some fine performances at the Wellington centre track cycling championships, at Trafalgar Park. Harry Kent, New Zealand Sportsman of the Year, Commonwealth Games gold medallist, and a silver medallist at the world championships in the 1000 metre time trial, dominated the senior events. He won three of the four titles, including the 10-mile race. Other top cyclists John Dean, Neil Lyster and Robert Oliver competed. Marlborough had a strong contingent in the three Palatchie brothers, but even they failed to win a title. Nelson's Byron Le Vavasour was third in the senior 4000 metre pursuit and Trevor Cameron was third in the boys' quarter mile.

The man who dominated the championships – Harry Kent of Port Nicholson-Poneke

John Dean (Bass-Kapiti) and Neil Lyster (Petone) wait for the start of their senior 1000 metre event Dean won this race and was second to Kent in the final

Kent akcnowledges the applause of the crowd after the final of the senior 1000 metres

Trevor Cameron (Nelson) bursts to the front to win a heat of the boys' quarter mile. He was third in the final

Byron Le Vavasour gave a fine performance, to take third in the 4000 metre pursuit

Winner of the 4000 metre pursuit was Robert Oliver of Hutt, whose time of 5min. 15.6sec. was three seconds outside David Comparini's track record

A fine cyclist who was foiled in his bid for the senior titles was Marlborough's Don Palatchie. He was third in the 10-mile event

A highlight of the championships was a special attempt on the centre half-mile record by Rod Dixon. Here John Dixon, on the inside, leads the field from the start

Rod Dixon takes the tape in 1min. 50.1sec, a personal best, and a new centre record, by 0.9sec. John was second, in 1min. 52.4sec.

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The Nelson Photo News

No 136 : March 4, 1972

Star-Packed Centre Cycling Champs