WONDER CYCLIST.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19786, 26 November 1929, Page 5

WONDER CYCLIST.

MELBOURNE-SYDNEY RECORD. OPPERMAN'S GREAT RIDE. (PBOM OTTB CWS COBBESPOIfDEHT.) SYDNEY, November 14. When Hupert Opperman, Australia's champion cyclist, clipped eight hours off the cycling record between Sydney and Melbourne he performed one of the greatest feats that stands to the credit of any Australian athlete. It was a remarkable feat of endurance, for the distance he covered in 39 hours 42 minutes was 562£ miles. The best time before was 47 hours 46 minutes, to the credit of George MeLeod, also a Victorian. When Opperman arrived in Victoria shortly after mid-day on Saturday— j he left Sydney on the previous Thurs- ; day night—he was overwhelmed by en- j thusiastic admirers, and several policemen had to escort him to his proud wife. She embraced him and congratulated him warmly. Opperman was overcome, great athlete though he maybe, he broke down, and it was some time before he recovered. Then his mentor (Mr Bruce Small) kissed "Oppy" on the right cheek, and he said: "You have again shown the world what a wonder cyclist you are." The demonstration by the crowd was unprecedented in the history of Australian cycling. Police officials who met Opperman 25 miles out estimated the crowd that thronged the road approaching the finishing mark at between 50,000 and 60,000. There was a procession of cyclists and motor vehicles more than three miles long. Opperman's stoppages for refreshments and baths along the route amounted to 2 hours 32 minutes 15 seconds, so that his actual riding time was 37 hours 9 minutes 15' second truly remarkable performance. The ride "was not without incident. Opperman remained on his bicycle all through two nights, and at times, such as when going down hills, he developed incredible speed and endangered his own life. On the Friday he was very fatigued, and at one time he completely lost his sight. During the .-journey his eye shades disappeared and the constant sighting of the sunlit roads was too much for his eyes. He had to rest for half an hour before he could see. During part of the journey the heat was intense, and he suffered greatly from sunburnt arms and face. Once his progress was interrupted by a huge snake which lay across the road. This had to be killed before he could proceed- Opperman found the roads in Victoria better, and the weather more invigorating after he had crossed the border into Victoria, and his progress through the Southern State was remarkable, causing surprise even among Opperman's most enthusiastic admirers. At Albury, the border town, he was greeted by about 5000 people, who had been able to follow his progress by the broadcasted news of it. He had one heavy fall when his bicycle skidded on some rough metal, but he quickly mounted the machine and continued on his way, demonstrating his tremendous pluck. During his rides through the night he had great difficulty in keeping awake, but his wonderful condition told in the end. and he was able to make a record that must surely stand for years to come. It will surely add to his reputation abroad.