‘Spectators come second’

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33447, 31 January 1974, Page 1

‘Spectators come second’

“Our first duty is to conduct Commonwealth Games championships; our second is to entertain the people who come to watch,” said the cycling controller (Mr R. T. Sowry) yesterday in answer to widespread criticism of the events at Denton Park. Spectators at Tuesday evening’s meeting were treated to only one hour and a half of cycling for tickets which cost as much as S 5 each. Their criticism grew when yesterday afternoon’s session lasted only a similar period.

Tickets were being freely offered for sale by ticket holders for last evening’s programme, which consisted of semi-finals in the tandem

and team pursuit events. The general opinion of these disgruntled spectators — and a considerable number of officials as well — is that while the poor presentation will not particularly affect the Commonwealth Games (as this evening’s final meeting has long been a sellout) the effect will be very considerable on Canterbury cycling.

“I think it is sad if this is happening,” said Mr Sowry, w’ho then detailed his committee’s priorities.

‘‘lt is a fact that apart from the 10-mile, the cycling championships are not attractive events. The cycling spectators are happy with what they have seen; the casual spectator is not a cycling purist and feels he is not getting his money’s worth.” Mr Sowry said that the cycling programme was “always what had been advertised. “I don’t doubt some spectators feel they have not had a good deal, but this programme was laid down and approved by the Commonwealth Games Federation. The object was quality, not quantity of racing,” said Mr Sowry. Two additional races were

held yesterday afternoon, both of them sprints between Jacob Schriek (New Zealand) and Maurice Burton (England) who were, said Mr Sowry “the only ones who made themselves available.” The shortness of that particular programme, said Mr Sowry, was the result of one tandem team scratching. “This wiped half an hour from our scheduled programme.” Many of the visiting riders and managers have suggested privately that commentaries would enliven the track cycling events. “I would not agree with that,” said Mr Sowry. "I believe people don’t need to be told what is obvious.”