CYCLING NOTES.

Clutha Leader, Volume XXVIII, Issue 1524, 6 June 1902, Page 6

CYCLING NOTES.

T. Leatch, the amateur who left Sydney a few days back with the intention of reducing the existing record between Sydney and Melbourne, failed badly. Leatch only got 70 odd miles of the journey when he abandoned the ride, he then being some 14 miles behind time. The latest Continental files to hand bring word that almost at the last moment the Italian authorities vetoed the big motor race from Nicei to Abbazia Great disappointment has been expressed in Italy over the prohibition, as a large number of cars had already arrived from all parts of Europe to compete in the event. Strenuous efforts are being made to have thfi race duly carried out. Tbe King of Italy, who is a keen motorist, sideo with the local automobile club is using all his influence to have the event contested.

Martin and Beaucbamp, the wellknown racing cracks who left Melbourne by the French mail boat on the 15th alt for Europe, should arrive at Marseilles about June 17. They intend disembarking at that port, and travelling to Paris by rail. Both riders have taken home training machines, and intend to keep fit during the run to Marseilles by plenty of riding a»d skipping Martin, speaking on the mail boat previous to departure, stated that he was confident that both Beaucharnp and he would give a good account of themselves while on the Continent.- Both riders expect to be away about six months, returning in time for next season's Austral.

Boad racing in Sydney ia likely to boom during the winter, especially in amateur circles. The Dunlop Tyre Co, Sydney, are instituting a series of amateur 'inter-club road contests, which will be carried out by the New South Wales Union. As this body has a very large number of Sydney clubs affiliated, the competition (fur which the Dunlop Co. are offering a £2O trophy and four gold medals to the winning team) is likely to lead to a series of keen contests and healthy riva'ry between the amateur clubs during the winter months. Further details of the proposed club competition will be available at an early date. A motor bicycle endurance run from Boston to New York, a distance of 200 miles, is to be held in a few weeks' time. It is intended to start the run from Boston, taking two days to reach New York. The bicycles will be graded accordingly to the horse power, and the test will be run on a time schedule. This event, says the Scientific American, will prove very interesting, and will do much towards advancing the motor bicycle in popular favour, and showing what it is capable of accomplishing in making a long distance journey over bad roads.