CYCLING "BREAKAWAY"

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 26, 31 January 1930, Page 11

CYCLING "BREAKAWAY"

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —The position regarding the control of amateur cycling in the Dominion is at present the subject of much Press comment, but this has invariably put the present controlling body in the aggrieved and ill-treated position., The . cyclists' side has seldom been put before the public. Briefly, the ambition of'active cyclists is that they consider that tho time has arrived when they can handle their own affairs, and the so-called "breakaway" movement commenced in Auckland some twelve months ago has been sympathetically received generally. Except, of course, by members of the present controlling body and members of the other athletic circlos. The "breakaway" movement is well misnamed by the N.Z.A.A.A. It is not a "breakaway" at all, but a united move by a branch of ■ athletics who should and undoubtedly be a separate, body. To ascortain the position officially the Port Nicholson Amateur Koad Cycling Club called a special general meeting and passed a resolution giving almost unanimous approval to the N.Z. Union of Cyclists, now operating in Auckland, and which is affiliated to tho International Cyclists' Union. The latter body controls all cycling throughout tho world, and is, therefore, the one and only organisation to be associated with. The N.Z. Amateur Athletic-Council instructed its various centres to call meetings of cyclists, and in the South the official nature of the meetings apparently frightened a number of those present, and in consequence the centres carried a vote of confidence in the N.Z.A.A.A; Although these resolutions are official, it is extromely doubtful -if they represent the true position or Reeling, of the cyclingl clubs. The Wellington Centre, in turn, oalled its meeting and advertised it as a meeting to discuss both sides of the question of the "breakaway" move, and a Press report, published prior to the meeting, expressed the hope that the Port Nicholson Club's resolution would be rescinded. At a poorly-at-tended meeting the activo cyclists remained firm in support. of the newlyformed New Zealand Union.- Names of these riders were recorded by the secretary. ' . Now the Wellington Centre, before allowing any cyclis£ to enter for its . meeting of Bth February, orders that ho shall sign. a> document, committing himself to one or. other of the following statements: "That I intend to remain under tho control of the N.Z.A.A.A. Ido not intend to break away from the N.Z.A.A.A. and help form separate control." Statement number ; two: "I intend to break away from the N.Z.A.A.A. and help form, a body exercising separate control of cyclists. I do not intend to remain under the control of the N.Z.A.A.A." By what right the Wellington Centre issues tho order is hard to find. No matter which way the cyclist signs he is committing himself and the only way out is for each and all to absolutely refuse to sign either way. Cycling1 will eventually ■ secure its own control. It must do so, and then the sport will prosper. .The Athletic I Association can see this, and not feel-' | ing inclined to see the profitable side of amateur athletics pass out of their Immis, is making a bold but futile bid against the movement. But for a cyclist to sign tho document practically forced upon him is to sign away his freedom in .every way. I am, etc., W.T. BRAY, Captain Port Nicholson Amateur Road i Cycling Club. , .