CYCLING NEWS AND NOTES

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 83, 9 April 1931, Page 20

CYCLING

NEWS AND NOTES

OPPERMAN AND LAMB

AUSTRALIANS IN FRANCE

The Australian cyclists, Hubert Opparman and E. W. ("Patty") Lamb, have competed in several events since their arrival in France, but their big task, in which they will be associated with Nicholson and Thomas, is the Tour de France, which lasts almost a month. Cable, advice received recently stated that Opperman and Lamb finished thirteenth—a performance below expectations—in the six days' cycle race which started at the Velodrome D'Hiver, Paris,- on the night of 23rd March. The cycling organ "L'Auto" selected the Doteh pair, Van Kempen and Pijnenbnrg, as the winners, although due regard was paid to the prowess of the Australians, who were referred to as a pafar which might quite easily be successful—in any event dangerous rivals to the Continental teams. "L'Auto," however, was out in its reckoning. The event- was won by the Italians, Linari and Dimale, with the Dutchmen second, Opperman and ( Lamb finishing twelve lapS behind the winners. An Australian report says that Opperman and Lamb made their first appearance in an 80-kilometres teams' race, in which, although having had .little time to get into trim after the sea voyage, they finished seventh in a large field, the race being won by Pelissier and Mare.chal. At the same meeting, it is stated that the Australians won handsomely in a match against Moineau and Guyol. World's Classic Race. The Tour de France is the greatest cycling event in the world, and yearly causes great excitement in Europe. Oppsrman, "The Human Motor," or tho "Wonder Man of the Wheel," as he is known in Australia, took part in the 1928 contest, in which his team mates were Harry Watson, of New Zealand, ani ■ Bainbridge and Preston, of Australia. All the other teams had Sen men, so that Opperman, Wafson, Bainbridge, and Preston were up against a stiff hurdle from the start, but, "nevertheless, taking everything into consideration, they put up quite a good performance. When in New Zealand last year Opperman, who gave lectures illustrated by lantern slides on this classic road race, said it was difficult to "realise out here tho interest taken in the event on the. Continent. I* occupied the attention of several nations for almost a month, and he had Been particularly struck by the number of (spectators who lined the route in deserted and mountainous parts, as ■w>ell as by the immense crowds who saw the start and the finish in Paris. The race was run in twenty-two stages of ■varying distances, and was organised as a teams' competition. Out of 169 competitors in the 1028 race, only 39 finished. Although invited, Opperman did not compete in last year's Tour de France. When 5n the Dominion he expressed keenness to ride in the race this year, and hoped to have Lamb as one of his team mates. Another reason for him ■desiring to go to France this year was the fact that he was keen to ride in another big road race from Paris to Brest, a distance of 700 miles, which was a straight-out contest, and only h-eW every ten years. Opperman described this race as a "renl muscle grinder.'' Question Of Control. The poor provincial representation at tbe championship meeting licld by the New Zealand Union of Cyclists at the new Showgrounds Stadium on Monday afternoon showed up in relief the extent of the actual control of tills organisation claims to have of cycling in New Zealand. The Union officials maintain that their body was granted control by"the Union Cycliste Internationale of France, but in view of tho facj; that, with the exception of B. Foubisfcer and A. Maekie, of Auckland, the competitors wore all Wellington riders, it was aburidantly clear, despite the cfeims put forward by tho union, that at, the present time, at any rate, it does mot represent by any stretch of the imagination anything like the full strength of amateur cycling in this ftountry. The mists of confusion which arose as a result of the split in the ranks of cyclists, and the subsequent dispute as to control of the sport, do not yet seem bo have cleared. Since the statement issued oy the president of the N.Z. A-A.A. at Christmas-time, there has Been almost complete silence on the part of the two interested parties on the question of control. Cannot . the matter be cleared up one way or the other before the start, of another road season? Mr. H. Anstad, Of the council of the New Zealand Amateur Athletio Association, is due to arrive in Auckland from his trip abroad on 20th 'April. While overseas he was to take \rp the question of control with the authorities, but np.to the present time the result of his efforts in this direction has not been made known, although possibly ■within the next few days or so —and it is hoped that will bo ' the case —some statement as to the position will be made by the N.Z.A.A.A. _ From "Cotter-pin's" point of view it is time a little more Eght was thrown on the subject and the whole question settled once and for all. World's Championships. • The General Committee of the National Cyclists' Union, 'England has decided to be represented in the world's cycling championships in Denmark on 23rd and 26th August. The estimated cost, about £300, is double the cost of last year's expedition to Belgium, but ifc is expected that the bulk of the sum Will be raised. There is also a change in the arrangements for the English championships. For many years the N.C.U. headquarters have promoted the sprint championships at their ' Juno meeting at Herne Hill. Last year a loss was incurred, and the union, in consequence, has decided to accept the tender of the Manchester Wheelers to hold the 1000 yards championship at Fallowfield on 11th July. N.C.tJ. President. Since last April, when Lord Balfour died the National Cyclists' Union has been without a president, but it is understood that the name of Mr. E. B. Turner, F.R.C.S., will go forward to the general meeting for election as president, says an English report. Mr. Turner has had a remarkable athletic and cycling career. He gained three English Rugby caps against Ireland between 1875 and 1878, and could havo had a fourth. His athletic and football days were over, however, when he commenced serious cycling. In 1888 he began to break records, and two years later put np a wonderful ride of over 31 miles in an hour on a solidtired tricycle at Paddington. He introduced the N.C.U. licensing scheme in 1893, and has been prominent in . Union, legislation and path matters generally for fortj jsears. . -

By "COTTE.T.-PlN'