AUSTRALIAN OLYMPIC HOPE

Evening Star, Issue 21515, 13 September 1933, Page 14

AUSTRALIAN OLYMPIC HOPE

CHAMPION AMATEUR WHEELMAN Following Eddie Millikeu’s brilliant and decisive victory in the Malvern Star amateur road race of 72 miles from .Melbourne to Castlemaine recently many flattering references were made in the mayor’s room by experts (says mi Australian writer). Mr George Perugia (president of the V.A.C.U. and the Federal controlling body) declared that Milliken was a second Opperman, that his omission from the last Olympic Gaines, was a serious one, that he was practically assured of a trip to England next year for the British Empire Games, and that he was one of our big Olympic hopes for 1933. Since Milliken, the 21-years-old Coburg amateur wheelman, came' 1 to Melbourne a little more than two years ago ho has had no greater supporter than Mr Perugia, wlio has been linked up with cycling for thirty years or more. Mr Perugia expressed the opinion that it would not be long before the lad from the Pivot would not only go back to scratch, but would develop into such a champion that his inclusion in the 1936 Olympic team would be unquestioned . It is now admitted by experts that the Olympic selectors made a blunder by not choosing Milliken for the Olympic time trial, as his Australian performances more than justified it. Opperman has made no secret of the fact that he has a high regard for Milliken as a sportsman, and that he possesses untold possibilities. A willing worker, with great powers of endurance, ho promises -to roach great heights. MASTER ON 'THE ROAD. While not possessing the versatility of “ Fatty " Lamb—one of the best all-rounders in the world—l think that when it comes to tackling genuine road racing—that is, traversing rough and hilly country and in intercapital and other strenuous efforts—Milliken would prove bis master.' Milliken, in my opinion, possesses all the qualifications which go to make up an ideal Tour de France rider. He has untold strength, great determination, the will to win, and can turn on a telling sprint when wanted, as was proved in the big race. Now that Milliken is approaching something like the peak of his ability! it would he interesting to see how he would fare in, say, the Aclelaide-Mel-bourne or the Sydney-Melbourne unpaced records of George M'Leod and Hubert Opperman respectively. It is practically certain that road cycling will he included in the programme for the Empire Games in London next year, and that a time trial event will be staged. Representations should be made at ’ once by the V.A.C.U. to the Australian Empire Gaines Committee to see that Milliken’s claims are seriously considered. He should be one of the first members chosen. VISIT TO CONTINENT. Once in England, the way would be paved for the Victorian to visit the Continent and' to engage in the many important amateur fixtures, including the world’s amateur road championship. As the Olympic Games occur only every four years, it sometimes happens that a champion athlete misses an opportunity to appear. At least every two years some effort should be made by the cycling authorities in Australia to see that we arc represented in the world’s cycling championships—generally held in Europe—provided we have the man or men capable of delivering “ the goods." At the moment there is no man bettor fitted than Milliken. Born at Geelong, Young Milliken proved unbeatable at the Pivot in 1929 and 1930, and when he came to Melbourne it was not long before ho asserted himself. In tho 1931 Dunlop amateur road race, of 100 miles, from Colac to Melbourne, Milliken broke tho previous (world’s record by covering tho journey in 3h 45min 15sec, while last year he . secured the time honours and knocked lOmin off his record—a phenomenal performance despite having a strong assist-’ ing wind. He averaged 27.87 miles per hour. In the Goulburn-Sydney amateur road race, of 132 miles, last year he made a record by doing the journey in 5h 38rain 42sec. Ho won great popularity by assisting a rival in Edgar Johns (New South Wales champion), who had broken a stem of the handlebars of his machine. The Australian unpaced road championship honours also came his " aJ ‘ RE ISONS FOR THRILL. His latest achievement was his re-cord-breaking ride from Newcastle to Melbourne, in which he rode with tons of pluck and brilliance. Upon this young man Australia builds hopes of winning a world’s amateur road championship and an Olympic title. Success has not spoiled Milliken, wlio is being trained in the Hubert Opperman 11 stable,” and who has always showed an eagerness to learn. The Coburg wheelman is imbued with the chib spirit, so dominant at Coburg, and following Ids victory he said that next the joy it gave liis father, who followed the race from end to end in a car, be felt a thrill because his victory wculd bring pleasure - to bis elubniates.