CYCLING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12231, 28 March 1903, Page 7

CYCLING.

Recent events point to the likelihood in the near future of strained relations between the council of the New Zealand League of Wheelmen and the Auck.and Centre Committee. It seems that at the Auckland Amateur Athletic Club's carnival on March 14, and tho Hibernian Socioty's sports on the Tuesday following, one of the competitors, R. H. Davis, who for some seasons past has been riding as a cash member of tho Auckland Cycling Club, was granted a provisional permit by the Centre Committee to ride as an amateur, pending his anticipated reinstatement in tho trophy-racing section, applications and recommendations in connection with which were recently sent on to the governing body at Christehurch. The League Council, however, does not appear to have seen eye to eye with the Centre Committee, and at tho last meeting held the attitude taken up by tho delegates indicated that the prospects of reinstatement in Davis' case are, for the time being at least, very remote. Further developments will be awaited with interest. Word has been received by the secretary of the Christehurch Cycling Club that Marshall, a speedy negro from the United States, is j willing to compete at the club's Good Frilay meeting on certain conditions. _ Australian writers are now unanimous in the opinion that "Major" Taylor is undoubtedly a better rider than any of the cracks of the Commonwealth States,, including Walker, Morgan, Walne, and Megson, all of whom were put forward as men- who had a chance of lowering the colours of the American champion. The Sydney syndicate that promoted the big " Sydney Thousand" Meeting lost money over the venture. Postponements, necessary owing to unfavouroble weather, were responsible for the financial loss. , A two-speed chainless bicycle has been ' put or the American market, the range being for 68in up to 83in, 92in. or 101 in, - according to the desire of the customer. Ihe change of gear is effected by the rider making a sharp, but not heavy, tap down- . ward on the rising pedal, and is a knack quickly learned. . „ „ All told it is expected that Major Taylor's earnings during his stay in tlifi Com- ' monwealth (some throe months) will be considerably over £2250. ■ The big Continental motor race tins'year will ho from Paris to Madrid, while that for 1904 will be contested'over the road be- ■ tween Paris and Rome. _ , • -One of the cycling sensations for the ' forthcoming season in France will be a mo"" ster road rr.ee of nearly 2000 miles. The " Tour de France" will be contested m stages, eaoh of whioh will' be a contest in itself, with speoial prizes, and also count 'in the big event. The course will start and finish in- Paris, 'and take in Lynns, Marseilles, Toulouse, Bordeaux, ; and Nantes, amongst other places. The prize list will total about £4000.