CYCLING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14145, 21 August 1909, Page 10

CYCLING.

The Timaru-Christchurch road race, to be held under the auspices of the League of New Zealand Wheelmen, promises this year to be a very successful fixture. Already some £90 worth of trophies has been promised, exclusive of any offers from most of the larger firms. It is estimated that by the date on which the entries close, some 200 riders will have indicated their intention of competing in the race, which takes place on October 30. The finishing place has not yet been decided on, but it is hoped to arrange this matter in the near future. One of the longest road races yet held in the world, J© tour d'ltalie, was recently concluded at Milan, where 30,000 spectators assembled at the finishing-post to greet the winner, Gauna, who hailed from Lombardy (Italy). The total distance was 1700 miles, split up into several sections, one of which included a climb of 5000 ft over the Appenine Ranges. W. O'Reilly, the one-armed rider, who has been a prominent figure in league cycling events for many seasons, is dead (says » Sydney exchange). O'Reilly was badlv injured recently in Centennial Park, through colliding with another cyclist. Hir, skull was fractured, and ho passed away at St. Vincent's Hospital. O'Reilly, although at a great disadvantage in possessing but one arm, was a very fair rider, and possessed a particularly fine sprint. He won a great number of races under the auspices of the league, mostly at country fixtures. O'Reilly visited all parts of the State in following his racing career. Ho was a skilful rider on the track, where he always managed to avoid falls, but was particularly unfortunate on the road. Two years ago ho had a bad spill at Leichhardt, and his life was then despaired of, but ho pulled through. O'Reilly, who was only 26 years of age, leaves a widow and two children, to whom ill cyclists will extend their sympathy.