WHEELING

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1685, 15 June 1904, Page 51

WHEELING

(By “Austral.”)

The Grand Prlx de Paris which is recognised as the Derby of cycle track racing in European countries, will he held in Paris for the eleventh year on June 19, 23, and 26. The race is one of the most popular classic events of the year, and cyclists and spectators from all parts of the world go to see the various champions struggle for - victory. The event has been won by Bile guard, Meyers;- Zimmerman, and other famous cracks at. various times. The Paris Town Council gives £4OO annually' towards the prize money. Ben Goodson, the well-known cyclist and former representative of Australia at the world’s amateur , championships, underwent an operation lately at the Sydney Hospital. . It is: anticipated that the popular Queenslander will be up and well again in a few days. Goodson’s health more or less interfered a good deal with his racing during the past season, but he .hopes soon to get back to his best form, as when he defeated Robl and Dickentman, the world’s champions, a season ago, at the. Sydney Cricket Ground. ‘

At the recent meeting of the federal cycling council at Melbourne it was resolved by the various ' representatives that the limit in cycle races should be 350 yards throughout all the States. It wa,s also decided that uniform rules should govern cycle meetings in each district, i.' This is* satisfactory news for all racing men, especially as regards the limit question, as hitherto in Victoria the limit was 420 yards, which made the task for the backmarkers much too severe. It is to be hoped- that other equally desirable innovations may be introduced at the further meetings of the council.

The Queensland cycle track racing season is held during the winter months. Already a large number of meetings are announced, the programme in-the majority of cases being exceptionally good. M‘Donald, the crack Western Australian, has already departed from Sydney for the North, and anticipates securing a number of wins during his tour.’ Besides McDonald, a number of Other prominent racing men have either departed or are meditating departure for Queensland- Amongst those already on the way are B. Rolfe, E. Payne, *3.8. Gordon, and B. A. Pye. Training for the Sydney-Goulburn and Warrnambool-Meibourne road races it now being carried on by the various proNew South Wales cyclists who intend' competing iit either or both of these events. Every morning and evening crowds of scorchers may be seen in Centennial Park; Sydney and other suitable courses, doing 20 or a 30 mile ride at a stretch. The interest taken in the Sydney to Gouliburn face seems to be even, greater this, year than during any of the previous seasons. This may be accounted for by the fact that the celebrated brothers Arnst, of Nfew Zealand, notified their intention of competing. Brook, last, year’s winner, is also a starter, and from all accounts' is going in better -form than ever. Goulburn riders who have been training with Brook report that the latter is 50 per cent better than when he won last years’ race. Of the Sydney riders Harris and Littlechild,” the first and second placed men in this big event two years ago, are now training hard with a view of regaining their lost laurels. In connection with this road race the promoters have’arranged 'bo pay the expenses of the winder to Sydney so that he may compete free at the Sydney Thousand path race held annually about March.