AMATEURISM.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19047, 18 December 1923, Page 8

AMATEURISM.

THE PRACTICE AMONG FRENCH CYCLISTS. A LIBERAL INTERPRETATION. Press Association —By Telegraph—CopyrigMS SYDNEY, December 17. Spears, the champion cyclist, threw a bombshell into the camp of local amateur cyclists by explaining the liberal interpretation of amateurism in Franco. He says that the French amateurs against whom the Australians compete at Olympic games are constantly competing against himself and the best professional riders in the world. If an amateur wins a mixed race he does not receive a cash prize, which is paid to the amateur cycling authorities, and credited to the winner, who purchases bicycles, trophies, or pays his travelling expenses to other countries from the sum. Any balance is reserved and paid over to the amateur •when transferring to professional rank. Spears points out that such experience gave the French amateurs decided advantage over local men.