THE THOUSAND-POUND WHEEL RACE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2612, 6 April 1904, Page 51

THE THOUSAND-POUND WHEEL RACE.

CHARGES OF COLLUSION SUSTAI3I.ED. SYDNEY, March BQ. A sensational development has taken pleoj in connection with the Sydney Thousand Poling* Race. The Council of the League of Wheelmen upheld O'Brien's appeal against Corbet* being declared the winner on the ground of collusion between Corbett, Plunkott, Macfarland, and Downing, and disqualified Macfarland for three years, Corbrtt for two years. Downing, Plunkctt, Bathie, and Kett for 12 mouths each, and Gordon for six months. The result is that O'Brien gets the first prizs of £750 and Major Taylor second, ~No third; prize was awarded. March 31. The drastic action of the League of Wheelmen over the Sydney £1000 race is approved in cycling circles. It is considered the step was necessary to keep the sport pure and to check an evil which, has been on the increase for some time. It is stated there was collusion in other races at a later meeting, but it is impossible to prove it up to the hilt. The disqualifications hold throughout Australasia, andi as far as the Americans, Macfarlancl and Downing, are concerned, who had many important engagements ahead are concerned, they will bei prevented from racing in any -.-art of the world. April 1. Corbett, winner of the Sydney 'ihousand', has advised the promoters of the race that he will not pay over the prize money, and that he intends to take further action. It is rumoured that the case will be fought out in the law court. The League is taking steps to inform European and American cycling bodies of the disqiialifica'.ions.