Cycling Notes.

Woodville Examiner, Volume XXII, Issue 3682, 2 April 1904, Page 4

Cycling Notes.

One of the most prominent of English cycle manufacturers has devised an method of popularising bicycles. Every purchaser of one of the Company’s machines is presented with a cyclist’s diary containing two insurance coupons. If death should result from a bicycle accident, £IOO is payable, or £1 a week for fiye weeks in the case of total disablement. The other comprises a policy for £I,OOO , payable in the event of death fay accident while travelling by rail, omnibus, or tram-cart The policies hold good for a year from date of of purchase of the bicycle. The Dunlop Tyre Co. are already looking ahead with a view of selecting a suitable date for the great Warrnambool to Melbourne './ycle Race, and also for all the InterState Road champions. The big Warrnambool event will probably be held in August next. A definite announcement will be shortly made giving the actual date on which the blue riband road contest of Australia will be held. The Automobile Club of America has decided to promote a mid-winter commercial test. It will be held some time in the latter part of February. The ideals to encounter winter conditions of snow, ice, and mud to show the capacity of machines as all-the-year-round vehicles. PURIFYING RACING. PROMINENT RIDERS DISQUALIFIED. Sydney, March SO. There are sensational developements in connection with the Sydney £IOOO race. The Council of the League of Wheelmen upheld O’Brien’s appeal against Corbett being declared the winner on the ground of collusion between Corbett, •Plunkett, MacFarland; and Downing, and have disqualified MacFarland for three years, Corbett for two years, J )owning, Plunkett, Bathie, and Kelt for 12 months each,and Gordon for six months. The result is that O’Brien gets the first prize of £750, and Major Taylor the second of £IOO. There :s no third awarded. March 31. The drastic action of the League of Wheelmen over the Sydney £IOOO event is approved in cycling circles. It is considered that the step was necessary to keep the sport pure and to check the evil, which has been on the increase for some time. It is stated that there was collusion in other races at the late meeting, but it is impossible to prove it up to the hilt. The disqualifications hold throughout Australia, and as far as the Americans, Macfarland and Downing, who had many important "engagements ahead, are cone- rned, they will be prevented from racing iu any pert of the world. Christchurch, March 30.

’ At a mooting ut tic North (' ■ terbnry centre of the Now Z '»nd Wheelmen, the riding of Gr. S rberland and R. Connell in the b'iveuxile championship came under review. It was decided to disqualify bothridets for twelve months nn the ground of collusion.