CHAMPION CYCLIST.

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19314, 21 July 1934, Page 20 (Supplement)

CHAMPION CYCLIST.

HUBERT OPPERMAN’S CAREER. Australia’s champion cyclist, Hubert Opperman, has in his brief career achieved many remarkable performances on the road and track, not only in the Commonwealth but also on the Continent; .but, strange to say Great Britain has never been invaded bj “Oppy” until this season (says an Australian paper). 'For some. years the Australian crack has had his eye on one of the most coveted British cycling records —namely, the unpaced ride from Land’s End to John o’Groats. _ . The 886 miles ride from the Soutn of England to the North of Scotland has a wonderful history, dating back to even before the advent of the Dunlop pneumatic tyre in 1888. This record ride first came into prominence when G. P. Mills (England), one of the world’s greatest long-distance road riders, pedalled a solid-tyred safety over this strenuous course in the then wonderful time of 5 days 1 hour 15 minutes. Five years later, on Dunlops, he 'cut his own figures to 4 days 11 hours 17 minutes. Since that outstanding ride many of the greatest road wheelmen that Great Britain has produced have had their names inscribed on the “End-to-End" scroll of honour, the last and greatest achievement being by that fine English rider, J. Rossiter, who in 1920 broke H. 'Green’s 21-year-oid record of'2 days 19 hours 50 minutes. Rossiter’s time was 2 days 13 hours 22 minutes—an average of approximately 14 miles per hour, including all stops en route.