ACES TO COMPETE.

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19352, 4 September 1934, Page 9

ACES TO COMPETE.

CENTENARY CYCLING "1000.” NEW ZEALANDERS ENTERED.

Arrangements have been finalised by the Dunlop Perdriau Co., on behalf of the Victorian Centenary Celebrations Council, for three famous International aces to come to Australia and ride In the Centenary ”1000,” the 1080 miles cycling road race around Victoria in October. ’ The three riders are, Paul Chocque and Ferdnand Mithouard of France, and a young Italian rider in Negrini. Of the two French aces, Paul Chocque is the best known, both as an amateur and professional. As an amateur he had a'brilliant and successful career. He finished third in world’s road championship at Rome in 1932, and also represented France in the 1932 Olympic Games at Los Angeles. He turned professional last year, and soon pedalled into fame, winning the Grand Prix Wolber (613 miles over mountains in 5 stages). Following this victory over the greatest riders in Europe, he won the Circuit of Paris and Circuit des Deux Severes. Like his compatriot, Ferdnand Mithouard is another young rider who has made a name for himself on the track and road. One of his best achievements last year was to win the classic Bordeaux —Paris Race of 336 miles. The Italian Negrini, also has some line achievements to his credit. This year he was chosen as flrst emergency in the powerful Italian team for the famous Tour de France, and as that strenuous contest was restricted to 60 of the best riders in Europe (where there are thousands of flrst-class racing cyollsts) the calibre of Negrini must be well above the average.

The presence of these riders in the field of 100 selected contestants will add tremendous Interest to the forthcoming seven days' race around Victoria. Fortunately, Australasia today has Hubert Opperman, W. P. Stuart, R. W. Lamb, E. Milliken, P. Veitcli, and many other first-class men, including the New Zealander scratehmcn Harry Watson and L. Hill, a coterie of champions probably never previously equalled. The Centenary “ I 000” for £2500 in prizes, starts on Saturday, October 20. and finishes at, “Como Park,” Melbourne, on Saturday, October 27. The race promises lo bo one of the outstanding sporting events being staged in connection wilh the Victorian Centenary Celebrations.