CYCLING AND MOTOR NOTES.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVII, Issue 1001, 13 May 1909, Page 13

CYCLING AND MOTOR NOTES.

During the progress of the six day’s race at Berlin, on the third morning, the Crown Prince, accompanied by Prince von Thurn, visited the track, and spent an hour watching the riders. At the special request of the Crown Prince, A. J. Clark, the Australian champion, rode a few exhibition laps, the six-day competitors meanwhile taking the extreme inside edge. Subsequently Clark was conducted to the Royal box and presented to the prince. The German opinion of the Australian is that he is the speediest rider in the world to-day. Before leaving the Continent on his return to the States, Clark will probably make a flying visit to London, but it was not stated whether he would compete at any of the meetings held in England.

In a circular note the Dunlop Rubber Company intimate, in reply to numerous inquiries, that the date of this year’s Warrnambool race has not yet been definitely fixed, but it will probably be held on Saturday, October 2. Owing to the constantly increasing number of entrants, the company is considering ( the matter of limiting the starters to 300 for this year. Last season the resources of the firm were taxed to the utmost in starting, checking, and feeding the

huge number- of contestants, and it is felt that the limit was about reached. The remarkable growth in the popularity of the Dunlop Road Race, easily the biggest and most important of its kind throughout the world, is revealed in the following figures:— Starters in 1903, 104; in 1904, 125; in 1905, 156; in 1906, 206; in 1907, 235; and in 1908, 304.

Although J. Arnst’s name has figured so greatly before the public lately in breaking road records from Christchurch to Dunedin and from Christchurch to Timaru, it is a great pity that these performances have not been put up when such a rider is under the ban of disqualification by the League of New Zealand Wheelmen, says “ Rover,” in the “ Canterbury Times.” Arnst was disqualified for a year and fined £5 for collusion in the Royal Enfield Cup Race in 1907. Although the term of disqualification has expired the fine has never been paid, and Arnst has absolutely ignored the Council. There is a report to the effect that J. Arnst intends to compete in America. Surely there is a means of the New Zealand League of Wheelmen approaching the authorities in America witn a view to having Arnst blocked.

There is every prospect of the great Dunlop Timaru to Christchurch Road Race taking place again this year, and for the sake of the sport and road riders it is to be hoped the news is correct.

Another Australian cyclist has determined to take up sculling. This is T. Larcombe, the road champion of Australia, who has been induced to take the step by Peter Nelson, R. Arnst’s Australian trainer. Nelson will take Larcombe in hand, and the expense incurred in preparing him and finding the necessary outfit will be defrayed by a syndicate. Up to date Larcombe has not been in a boat, but his cycling record proves him to possess the grit and stamina that are required of champions.

President Taft’s accession to office has carried with it some sort of official recognition of the motor cycle. Discarding the carriage and pair as used by Mr. Roosevelt, the new President has adopted the motor-car for his personal use, and the secret service men who were wont to follow Mr. Roosevelt on ordinary bicycles, have been compelled to find a swifter method of keeping pace with the presidential car, and the result is that a number of them are now equipped with motor cycles. It was stated some little time ago that the car preferred by President Taft was of the steampropelled type —a “White” steamer, as it was termed.