Cycling and Motoring Notes.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 9 July 1913, Page 4

Cycling and Motoring Notes.

From the Dunlop Rubber Tjre Co., Ohristchurch, for weeJi onding A NEW COMPETITION. £200 IN PHIZES. WAlt RNA MB OOL ABANDONED. Tho Dunlop Rubber Company announce that the "WarrnamboolMelbourne" road race which has for many years past been tho Blue Riband event of Australasia, is to be abandoned. It is Vitli great reluctance that the Dunlop Company have had to take this step, but the position has been forced upo'n them, inasmuch as they could not obtain a suitable and safe venue for the finish of the contest near Melbourne. During the past few years the public interest in the event has resulted in great crowds of spectators gathering at the Haymarket to witness tho finish, so much so, that, on 'the occasion of the last two races ,tho crowd, despite barriers, etc., got out of | hand at the finish to the danger not only of themselves but also tho contestants. The result is that neither the Melbourne City Council nor the police authorities will again grant permission to finish tho race at the Haymarket (which is so admirably suited for the finish of such a contest), nor would tho Dunlop Company feel justified in asking for pei mission, for they well recogniso that the event—owing to over-pop-ularitv—could not again finish within the city limits. The cJnly otihor possible venue, available round Melbourne, was tho Flemingtpn Racecourse, and although the committee of the Victorian Racing Club were graciously prepared' to consider the lending of one of their private roads an inspection of the approaches to the entrance satisfied the Dunlop Company that even greater difficulties would be mot with than at Haymarket. This being so, the promoters of the "Warrnambool" had only two courses opon ; either"to finish the event a considerable distanco from Melbourne—where there would be no suitable surroundings or conveniences for handling the hundreds of riders wlio usually compieto the course—or, to abandon tho event. After mature consideration, the Dunlop Rubber Company decided on the latter step, and the greatest handicap road race in the world, together with all its Inter-State test races will bo abandoned. With a view to remedyiig the loss I as far as possible, the Dunlop Company announce that they intend substituting an Australasian K)0 miles teams relay road competition which will be opon to Amateur or cash riders. belonging to any bona fide cycling club in the Commonwealth and New Zealand. Over £200 will bo given in prizes. In the event of an amateur team being successful trophies will bo awarded. The competition will extend from August Ist. 19113, to the end of noxt April, find will bo run on tho following lines:—Contesting teams to comprise ton riders, who will in turn each carry a despatch, over a ten miles stretch of road rono carrying out, and one carrying it home until ono hundred miles have been covered. No pacing will bo ml lowed. The team establishing tho fastest time for the century to be the winner. The first prize will bo £100; .second £50; third £20, and a special £5 us prize will be awarded to tho rider establishing fastest time for his ton mile.s relay. The winning club will also receivo a £10 10s trophy, whist £10 will be awarded to the loading team at the end of October, and a further £10 to the leading team at the end of January. A standard time will be set for the century, and a handsome medallion awarded to the m'emVrs of every team who equal or better the time limit. Such a competition will do much to foster club life, «nd should provide some very fine unpaccd riding. The rules and conditions for competition are now being drawn up by the "Dunlop Company, aTid will bo available early in July.