CYCLE RACING

Hokitika Guardian, 19 July 1929, Page 7

CYCLE RACING

WARRNAMBOOL EVENT. The world famed “Warrmunbool”— Australia’s greatest cycling road event—is to be revived after a lapse of two years. This announcement was made last week by Dunlop Perdriau Company. Few sporting events m Australia have won such public interest throughout the Commonwealth as this great handicap cycle race, and general satisfaction has been expressed that this historical event is again to be held. The date selected is Saturday, October sth, and subject to the permission of the various Councils and Shires, through which the famous 165 miles course runs, the contest will be decided over the usual routrt, Wlarrnambopl to Melbourne. The history of this classic event dates hack to 1895, when 24 riders started in three divisions with an hour between each. The race was won by A. Calder (2hrs start) in 11 hrs 44 mins 30 secs. In 1901 the Dunlop Co. took over the promotion of the event, and under its guidance the race grew into the greatest handicap road event in the world. ■So great, became its popularity that cyclists came from all parts of Australia and Now Zealand to compete in the Blue Riband event, and eventually the entry was - limited to 500. In pre-war days the race was not richly endowed—the first prize 'being worth £3O, and it cost many of the contestants more than {hat amount to journey to Melbourne tc take part in the event. Apart from the Bine Riband (carrying with it the Australasian Road Championship for tho year) which is won by the rider establishing fastest time, the great attraction has always been the medallion awarded by Dunlop to contestants covering the 165 miles in 10y hours or less. To-day, thousands of Australian citizens greatly treasure these mementos of their prowess on the road. Many wonderful road riders have been brought to the fore by this long distance event, and also many remarkable achievements have been recorded. Tito greatest number to finish the course was 282 in 1909. The fastest time recorded is 7 hrs 12 mins. 51 secs./by I. R. Munro (Vic.), in 1909. On several occasions this performance has been closely approached, the nearest being H. Opperman’s 7 hrs 15 mins 37 secs in 1924. Probably the finest individual achievement in connection with the race is the unrivalled, triple success of the New Zealand champion rider. P O’Shea, who won the Blue Riband from scratch in IS7I, 1922 and 1923. Although no details have yet tioen decided, it is practically certain that the amateur section of the race, which in 1923, 4, 5, and 6, was concurrently with the “Warrnam'bool,” but on I* over the last 100 miles from Colac to Melbourne, will again be linked up with the big event. As in the past arrangements will be made for the test races in each State to select accredited representatives for the two racs. Unquestionably the revival of the “Warrnambool,” and all it stands for, will give a great filip to the sport.