WORLD'S CYCLING RECORD.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8099, 2 May 1906, Page 3

WORLD'S CYCLING RECORD.

815* MILES IN 24 HOURS. Particulars are to hand from Paris of one of the most remarkable feats yet established in the history of cycling. A tluvc-coruercd '24 hours match was held lust month between Einile Bonhours, one of tlic leading French paco followers; A. Vanderstuyft, a young Belgian, who carried off the 80l D'Or (21 hours) race held is Paris last year; and Henri t'ontenet, holder of several world's records. The match was held on the Velodrome d'Hiver, Paris, motor pacing being permitted. For seven years the wonderful ride of A. E. Walters (England), who covered 034 miles 674 yards behind human pace in the 80l d'Or race in 1899, has stood unaltered, and despite the big improvement in cycles and pacing, the record was considered a set one that would probably stand for all timo. By the aid of huge powered motor pacing machines, the record has fallen, and new figures established that are well nigh beyond belief. From pistol-fire the three cracks thunderi d around the track as if tie ride was an hour's record attempt. At the end of GO minutes Contenet led, his tally being 45 miles 1703 yards. The pace still increased, and Contenet got amongst world's records just after the second hour, and continued in the lead up to the end of six hours, when the astounding distance of 248 miles 601 yards had been covered—equal to an average speed of 41 miles an hour. Bonhours was now about a mile behind, with Vanderstnyft some seven miles further in the rear. All three riders appeared to bo wonderfully fresh, and riding strong. Bonhours now decided to take a h:md in setting the running, and, calling for more pace, soon overhauled ConteLet and held a fair lead at the end of the seventh hour. Continuing to ride in fine style, Bontiours gradually increased his lead, and ultimately finished the 2t hours' ride with the almost incredible tally of 815 miles 482 yards to his credit. This record averages out nearly 34 miles an hour for the full distance, a wonderful achievement. Vanderstuyft fiuished second, his score being 786 miles, some 29 miles behind the winner. Contenet also finished, covering 773 miles. All three riders established wonderful . performances, | and the ride is indeed one of the most remarkable achievements in the hislory of cycling. The world's motor record for tho same time is lyo-l miles, accomplished last November on an American trotting track by a 35-li.p. car.