Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-04-29
THE INTERNATIONAL MEET.
Amateur Cyclists of the World to Meet ut
Chicago.


Chicago.
The greatest interest in cycling this year will
attach to the international championship con.
tests which are to be decided upon the new
track at Chicago. England's best men, Ire
lands, Scotland's, Italy's, Germsny's, Can
ada's, Frances and even the crack racing
men from the Antipodes are expected
This much reveals the character Of the inter-
national championships. The best men in the
world will be drawn into competition.
The public will look to see records broker
and they will not be disappointed This is 6
year for glory for the racing cyclist, and nc
one need be surprised if the mile record goei
down as low as l.50.
1t is the expectation that at least sc, 900 peo
pie will be in attendance each day. The meet
ing Will last for week, beginning on August
and ending on August IA.
The entire arrangements are in the hands OF
the League Of American Wheelmen, which
body receives the active cooperation of the
American members and president Of the inter
national union.
This is the first time in the history Of cycling
in the world that international races worthy of
the name will be held. Worlds championships
soi-disant, are common enough, but heretofore
they have always been confined to one country
which had two three indifferent men not
typical in any sense of the highest form OF
racing in their countries competitors.
change has come about. A few months ago the
Brions, realizing the farcical character of these
so-called internationa Championships called for
a conference Of all amateur cycling bodies in
the universe.
France, America, Canada, Germany, Ireland
England, Scotland. Italy, even Russia were rep.
resented and union was formed. Henry E.
Raymond, chairman of the national racing
board of the League of American Wheelmen,
CHI 1enf mud nj 4,
chosen the theater of the great national
cycling event this year, was named as the place
for the first truly international contest. Not
everybody can compete in the international
tournament. Men must qualify for such a
distinguished honor, Just they must qualify
for national championships.
The one-mile English champion, whoever he
may BE- and he must be known this year before
the international championships are run of
meets the one-mile champion of all other coun-
tries; amateur champions, not professionals,
for the international union takes no cognizance
whatever of professionalism. So with the
quarter international championship, the
halfmile, the two-mile and the five-mie.
Americans are singulariy hopeful and they
have cause for being in such a condition
Within the past two years American racing
men have forged to the front and distanced the
rest of the world. The mile record, as estab-
lished in America, is seven seconds faster than
has ever been achieved by any foreigner
There are in this country three or four men
| capable of making a mile, without distressing
themselves much either, inside Of 203.
Plenty of people think that with favorable
conditions and with the assistance of good
clever pacemakers Zimmerman can 60 a mile
inside Of 1.50. johnson made the mile with
| artificial assistance in 1.56 and johnson, BY
| comparison with Zimmerman or Windle, 1.
slow. In fact, the speed that lies in thinner,
| man, Windlo and Taylor is unknown. 1t will
| be drawn out this year.
As has been stated above. it is the intention
| to make the Chicago meeting renowned in his
| tory. Everybody is contributing to This end
| Tens Of thousands of dollars are being spent t.
equip a track and provide comfortable quarters
for those who will come to see. Thousands oi
dollars will be expended In trophies, such al
the Saltonstall urn, magnificent silver design
valued at 81 1000, challenge shields that cos
| almost as much, donations from rich manu-
| facturers, from foreigners who have an acute
| interest in the SPORT from people who wish il
well and from people who prosper by it
growth.
The prize value which the L. A. w. recent,
| set upon all events within its jurisdiction viii
be removed upon the occasion Of the interna
| tional tournament 1t will be "a no-limit'
game. This is one Of the reasons why &C
many men are willing to leave their own coun
| tries to come here with the hope Of winning
\ IN any country, but prize worth 81 900 OF
| more tempts men sorely.
Nor will the enthusiasm end with the Chi.
cago meeting. Ne sooner is it over than all the
| many racing men will make q circuit of thu
country, taking In first many OF the large cities
| in the west and then travelling through tn,
| racing centers in the east.