Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1894-02-23
THE CYCLER WINS
IN TIE RACE AGAINST ROLLER SKATER 3
Q. WCLELLAND.
An Interesting and Exciting Contest at the NoTiA
End Rink Last Eighi-BOwling CANES
Other Sporting Matters.

The FIVE mile race between E. C. Nc
Clelland. roller skater, and VIII Greer,
cycler, was contested last night at the
North End rink, and resulted in an
easy victory for the latter.
The race was a novel one, from the
fact that it was generally accepted that
it was generally accepted that it would
settle the question Of superiority in
point OF speed between roller skaters
and bicycle riders. The match was
for $3.50 side, winner to take the en-
tire purse and 75 per cent. OF the re-
ceipts, loser TO Ike s5 per cent. OF the
receipts.
The North End rink, In which the
race was contested, was crowded, both
on the floor, and the space reserved for
spectators. There were fully $50 people
present Previous 10 the race the floor
was opened 10 skaters. The two hun
dred skates provided by the manage
ment were In use. as we'll as many more
which have been hidden since the
skating craze was on few years ago.
To spectators 1t looked like roller skat-
ing mad lost none OF its old-time popu-
larity. There were no ladies' on the
floor, although there we're number In
the audience. There were many bad
falls and narrow escapes from serious
injury, due 10 the large crowd and the
fact that many skaters were co compelled
10 "leSrn over"
About $3.50 o'clock the floor was
cleared. but il was nearly ten o'clock
when the race started. The American
Cornet Band furnished the music.
After the track was marked of and
properly chalked, the following officers
were chosen: Referee, Nate Fiel;
Judges, for Greer, VIM. j. Lynch, for
McCleHand, Oscar Smith; tlmekeepers.
VIII II. Cassell aud Clyde Quimby, OF
Steubenville. I'd Gruber acted AS
starter.
Both men got away together, with
Greer slightly in the lead. The men
maintained this position for over two
miles, Greer leading along the sides
and Mac" overtaklng him on
the turns. Greer was setting
the pace for his opponent,
and 1t was apparent to all the spectators
that Mac" was doing his best. 10
looked like an easy race for the cycler.
The men made twonty-three laps 10 the
mile. CO the forty-sixth lap Greer
spurted and gained few feet, bif his
opponent, by an excellent spurt, losed
up the distance, and the race wa5 AKA.
close and interesting.
On the si1ty-frst lap Greer again
went to the front, gaining about ten
feet, amid prolonged cheering from
his friends. On the third mile
Greer had good lead, aud was
increasing IL when he fell, and Mac
went TO the front, Greer losing a half
lap. A reserve bicycle was In readi-
ness, which he quickly mounted, and 10
few seconds was In pursuit OF his OBJ
ponent. The spectators cheered loudly.
The race from this point TO the finish
was very pretty. Greer bad a lead OF
half lap 20 overcome, and be worked
hard. Slowly but surely be gained
on Mae" In the seventy
fifth lap be had shortened the
distance by one-haR. On the s0th lap,
the men were again together, maintain
Ing this position for several laps. Greer
was resting. When be regalned his
wind" be again went 10 the 'front.'
passing McClelland on the 92d lap. On
the lO5th lap, Greer led by hall lap
and it was apparent that be was a cer-
tain winner unless he met with an acci-
dent. He guarded carefully against
this, however, aud managed 70 win
easily. lie was loudly cheered.
The official time given for the race
was eighteen minutes and forty-six sec
onds. The time for each mile was a.
follows: 3:5s, 3:3s, 3:42, 3:4s and 3:40.
The men made twenty-three laps TO tho
mile. The track was banked al the
curves for the wheel. else Greer would
have lost the race. He Travelled a much
greater distance than his opponent. az
McCelland made short turns, and Greer
was compelled 10 follow the outer edge
OF the track. Persons, who are familiar
with Macs ability as a skater, were
rather disappointed In his worx last
-