Evening star., 1896-01-04
Why the Crack Cyclists Do Not
Come to Washington.
NO PLACE Fer 4 GOOD CONTEST
What 1t Would Cost to Fix the
Benning Course.
Jews OF THE CLU 3 S

Inere are good many local Wneelmen
who would be glad to have this city includ-
ed in the national racing circuit, but
whether such a thiLg is probable or posi-
BILE remains to be seen. The view is taken
by good many local wheelmen, especially
those interested in the trade, that 1t is not
possible to have the capital city included
in the circuit unless a suitable track is first
erected. There is orly one track suitable
Tor cycle races, and though that has a fair
surface it is dangerous for the riders. For
that reason ii is claimed that the local
bicycle riding population will not be favored
with e visit from the crack racers. If this
is the case, it is to be regretted.
The Benn:ng track has been thought of
as a suitable course, but its construction is
essentially for horse and not bicycle races.
There is wide variation between the two
classes of sport. The Benning track is al
ncst nat Its entire length and though it
could be used for bicycle races after an
expenditure of several hundred dollars, it
would not make fast track by any means
The turns need banking and a number of
other repairs are necessary, including an
entire NEW surface, which would cost at a
low nsure, about $1,000 to get it in shape
1of trSt-claSS cycle course
With the outlay of this sum of money the
question arises as to whether or not the
Investment would be profitable one
inere is every reason to believe that a
good card would bring out a good crowd
one thing which is noticeable is that faster
time can be made on a Quarter-mile track
the racers loafing fully one-half the dis
tance on a half-mile track
The National Circuit,
For the benefit of those who do not know
Wnat the national circuit is, 1t will be briefly
explained. 1t is nothing more nor less than
schedule arranged some time before the
racing season opens, to enable the racing
teams to visit places with the least amount
OF railroad travelling. The cities which
make application for the circuit are nlaced
IA as near a geographical line as possible
TIE dates of the events being arranged for
the convenience of the racers a limited time
being allowed them in travelling from point
to point. e
The circuit is arranged to prevent the
racers from doubling on their tracks, that
is' perhaps racing one day at Springfield
then nying to st. Louis. and, after that.
place. -e o'iie'
Ihe classi ication of racing men into anna
teur, semi-professional and professional
ranks has been in operation for one season.
sna, s. pIleny summed up. the results are far
rom Delng satisfactory. About the only
class In which the contention has been linn
ued was in the professional ranks The
ianks or the class A and class riders have
become so polluted that sonnet thing has to he
done. mas ~ 'e
The classification of the racers may be
all rlght, but the trouble lies in the power
nanaging the CLASSES ard determining
what riders shall be in the classes. The r.
A w. has had complete control of this
ana though the Intentions Of the officials
may nave been of the highest order the
execution of their duty has been too lax
ihoeed. the matter has beco so bad that
tnere is an agitation on foot to, do away
with the semi professional riders, class B
men, ana nave only amateurs. In the
ranks of the pros will be thrown all
riders who work for the glory of manufac-
posed Of the cyclists who ride for pleasure
and glory.
Urged to Give Up Racing.
The situation in this respect reached
such e state that it was urged upon the L.
A w. to relinQuish control of racing and
let the national beard of trade of cycle
manufacturers assume charge. This the
league is unwilling to do, and at a recent
pow-wow between the representatives of
notn bodies 1t was agreed to let the mat
ter remain as it is. This is according to
the reports given out. and no one outside
knows whether or not they have been doc
tored to suit the occasion.
Few people would be surprised If a
change did occur. Even in its own ranks
there Is a sentiment growing out of this
matter to have the league release its con-
troi or racing, and that by continuing in
lAiS pOSiuOn III Is DONG itself a great in
jury Probably the easiest way out would
be for the league to keep control of class A
riders and let the manufacturers look out
for the rest.
The Coming Local Season.
AS successful as has been the past sea-
son regarding racing among the local wheel
men. this season promises to eclipse it, and
this is saying a good deal. 1t is only
natural that this should be the case, as the
cycling population is greatly on the in
crease, and as a rule all those who ride
like to see such sport.
The Washington Road Club has taken
the initiative in the matter and at a meet
ing held Wednesday evening 1t was de-
cided to give race meet May 80, Decora-
ton day. The club gave a successful meet
last October, at which good time was
made, and having decided to hold the meet
there is plenty of time on hand to make it
better success than the last one, which
was railroaded through the club and run
off in short notice.
The committee in charge of the matter
is composed of William Jose, w. T. Rob-
ertson und c. l. Ronsaville, and three bet
ter men to arrange for such an event
could not be found. Having had plenty of
experience in this direction 1t can be safe
ly said that it will be the best race meet
ever held here.
1t has not been decided as to the races
which will be held, and being five months
off the entry blanks will not make their ap-
pearance for some time. In the matter of
prizes some good things may be looked for,
and to this matter the committee will first