Evening star., 1898-12-19
PROPOSED SIX-DAT RACE,
4 Movement to Hold One Here Similar
to the New York Affair.

Despite the fact that for several months
after the opening Of the new year there will
be very little opportunity for bicycling and
cycle races, yet plans are now being made
Already there is promise that the year to
come Will surpass the present year in every
detail, and this is saying a good deal. The
season just closing goes on record as the
banner one for the sport
While nothing definite has as yet been
done there Is a mOVeme ut on foot TO have
a SlN-ddy go-as-XOu- please race in this city
similar TO the one just closed in New York
city. The race will be interesting from the
fact that the same riders will come TO
Washington. and it is probable that the
same management will run the race. Be-
fore the event at Madison Square Garden
negotiations for having the same race in
this city were begun.
There Is little prospect OF such a race
equaling that held in New York 1t would
be record breaker for the city if the same
attendance marked the Washington race as
did the New York affair In fact. there is
no hall large enough to hold the number of
people and at the same time have room for
ten-lap track, which is about as short as
can be built for that style of racing. The
promoters of the New York race cleared
between $1,000 and $4,000. This was the
amount left after deducting 81 600 a day for
the garden and over 5000 for prizes to
say nothing of the incidental expenses
A cycle show will be held early in FebrII-
AIRY, according to a decision of prominent
local dealers during the week. While no
place has been selected, it will most likely
be held in the Washington Light Infantry
ArmOry, though if that hall is not obtained
Convention Hall will most likely be taken
Il will be the first show of the kind in this
city for several years. The dealers fully
appreciate the advantage of an exhibition.
giving them an excellent opportunity of
displaying the new models for the year and
the novelties of the trade.
Al the meeting an organization was eff
fccted by elScting officers and the prelimi-
nary steps were taken toward an exhibit.
Most of the local dealers are expected to
participate. and some outside firms may
T. nj space. With the passing away of the
old Washington cycle board Uf trade an
organization that had an existence for sev-
cral years. there are now no restrictions
against the proposed show. Another meet
ing of the committee in charge will shortly
will be taken.
As far as racing is concerned the plans
are not as fully matured. The racing sea
son hardly opens before May 30 over five
months distant. ana until then many addf-
tOndl plans are apt TO be made. The dis
pute regarding the control of racing is eX-
pected to have little influence on the sport.
Nearly all of the Washington professional
/, At the first opportunity the amateur riders
are expected to join. The only track that
can be used with any degree of safety for
the riders is with the National Cycling AS
soCiatiOn, and all of the racers will be oblig-
ed to train on this course.
A circuit of the tracks of Virginia is al
most assured. Only local riders will join
IN the circuit. which will last for about a
fortnight. There are only about six or
eight tracks in Virginia. situated at the ex-
tremes of the state, and meets will be held
on all of them. y Virginia circuit was con-
tcmplated early in the present year but on
account of the correspondence necessary
a satisfactory conclusion was not reached
until too late to arrange II. BY beginning
NJ sfr1= GA in hp II is
ed that everything can be arranged for the
circuit as soon spring is under way.
While things look bright from a local
point of view. next year promises new
epoch In the history of cycle racing. The
new National Cycling Association will be
permanently organized in New York city
January !, and will Immediately assume
absolute control of cycle racing east of the
Mississippi. Under the protecting wing of
the new organization the sport is expected
to take an upward jump and. fostered by
good rules with plenty of attention, it is
| bound TO take a high place in outdoor
| sports.