The times., 1898-07-19
CYCLING COMMENT.


The selection of A. c. Moran as the
local rider TO race against Jimmie
Michael, the Welsh wonder, has created
considerable excitement among the local
racing world. Those who know little of
the matter wonder why Moran was Sc
lected. BY them he is not regarded as the
speediest local man for following pace
In fact, this season his work in sprint
races, both as an amateur and profess
sional, has been below the average, TAX
ing his good work last season as stand
ard. Besides. he has done bat little work
in the middle distance line, and is COM
paratively new at following pace 1t is
true that he had a twenty-five mile
paced match race some weeks ago at
Baltimore with w. G. LeCompte, and
that he was successful in winning it.
The time was not good as it might
be, though the slowness is accounted for
ty the statement that both riders had
several falls in the race, which some
what crippled them
On account of his previous good work
in this city early in the season, Counsel
man is generally regarded as the best
middle-distance rider in this city, and
also the best man 10 follow pace. He
can tack on behind a triplet or quad,
and ride like a veteran. 1t seems TO come
natural TO him He rode twenty-five
miles in 52:3l and ten miles in 20;2l, the
fastest time ever recorded in local racing
history He made five miles in s:44, and
could have Topped several minutes off this
4 dxr nl1
during the ride. This was in his race
with Schade.
There are plenty of other good men who
ought to be able TO make good showing,
so it seems to many. The general impress
sion seems TO prevail inai the manage
ment has been too hasty is selecting
man. the idea being probably more TO
get the advertising matter circulated
around on the bin boards OF the city and
in shop windows more tnan anything eise.
In fact, the advertising cards or the race
made their appearance yesterday. Nnlle
hardly possible, il might be that another
local man may be changed for Moran
some time before the race comes off. This
would be the best way. 1t would be only
Justice to the other local riders to give
fair trial and then select the man VINO IS
judged to be able TO make the best show
ing.
Counselman, of course, IS prominently
mentioned as the proper man for the
place He is undoubtedly backed by the
majority Of bicycle race-meet Soers in the
city. Bob Walthour. OF Atlanta, and H.
r. Steenson, OF Minneapolis, who are botn
riding III this city this year, are also
mentioned for a place. The general pub
lie knows but little of the mlddle-distance
ability OF these two men. Fred Sims is
also mentioned. The only possible disad-
vantage that could be urged against him
would be his weight. Fred Schade Is an
other candidate put forward, he having
MANY admirers Whether or not he could
hold a stiff ten-mile pace IS another
thing. Last but not leas-, z. NJ wilson,
the Indian IS mentioned. wilson
ought TO be able 70 go ten miles IN fast
time. and he ought 10 be. able TO hold
A hot pace There are several other
riders whose names could be mentioned,
who in a trial might make showing
that would astouish eFeryone. To DO JUS
tice to the city the best rider ought To
be selected. and then on.y after a fair
and thorough trial in. which the relative
merits of each man nave been fully
weighed.