Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-05-15
BOOM IN CYCLE RACING
THIS SEASONS SPORT TO BE on A
LARGE SCALE
Many New Tracks to He Opened and
Promoters VIII Hang TIP
Big Purses.


sional bicycle racing became the source of
great entertainment to thousands that
has looked so good for the business the
coming season. After the stars of the
racing world had almost ruined the sport
through having their own way in nearly
everything. the professionals drifted al
most into oblivion and interest sinmcred
down to condition where little was heard
of the game. Then the bicycle manufac-
turers awoke from their Rip Van Wrinkle
sleep. backed up the National Cycling AS
ISOLATION. and today the interest in the
sport is substantial and widespread. New
tracks are being constructed in many cities,
and with the introduction of motorcycles
it is more than possible that speed which
will astonish the world will be made before
the coming season expires.
Revival OF Interest.
The National Cycling Association had
hard sledging last year. but the officers at
its head were true to the sport and them
selves, with the result that the organiZa-
ton is now respected everywhere and the
success to which it is entitled will be, il
is believed. attained. Ironclad rules We're
adopted in the interest of clean sport. and
those riders who looked for temporary
gain through crUOkedneSS were handled
without gloves Last fall the CLEAN of
cess could be family seen, and many of
those who had been an honor to bicycle
racing resumed their interest in events and
put forth their best efforts to help along
the exciting sport.
On top of this reviving interest came the
action of the American Bicycle Company.
The manufa curing firms had been in the
habit of maintaining individual racing
teams. and the rivalry created did great
deal towards booming bicycle racing and,
Incidentally. the bicycle business. But the
expense was tremendous. and the stars
ran things to suit themselves the manu-
facturers withdrew their support. Last
winter the manufacturers again took up
the game. notified the National Association
they would give it all the support needed.
and now the newspapers are teeming with
news of the cyclists. While the different
manufacturers belong to the bicycle COM
team of it's own and the old interest in
individual make of machines will nat
uraIly be revived.
Preparations for the season.
As soon as the racing men. their train
ers and the usual track followers learned
of this situation great awakening oc-
CURED and all those at all prominent in the
racing world have been training diligently
ana are now in condition to give their best
efforts for the fine purses which will be
hung up the coming season. These purses
have been large in the past. and per-
mitted the best men to earn large amounts
each season. but the coming year they will
the tracks. giving additional interest to the
sport. The stands already built and under
construction have been put up with n view
to the comfort of the patrons. and a
result many people who never attended
bicycle races before will turn out to swell
the numbers of the old guard. Holding
the races at night. under the daylight glare
of thousands of electric lights. is another
Improvement on the old style. and will con-
tribute in great way to revive popular
interest. The very latest tracks construct
ed are mathematicaly perfect. and
result faster time will be made and the
records will be shattered all down the line.
The opening of the Buffalo exposition will
also be stimulus to the sport, many for
eign riders having signihed their intention
of visiting this country to compete for the
big purses to be given there.
One promoter has announced his inten-
tlon of hanging mp purses of si.po, $1,000
and 5000 for mOtOT-pac iced nliddle-diStance
race. run on the European plan. which is
to make them open to all Corners. the same
as sprint races. and to have five. six or
seven contestants with their motor tan
dens the track at once.
1t has been calculated that in all 100000
In purses will be put up for riders during
the season.
At the Local Park.
The Coils aum track at Eas, Capitol and
18th streets was completed at noon today.
and the work details of the park will
be rushed to completion. Harry Elkes and
Edouard Taylore have been taking their
daily spins Of from five to ten miles. and
are fast getting into first-class condition.
Exc hampton Jimmy Michael had not re-
ported at the park up to noon today. hut
he is likely to drop in at any time. as he
has promised to be on hand this week
Saturday night the Coliseum track will
he thrown open to the public and an in
terestinS series of races has been arranged
especially these bringing Fixes Michael
and Taylore together. The first race will
De started at O'Clock. and he fpIpu-inS
events Will be pulled off: One mile nov
Ice; one mile. amateur. and four MOTOR
cycle races i'll five-mile heats. Ladies will
De admitted free Saturday night Entries
VIII b. reCeiNal he L.: