WHIRLS OF THE WHEELS.
The attention attracted by the great hundred-mile race of the California Associated Cycling Clubs shows how widespread is the interest taken in the contest by riders and non-riders alike. So remarkable a finish, after the ups and downs of the various stages of the contest, will not be likely to happen again. One strange feature of it was that it showed in a marked degree all the points of a racing finish, with the one factor of speed eliminated. The riders' faces all had a tense, drawn look in them and their every movement showed they of were traveling at a very slow rate of speed, in having exhausted themselves in the early part at of their ride.
The unfortunate fall near the finish in which Foster of the Olympic Club Wheelmen and Squires of the Acmes both came to grief, spoiling chances which their clubmates thought particularly rosy, was to be regretted. Following this was an accident to Ziegler's wheel which his friends will always claim was the one thing between himself and victory. The later troubles over the disqualification of the Bay City Wheelmen is the most serious of all, as the officials of the association feel that the latter club has rendered itself liable to censure in the matter, especially in having the trophy engraved when the matter of its possession was in dispute.
There is a feeling of doubt among some of the high-class racing men as to whether they should at once embrace professionalism with its valuable prizes and other compensations, or await the opening of the season. Some are making an endeavor to escape the attention and investigation of the Racing Board, as such investigation, with but few exceptions, proves fatal. McFarland, the great amateur rider of the San Jose Road Club, has openly declared his intention of riding for the cash, and he will be followed by others, who will be transferred, by request, before active competition commences.
The chief contention between the riders and the Racing Board is in regard to the relations between the former and the trade. The board holds that any person in the employ of the trade may be transferred to the professional class, as it is presumed to enjoy advantages which others cannot command. There are a number of local riders who are thus employed and who would prefer to remain amateurs, especially as they are more desirable in the estimation of their employers when riding in that class.
From the preparations being made by the racing men, the opening meets of the National Circuit will provide the best of sport. There will be more meets and better prizes than heretofore, both of which will tend to bring out new men. The entry of eight riders for one of the races at the recent indoor meet, when it was supposed the track was unsafe, is a fair guide to the number which the big meets will attract.
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