Kungler Scores Narrow Victory in Cycle Race

Cyclists line up at the starting line just before the race.
(BAZ Staff Photo)

Barricades and police trucks reminiscent of the 1 May riots blocked the streets of Berlin yesterday, but the only rowdiness was the cheering of spectators as a crowded field of cyclists competed for fame, prize medals and cash. It was a perfect day for the race, cool with clear skies and little wind, and the prospect of

excitement drew a good crowd of both riders and observers.

Claytanic Kungler streaks across the finish barely a length
ahead of Cuthbert Hellendale.
(BAZ Staff Photo)

Starting at a few minutes past 13:00 SLT on the Parisienplatz, the course wound its way along the outer edges of the city, treating the residents of Behrenstrasse, Alexanderplatz, Am Nussbraum and the Jewish Quarter to the sight of a pack of bicyclists speeding pell-mell down the street and giving a few unwary pedestrians a good fright. Three circuits of the course were required to claim victory, with the competitors cheered onward each time they sped past the grandstand. Some seven minutes after the starting gun had sounded, the three leaders came charging down the Rykestrasse toward the finish. First to cross the line three times was Berlin resident and prizefighter Claytanic Kungler, edging out Father Cuthbert Hellendale by barely the length of his vehicle. Taena Matova captured the bronze finish by crossing the line not two lengths behind the priest. Several other competitors, including young Doktor Sturges of automobile racing fame, finished not far behind the leaders.

Immediately following the race, the winners were presented with medals befitting their achievement by Fr. Jo Yardley, personal Secretary to City Manager Oskar Eddenbaum, and received the vocal applause of the onlookers. In addition to their medals and the adulation of the public, cash prizes of 500RL, 300RL and 150RL were presented to the top three racers.

Claytanic Kungler, Cuthbert Hellendale and Taena Matova
receive their race medals and the approval of the crowd.
(BAZ Staff Photo)

Following the race the crowd retired en-mass for dancing and drinks at the popular Der Keller Tantzlocale, where the race was generally proclaimed a great success and various schemes were hatched for additional such events. The BAZ congratulates the organizers and all those who came out and competed in the event.