Bicycle sprinters

Sir,
Following your report of the N.S.A. Records Day, perhaps these figures for the human-propelled “2-wheeled sprinter” may be of interest to you. Compared with the 50-c.c. record they do not appear to be too much out of place.

On July 24th, 1951, Reg Harris recorded 27.7 sec. for the unpaced standing-start 1/4-mile on a single bicycle at Fallowfield track. At Herne Hill on September 1st, 1928, J. E. Sibbitt and E. H. Chambers, two amateurs, recorded 27.4 sec. on a tandem bicycle. For veteran enthusiasts, the professionals C. F. Barden and H. B. Howard recorded 28.8 sec. on a tandem bicycle at Wood Green track on August 1st, 1898, this record still standing as tandem racing has now lost most of its popularity in Great Britain.

J. R. Smith.
Rotherham.