The first major cycling race between Stockton and Nelson Bay and return was held in 1944, by the Newcastle Amateur Cycling Club.

The return race was run over a distance of approximately 63 miles [101 kilometres]. It attracted competitors from both Sydney and regional cycle clubs and many spectators lined the route.

All events were controlled by officials of the NSW Cyclists’ Union.

The race remained an annual event in cycling circles in the Newcastle area until 1949, under the auspices of various local cycle clubs. The route was variously from Stockton to Nelson Bay and return, or vice versa.

The event was cancelled in 1949 when the Police withdrew permission for cycle racing on Nelson’s Bay Road due to safety concerns.

This paper examines the six-year history of this popular cycle race and some of its participants.

The Cycle Road Race – 1944

The Newcastle Sun of 24 August 1944, page 7, reported on the forthcoming race:

‘Strong fields of representative riders will contest the three sections of the third annual road races of the Newcastle Club on the Stockton-Nelson’s Bay course on Saturday. These are the big events of the year in the local sphere of cycling handicap races, and the prize list exceeds that of any other Union event, with the exception of the Goulburn to Sydney classic, which is to be revived next month after a lapse of several years.

The high-class entry of metropolitan riders this year includes club and State road champions. Among them will be the NSW senior road champion. H. Johnson. However, the task which confronts them on the Stockton course on Saturday is no easy one, for on all previous occasions Newcastle boys have pedalled their way to a major share of the prizes. Recent performances indicate that this year will be no exception.

The order of starting on Saturday will be seniors first, followed by the junior and juvenile divisions. The long ride will necessitate all riders being at the start not later than 2 pm. The handicaps are being allotted by the NSW Union officials and will be announced as soon as available. Races will start and finish at the Boatrowers Hotel, North Stockton. Trophies and orders will be presented to the respective winners at a social to be held in Sedgwick Hall on Saturday night.’

The Newcastle Sun of 28 August 1944, page 4, reported on the race results:

‘Excellent conditions prevailed for the third annual open road races of the Newcastle Amateur Cycling Club held on the Stockton-Nelson’s Bay Road on Saturday afternoon. Competing riders included the senior and Junior Road champions of New South Wales. The long-distance training which their home course ensured that they would be well adapted to the 60 miles of the senior event.

The scratch men were conceding 24 minutes’ start to the limit rider. However, Ashfield Club riders on the two-minute mark teamed together particularly well and filled three of the first four places. Ossie Cowan, who gained both first place and fastest time, averaged nearly 26 miles an hour for the 60 miles [Note: the average Tour de France cycle race speed is currently 25-28 miles per hour on level roads]. In the junior event Enfield-Burwood club members monopolised the placings. The duel for fastest time between State champion E. Smith and J. Curtin, of Newcastle, revealed the former to be just the better in the final sprint.

All events were controlled by officials of the NSW Cyclists’ Union, and the large representation from Sydney clubs was an appreciative compliment to the cycling attractions which Newcastle can offer.’

The Cycle Road Race – 1945

The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate of 8 September 1945, page 10, reported:

‘Newcastle Amateur Cyclinig Club’s annual open 64-mile road race will be held over the Stockton course today. In addition to local riders, Tamworth and several Sydney clubs will be represented in a bog field.’

The Newcastle Sun of 10 September 1945, page 11, further reported:

‘Newcastle Amateur Cycling Club held its fourth annual open road race social in the Hamilton St. Peter’s Hall on Saturday night to celebrate the 60 miles open road race over the Stockton-Nelson’s Bay course on Saturday afternoon. The president (Mr. R. H. Clifford) welcomed the visitors who included Messrs. E. Howarth (assistant secretary), W. Webber (timekeeper), G. Walcott (handicapper), J. Leary and C. Paley (judges) and G. Brown (number steward), officials of the New South Wales Amateur Cyclists’ Union, Mr. Boschetti (secretary Tamworth Club) and riders from Sydney and Tamworth. Messrs. R. Cliflord (president), R. Smyrk (secretary), W. Dawber (social secretary), J. Probst (handicapper), T. Horsfield, M. Solomon and C. Brede were in charge of arrangements. Members of the women’s committee in charge of supper were Mesdames Dawber, Carroll, Brede and Misses Phyllis Probst, June Robinson, Betty Brede and Violet West.

During the evening the president presented the Probst point score cup to George Huard. Mr. M. Solomon was M.C. for the dancing. The road races held on Saturday afternoon attracted strong fields of Metropolitan, Newcastle and Tamworth riders. Newcastle riders were successful in the 60 miles senior [Stockton to Nelson Bay and return] and the 25 miles junior races with a Tamworth rider securing the honours in the eight miles juvenile race.’

The Cycle Road Race – 1946

The Newcastle Sun of 5 August 1946, page 14, reported:

‘The ‘open’ road race conducted by the N.S.W. League of Wheelmen from Nelson’s Bay to Stockton and return on Saturday was a great success. The large gathering of spectators, both at Nelson’s Bay and Stockton, and also those who followed the race in cars, witnessed some of the finest racing seen in the north for years. The race was won in great style by local league cyclist, Ross Robinson. Still only a junior, this plucky little rider covered himself with glory and fully deserved this outstanding success. This was his first road success in “open” company and against some really good opposition he came through the test surprisingly well.

Dave Haddow, also of Newcastle, was second, beaten by half a wheel. E. Wattors of Sydney finished half a length away in third place. The three placegetters were from C group. Fastest time went to T. Haining of Sydney, who covered the 62 miles in 2 hrs. 31 min. Of the 52 cyclists who started in the event only 22 finished. Punctures took heavy toll.’

The Dungog Chronicle of 9 August 1946, page 3, also reported:

‘The 63 miles open road race from Nelson Bay to Stockton and return was won by Novocastrian Ross Robinson off “C” group on Sunday. It was the first post-war open race conducted in the North. Under ideal racing conditions, Robinson pedalled perfectly to win the prize from a big team of professional pushers. Fifty-two riders faced the starter and were despatched in four groups. Australian and N.S.W. track champion Jack Walsh was unfortunate to puncture at 25 miles, as he was well in the cash. Jack Ross, a nephew of Ken Ross, an old Aussie star, rode well until a puncture pulled him out. At the finish the crowd got an out-size in thrills, as nine riders flashed over the tape in a bunch. Jimmy Beath, although well covered with sticking plaster, landed the mass start junior club championship of Newcastle Amateur Club. Beath covered the 18 miles in 47 minutes.  ……

The race started at the Sea Breeze Hotel, Nelson’s Bay, and followed a course via Nelson Bay Road, Fullerton Road, to Stockton and return. Mr. H. E. Rose, popular proprietor of the Sea Breeze Hotel, donated £30 to-wards the prize list.

The Cycle Road Race – 1947

The Newcastle Sun of 30 July 1947, page 14, reported:

‘On Saturday next the Seabreeze Open cycling road race will be conducted over the Nelson’s Bay-Stockton and return course, and it is expected that the leading riders from all parts of the State will compete. The backmarkers include the well-performed Johnny Kohlenberg, who is sweeping everything before him, and it is expected that he will give an excellent account of himself in this gruelling ride. Last year’s winner, Ross Robinson, will again be a starter and should perform creditably, as he is training very hard. Others with rosy prospects include Col Schofield, Col Chaston and Eric Toohey. Transport has been arranged and riders are requested to have their machines ready to leave on the 10.15 a.m. ferry.’

The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate of 4 August 1947, page 10, further reported:

‘Newcastle League Cycling Club’s open “Sea Breeze” road race from Stockton to Nelson’s Bay and return, 63 miles, was won by the Australian road champion, J. Kohlenburg (Western Suburbs) by half a length from L. Keech (West Maitland). T. McAllister, one of the State’s leading riders, punctured after going about two miles. Don McKenzie, New South Wales Champion and scratch man of Newcastle Club,

was debarred because his nomination arrived late. The scratch men, who conceded a start of 10 minutes, only overtook the limit division in the last two miles. J. Kohlenburg also gained fastest time, 2hr. 28min. 19sec.’

Riders on their way back to Nelson’s Bay in the Nelson Bay to Stockton and return road race [Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate, 4 August 1947, page 9].

The Cycle Road Race – 1948

The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate of 22 July 1948, page 6, reported:

‘New South Wales League of Wheelmen will conduct the annual ‘Seabreeze’ 63-mile road race from Nelson’s Bay to Stockton and return on Saturday week. This will be the middle event of a strenuous period for members of the Newcastle League Cycling Club. On Saturday the club will hold its annual invitation 50-mile race over the Stockton course. On August 7, Tamworth Club will hold its open road race over a course of about 75 miles, and Newcastle cyclists will compete.’

The Last Cycle Race – 1949

The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate of 19 September 1949, page 6, reported:

‘Neil Furniss (Campbelltown) won the senior 60-mile cycling handicap by a length from Bob Taylor (Petersham), at the amateur open road races at Stockton on Saturday. This was his first major success with the seniors since leaving the junior division a few months ago. Furniss, club junior track champion last season, has been unlucky in missing out on first place in championship events. He was runner-up in the club junior road championship, and the country junior track championship last year, and second in the club senior road championship this year. The riders found the flat course very hard, as it was open to a strong southerly wind. Despite this handicap, fast times were recorded in all events. The pace in the senior event was fast all the way to the turning point at Nelson’s Bay. At the start of the return journey, the limit bunch were a mile in front of the middle-markers, with the scattered scratch bunch well in the rear. The second bunch caught the leaders about three miles from the finish. More than 20 riders sprinted for the line.’

Cycle Racing Banned on Stockton Roads – 1949

The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate of 20 September 1949, page 2, reported:

‘In view of the amount of traffic and the high accident rate on Stockton-Nelson’s Bay Road, Stockton Progress Association last night decided to ask that cycle racing on the road be eliminated. Mr. C. W. Morgan said the road was inadequate for week-end motor traffic, and that the danger was great with cyclists spread across it. There were many more isolated areas around Newcastle where the races could be held.’

The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate of 4 January 1950, page 2, further reported:

‘The Superintendent of Traffic (Mr. Lawrence) has withdrawn permission for cycle races on Nelson’s Bay road. Newcastle police recommended the action because of the growing danger of accident. Cycle clubs have conducted Saturday afternoon races on the main road north of Stockton for several years. Permission had to be obtained from the Police Department. The permit would have expired on December 31, but the police withdrew it in the first week in December. Officials in the Police Superintendent’s office said the original permit was given some years ago when punts to Stockton, ran half-hourly. That allowed the cyclists to start and finish their races between punt arrivals, when road traffic was comparatively light.

The Department of Main Roads had introduced two punts on the Stockton run, which gave a 15minute service. This made it impossible for cyclists to start and finish their races while the road was free of traffic. Apart from that, officials said, the Saturday afternoon traffic between Stockton, Williamtown and Nelson’s Bay was much heavier than a few years ago. The withdrawal of racing permits was made to prevent accidents. They were not recalled because of any complaint to the police.

The President of Newcastle League Cycling Club (Mr. W. Beath) said yesterday the club had no plans. The position would be discussed at a meeting tomorrow night. Mr. Beath said Wallsend-Western Suburbs Club raced each Saturday on the Wallsend-Minmi road and the Police Boys’ Club on the Birmingham Gardens road course. Tomorrow night’s meeting might discuss the possibility of being allowed to use either of those courses. “We would like to race at Federal Park, Wallsend, where there is a track which was recently resurfaced,” said Mr. Beath. “That track is available only every second Saturday. It is shared with the cricketers. Mitchell Park track is not in use.”

Mr. Beath said the League Club had raced at Stockton for about 10 years without serious accident. Amateur clubs had had some minor accidents, but nothing sufficiently serious to cause alarm. Withdrawal of the permit meant that about 60 riders would be without sport each Saturday. The State championships would be held this month at Dubbo, where there was a good track. Newcastle had hoped for years to conduct State title events but could not apply for them because it had no track’

EPILOGUE

To allow cycle racing to continue in the Newcastle area, a cycle track at Mitchell Park at Merewether was updated to incorporate a cycle racing track.

The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate of 7 January 1950, page 2, reported:

‘Mitchell Park cycling track would be reconstructed at the end of this month and early in February, the Chairman of Mitchell Park Oval Board (Ald. Henderson) said yesterday. As a result of a police ban on cycling races on the Stockton – Nelson’s Bay road, Newcastle District League Cycling Club is pressing for the early reconstruction of Mitchell Park track. Ald. Henderson said the reconstructed track would be suitable for national cycling championships. Work to put the track in order was linked with the overall plan to improve the oval. …..

The cycling track would be tarred. The Electric Supply Department had been asked to provide additional lighting to make a first-class track for night racing. …. The dimensions and general standard of the track would conform to championship requirements. Two cycling clubs could use it on Saturday nights and weeknights. Some races on Saturday afternoons might be arranged. Mitchell Park Oval Board had three council representatives and one each for Rugby League, Rugby Union and cricket. When the cycling clubs began using the new track, they could apply for representation.’

Researched and compiled by Kevin McGuinness

October 2023