The Race
MONASTEREVIN CONTROL.
At 4.45 a.m., on Thursday the officials' special trained[sic]15
steamed into the station of Monasterevan, and soon the
quiet of the town was disturbed by a large throng of officials,
pilot cyclists, and control stewards. The arrangements for the
management of the control were of the most complete description,
and practically nothing remained for the various officials to
do but to try and kill time during the four hours which were
expected to elapse before the first racer appeared. About half-past
five a diversion was created by the appearance of a brace of
cars manned by the French and German mechanicians, who proceeded
to erect impromptu supply stations close to the entrance to
the control. Both stations contained great supplies of petrol
and a quantity of spare tyres. The tricolour floated over the
French station, while a huge piece of canvas with "Mercedes"
painted on it in huge characters served to indicate the location
of the German one. About 7 a.m., the inspection car came round,
and was followed at intervals of about twenty minutes by two
pilot cars, the second of which dashed through at a terrific
pace.
The number of spectators at Monasterevan was not large, owing
probably to the fact that a view of the racers was possible
only over a very limited portion of the course.
Shortly before noon a pilot car went past with Surgeon Ormsby
on board, and it subsequently transpired that Jarrottt's car
had overturned at Stradbally Bridge. The driver escaped unhurt,
but the chauffeur unfortunately dislocated his shoulder.
The Countess of Drogheda and a large party were interested spectators
in the control during the day.