I haven't/hadn't thought about that.
I think wagering was popular around the Century's turn and slowly diminished
with the decline of cycling popularity.
The gamblng was probably more localized amoung the tifosi with their
favorites when the rivalries were hotter.
The Sixes had wagering but I don't think it was a big underground thing with
bookies and all.
Guys would bet among themselves but not to where it was notorious.
The amateur events didn't elicit that much rivalry and I think that the
gambling was limited in scope, even tho it was an added element that made up
the entire atmosphere and genre of the track scene.
Ted Ernst
Palos Verdes Estates
CA USA
>
> I always assumed the track stuff was popular partly because there was a
> bit
> of wagering involved. Is that true?
>
> Len Diamond
> Ridgewood, New Jersey USA
>
> (currently in his office in Kearny NJ--spitting distance from the former
> velodromes in Newark and Nutley)