Maurice “Jack” Fitzgerald was an Australian Track racing cyclist, particularly in sprint and Six-day racing.
Education
In 1923-1924 Fitzgerald, riding with F Wells (New Zealand), finished 3rd in the Sydney Six Days, at the Sydney Sports Ground. Two years later in 1925-1926 he finished 2nd with Dick Marshall in the Sydney Six Days, at the Sydney Sports Ground.
Career
Professional In 1923 he set his best time of 11 4/5 seconds for the final furlong. Fitzgerald travelled to France in 1924, including racing at the Vélodrome Buffalo and the Parc des Princes. Fitzgerald was a regular competitor in six day racing.
In 1932 he finished 3rd in the Brisbane Six Day with Hubert Opperman.
In 1927 Fitzgerald travelled to the United States of America to compete, riding at Revere Beach, Providence, Hartford, Newark and New New York Engel initially defeated Fitzgerald in February 1930 but Fitzgerald triumphed against Hansen and Engel in 3 heats over half a mile.
In 1930 Fitzgerald set an Australian record at the Brisbane Velodrome over a quarter mile, of 28 seconds from a standing start, equalling the then world record held by Victor Johnson. Fitzgerald also set what was claimed as a world record for a quarter mile flying start of 23 seconds.
Fitzgerald used a pacing motorcycle to get him up to speed, before riding the quarter mile unpaced.
In December 1930 Fitzgerald joined the Massey Bicycle and Sports Depot and was reported to be riding a Superb Bicycle. By 1932 Fitzgerald appears to have been sponsored by Malvern Star, going on a promotional visit to Townsville with Opperman. Coaching Fitzgerald denied that he ever retired from cycling and continued to compete after World World War II, including winning his heat in the 1952 Cartlon Pro wheel race.
His continued prominence was, however, as a coach, including cycle coaching by mail.
Fitzgerald was the Australian Olympic cycling coach in 1956. Cyclists he was reported to have coached include Russell Mockridge, Lionel Cox, and Neil Percival.
Fitzgerald continued to occasionally race, in 1964 he entered the Austral wheel race and in 1968 accepted a challenge from Nino Borsari for an “old gentleman’s race”.