Snell's cycling career started in 1909 when he participated as a courier in the Dunlop Relay Despatch Ride from Adelaide to Sydney, racing close to his hometown from Balmattum to Baddaginnie.

[3] After taking his career more seriously the next season, he went on to his first success in 1911, winning blue ribbon (fastest time) in the Barnet Glass Road Race from Bendigo to Melbourne.

[4] In 1914 Snell, together with Iddo "Snowy" Munro, Don Kirkham, Charlie Piercey and George Bell, became part of the first team of Australian Cyclists to head off for racing in Europe, with the objective to be competing in the Tour de France.

[9] Eventually only Munro and Kirkham were selected for participation in the Tour de France[10] After the Tour de France Snell returned to Australia; in early August 1914 he left for Melbourne with Don Kirkham and George Bell.

His younger brother, John George, was active in road racing as well.