| Subject: | Re: National/International bike racing |
| Date: | 02/15/2000 12:03 AM |
| From: | Jon Walpole |
|
Mike Murray wrote: USAC has a mandate to develop elite level talent. Although I think that we would all like to see that mission succeed, OBRA does not have a similar mandate. I think OBRA and the Murrays are wonderful, so don't yell at me. However, I think there is a serious problem to be addressed regarding how promising young riders from Oregon can progress to an elite level. Even though this is not currently part of OBRA's mandate, as Mike points out, I for one think that it should be. In fact, I think it is a very important missing component of what is otherwise a great system. The recent split with USAC has exacerbated this problem by making it virtually impossible for riders to upgrade and progress beyond the limits of the Oregon system. This is a huge disincentive for anyone with talent. I agree that its USAC's fault, but that doesn't mean that we shouldn't take it seriously. Thats why I wrote a public message to USAC some months ago pleading with them to recognise OBRA events. Of course, they have refused this reasonable request, and so we are now stuck in the middle of an ugly power struggle. In an earlier mail this morning, Nick Perera asked who was more important, the 1% elite level riders or the other 99%. That really disheartened me, because over the years I have wanted to work with the 20-30% of the young Oregon peleton who might eventually have a chance of becoming part of the 1% elite. These are the young people we are claiming don't matter any more. This situation is not the Murray's fault, but it is a serious problem, and I think it is our problem -- i.e. the problem of the Oregon bicycle racing community. Lets have some constructive discussion on how to solve it rather than fighting among ourselves. -- Jon |
