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Rutland Trophy
So what did everyone think? I thought it was a really good event and it and Ipswich will go down as my favourite Trophies of the year.
Personally I thought the course this year was much better than last year and losing the bridge really helped.
Colin Clews and team did a good job with the race today, and I think the Belgians were probably quite impressed.
PS Dave, was that your last race in the elites? You don't fancy doubling up now Nick Craig has shown it can be done? ;-)
Personally I thought the course this year was much better than last year and losing the bridge really helped.
Colin Clews and team did a good job with the race today, and I think the Belgians were probably quite impressed.
PS Dave, was that your last race in the elites? You don't fancy doubling up now Nick Craig has shown it can be done? ;-)
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Azencross on -
Did any of the Brits win enough prize money to cover their petrol home?
I can see problems here if this approach continues
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Permalink Reply by Jough Watson on -
Cracking course good event. didn't like paying £3.00 to plus to be there.
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Permalink Reply by Andy Waterman on
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Thta whole parking thing is a rip-off. Charge spectators, sure, but charging riders seems that they're coming at it from the wrong angle.
How much do you reckon Sven Nys has to pay to park at a World Cup?
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Permalink Reply by Dave Haygarth on -
If anyone in this country is riding for the money we have BIG problems!!
Azencross said:Did any of the Brits win enough prize money to cover their petrol home?
I can see problems here if this approach continues
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Permalink Reply by Andy Waterman on
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Agreed, the only solution to the "problem" of having world class riders competing in the UK would be to take away the UCI points. I doubt Rob Peeters broke even this weekend assuming he paid his own crossing etc and had to stay in a hotel.
Dave Haygarth said:If anyone in this country is riding for the money we have BIG problems!!
Azencross said:Did any of the Brits win enough prize money to cover their petrol home?
I can see problems here if this approach continues
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Permalink Reply by Azencross on
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But how many are not riding because there isnt any money? Presumably the shed load of top riders who are now in pro/semi pro road teams!
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Permalink Reply by Dave Haygarth on
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Like last year, I thought the course and all the trimmings at Rutland were great - it's a versatile venue and yes - the bridge wasn't needed - it was a bit of a gimmick.
My last senior race... utterly trashed by some untimely hard downs and a good dose of plain old shoddy riding at times, but that's racing. Rutland, Peel Park and Ipswich are really getting better each time.
Well designed and tough for riders, but Lewis and I both thought that it could have done with one or two more 'blasts' in it - the mix of technical to non-technical was - in my opinion - a bit out. Having said that - it would have suited any rider on a good day - a proper cross course with no easy tickets for anyone. Credit to Colin and team where it's due.
Gripe 1: What the heck are we paying parking charges for as competitors? If there's a charge, BC should absorb this in our entry fees. Is anyone expecting us to take the train or ride to these events?? Just don't get it at all.
Gripe 2: Sorry East Midlands organisers but I still have to disagree with your policy of using ropes at handlebar height to mark out the courses. I was put into the ropes on lap one (not maliciously) and almost garotted myself. I also caught a handlebar on them on lap 3 and tw*tted myself hard on a post. Yes - it was my fault, but lapses of concentration happen in cyclocross - I'm not a newbie - at least two riders in the top 10 also went down hard today on ropes. I know your reasons for using them, but it needs a rethink. My commissaire wouldn't allow my course to go near a similarly dangerous fence earlier this season and I now fully respect why. A few rope burns and bumps and bruises are tolerable. Neck injuries are round the corner if we carry on like this.
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Permalink Reply by Paul Bethell on -
The ropes ende my race today as i think dave you saw me coming round after hitting my head rather hard as the rope and post stopped my bike dead in its track. And ive still got neck and back ache , but should'nt moan when riding to extreme outer edge of tracks, but tape would have just snapped causing just frustration not pain.
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Permalink Reply by barry davies on -
dave ,lost national at sutton park when I was in the lead just for the same reason, tape/rope at handlebar height, dont people who organize these races actually ride bikes !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Permalink Reply by Andy Waterman on
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That's less to do with prize money though and more to do with sponsors and media coverage. Putting crits on TV has encouraged loads of sponsors to chuck some money at creating a team and has meant riders can earn (part of) a living riding bikes and get paid by sponsors.
UK cyclocross is pretty niche in comparison, and potential sponsors would rather stick with the herd and put money into the road rather than taking a punt of becoming a big fish in a small pond in cross.
It's pretty bad really that someone like Fieldy is still riding for a shop team. Why aren't teams like Rapha knocking down his door to ensure they get coverage for their brand between October and February when there's nothing going on on the road?
Azencross said:But how many are not riding because there isnt any money? Presumably the shed load of top riders who are now in pro/semi pro road teams!
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Permalink Reply by Dave Haygarth on
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Agree wholeheartedly. I love cyclocross but as a businessman I'd be nuts to sponsor a 'cross team if I could choose a road team. Let's be thankful for small mercies - no-one wanted to sponsor road teams either in the UK a few short years ago.
Andy Waterman said:That's less to do with prize money though and more to do with sponsors and media coverage. Putting crits on TV has encouraged loads of sponsors to chuck some money at creating a team has meant riders can earn (part of) a living riding bikes and get paid by sponsors.
UK cyclocross is pretty niche in comparison, and potential sponsors would rather stick with the herd and put money into the road rather than taking a punt of becoming a big fish in a small pond in cross.
Azencross said:But how many are not riding because there isnt any money? Presumably the shed load of top riders who are now in pro/semi pro road teams!
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