I was there(at the finish) when those riders showed up and spoke with the officials. The refs were very understanding of the riders plight and did what they thought was right to help out. Though I did not hear it being said specifically it was implied that the riders were to keep a low profile and not change the course of the race.
If you ask me the riders took advantage of a helpfull hand.
dturner wrote:I've heard the same thing. Though I've seen other examples of racers being allowed into races late, they treated it as a workout, as fun, but always pulled out so as not to affect the finish and certainly did not try to alter the dynamics of the race as it unfolded. And they didn't have to be told this.
Though I do not want to question the judgment of the officials, or affect any protest that might be in the process of being filed, I do not think what happened was fair. For two riders to come into a race after 15 miles of poor-weather attrition racing, then chase down a break, then attack so that other teammates can rest, then contest the finish, is just not in the spirit of good competition.
This incident is definitely making the rounds, and I have to say that I think what happened is highly inappropriate. I am very disappointed by the officials decision on the spot, and I hope it gets reversed.
No single raindrop believes it is responsible for the flood.
dturner wrote:
Though I do not want to question the judgment of the officials, or affect any protest that might be in the process of being filed, I do not think what happened was fair. For two riders to come into a race after 15 miles of poor-weather attrition racing, then chase down a break, then attack so that other teammates can rest, then contest the finish, is just not in the spirit of good competition.
I won't question the actions of riders involved. I personally think free laps in crits are unfair, but I don't blame riders for taking them. The rules are the rules, and I don't blame riders for failing to ignore the instructions of officials on the rules. So, is there any mechanism within the rules for officials to take this sort of action? I don't know of one.
I've heard the same thing. Though I've seen other examples of racers being allowed into races late, they treated it as a workout, as fun, but always pulled out so as not to affect the finish and certainly did not try to alter the dynamics of the race as it unfolded. And they didn't have to be told this.
Though I do not want to question the judgment of the officials, or affect any protest that might be in the process of being filed, I do not think what happened was fair. For two riders to come into a race after 15 miles of poor-weather attrition racing, then chase down a break, then attack so that other teammates can rest, then contest the finish, is just not in the spirit of good competition.
I was there(at the finish) when those riders showed up and spoke with the officials. The refs were very understanding of the riders plight and did what they thought was right to help out. Though I did not hear it being said specifically it was implied that the riders were to keep a low profile and not change the course of the race.
If you ask me the riders took advantage of a helpfull hand.
The eye in the sky
dturner wrote:I've heard the same thing. Though I've seen other examples of racers being allowed into races late, they treated it as a workout, as fun, but always pulled out so as not to affect the finish and certainly did not try to alter the dynamics of the race as it unfolded. And they didn't have to be told this.
Though I do not want to question the judgment of the officials, or affect any protest that might be in the process of being filed, I do not think what happened was fair. For two riders to come into a race after 15 miles of poor-weather attrition racing, then chase down a break, then attack so that other teammates can rest, then contest the finish, is just not in the spirit of good competition.
This incident is definitely making the rounds, and I have to say that I think what happened is highly inappropriate. I am very disappointed by the officials decision on the spot, and I hope it gets reversed.
No single raindrop believes it is responsible for the flood.
dturner wrote:
Though I do not want to question the judgment of the officials, or affect any protest that might be in the process of being filed, I do not think what happened was fair. For two riders to come into a race after 15 miles of poor-weather attrition racing, then chase down a break, then attack so that other teammates can rest, then contest the finish, is just not in the spirit of good competition.
I won't question the actions of riders involved. I personally think free laps in crits are unfair, but I don't blame riders for taking them. The rules are the rules, and I don't blame riders for failing to ignore the instructions of officials on the rules. So, is there any mechanism within the rules for officials to take this sort of action? I don't know of one.
Dan
I've heard the same thing. Though I've seen other examples of racers being allowed into races late, they treated it as a workout, as fun, but always pulled out so as not to affect the finish and certainly did not try to alter the dynamics of the race as it unfolded. And they didn't have to be told this.
Though I do not want to question the judgment of the officials, or affect any protest that might be in the process of being filed, I do not think what happened was fair. For two riders to come into a race after 15 miles of poor-weather attrition racing, then chase down a break, then attack so that other teammates can rest, then contest the finish, is just not in the spirit of good competition.