gschreckchat@comcast.net

Excellent analysis and summary.

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George Schreck
gschreckchat@comcast.net
(503) 502-0425

-------------- Original message --------------
From: Andy Stahl
Candi,

It is my understanding that a disqualification or other penalty can result from two different processes -- 1) as a result of a racer's protest; or, 2) as a result of an official's decision based upon evidence. The 15-minute rule applies only to the first process, not to the second. Performance enhancing drug use would be an example of the second process at work, as drug use could never be effectively dissuaded through the protest process with its 15-minute requirement.

The TTT photographs are much like a drug test. They are evidence of a rule violation that should be acted upon by race officials. The fact that a protest was also filed is irrelevant. I would deny the protest (citing the 15-minute rule), but penalize all the center-line offending teams for which evidence exists using the official's inherent power to do so.

As for what constitutes a centerline violation, the arguments regarding the marshaled corners are persuasive, as are the arguments regarding the start line and emergency avoidance of fallen cyclists. However, the corner cutting in the middle of the straight sections is centerline violation in its purest form.

Andy

________________________________________________
Andy Stahl, Executive Director
Forest Service Employees for Environmental Ethics
P.O. Box 11615
Eugene, OR 97440
(541) 484-2692, 484-3004(FAX)
http://www.fseee.org
Note my new email address: andys@fseee.org
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