Robert Anderson

My suggestion to keep the BB2 finish uphill, has nothing to do with my
concerns about the safety of the downhill finish. Chris Haverty expressed my
logic precisely. Variety.

Erik, You point out some well known (I hope) hazards of a downhill finish,
and the BB course. Given that the finish is passed 3 times before the end of
the race, riders should know the hazards well, by the time they reach the
sprint. I don't think there is anything inherently more dangerous about the
BB1 finish than most other finishes. In fact, because the descent to the
finish is so narrow, it provides a unique challenge to get in the right
position for the sprint. Much of the field is boxed in. Frustrating, but oh
well.

The safety of the finish (any finish) comes down to the riders behaving
rationally and not taking extreme risks to gain position. I'm happy to take
a lower spot in the results if it means everyone finishes safely. I hope
(and expect) others to return the favor.

On Tue, Mar 4, 2008 at 9:40 AM, Erik Voldengen wrote:

> I know this is a little off topic in regards to the original post, not
> to mention unpopular, but I'll have to differ with the opinion that
> downhill sprints are just as safe as any other, especially at this
> course.
>
> On a flat sprint, take PIR for example, we'll hit 40mph sometimes, but
> only the fast guys in front. On a downhill sprint, EVERYONE is at
> 40mph, and it goes up from there. Say what you will, superhandlers,
> but bikes handle differently at those kind of speeds. Combine that
> with gravel laiden shoulders (and isn't there a bridge to compress the
> group in the final K?), and I can completely see V's point of view.
> Not the safest finish, but then it's my choice whether to race or not.
>
> -Erik
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--
Rob Anderson
riznob@gmail.com