Jonathan Puskas
I was wondering if Candi/Mike could provide the
demographics of the typical Oregon Cat I/II?
I would hypothesize that unless they are under 23, it
is unlikely that they are realistic in the expectation
of a significant professional cycling career. If
someone is 35 and racing as a Cat II, that simply
means they are an awesome bike racer...is this reason
enough for significantly higher prize lists?
As an endurance triathlete, the top 5% in any Ironman
are "given" the opportunity to compete in
Hawaii...this "honor" generally costs them thousands
of dollars, yet it is readily accepted. Most World
Class Age Group triathletes (anyone who is not Pro)
receive little/no financial compensation, yet they pay
higher entry fees and compete nevertheless for the
sake of improvement/self-satisfaction...I would argue
that the majority of our local Cat I/IIs are similar
in their dedication. BTW, judging by the
demographics/professional backgrounds of most
Ironletes, I would argue that it IS possible to work a
full-time job and still train between 20-24 hours per
week which should be enough to race as a Cat
I/II...shouldn't it?
Is there a lot more money to be made racing in
Washington? If so, why don't all of our riders make
the 3 hour drive every weekend and "make hay while the
sun is shining?" In addition, isn't there a
difference between a National Class Pro-I/II Event
(Cascade, TOW, Redlands, Cactus Cup) and a local race?
I doubt a $10,000 purse is going to get Cox/Atlanta
Velo to fly to Oregon to race at the Banana Belt.
Basically, I would argue that most cyclists
(regardless of Amateur Category) choose to race for
fun, challenge and with a few exceptions for "peak
races," generally want to race close to home and have
balance in their lives. The money prizes as a
motivator argument seems suspect in such an
environment.
Finally, I disagree with the perception that every
racer should aspire to be a Cat I/II. Rather, I think
each should aspire to reach their personal potential
within the limits they've chosen to accept. If
someone only has 10-12 hours per week (due to
professional, family obligations, or other interests),
I don't believe they are "sandbagging" when they
choose to enjoy racing as a Cat. III.
Just the mid-day rantings of a "sandbagging" Cat III.
I welcome further dialogue.
Cheers,
Jonathan C. Puskas
Torani/NW Velo
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I think a lot of people are overlooking one of the
points Bravard made,
which is perhaps limiting the cash/merchandise to
the higher categories.
While I agree with the majority of other people that
have participated in
this discussion, in that prizes do not effect race
participation, I must
disagree with this point when relating it to the
Pro,1,2 categories. Cash
prize and race participation in the 1,2 categories
are clearly associated
with one another....try running the AVC or Cascade
with a $300 prize purse,
and I doubt you will see riders from around the
country booking flights into
PDX to race those races. The reason? They are trying
to make a living
racing, and getting $200(if that) a month from Jelly
Belly (whatever small
pro team) just isn't cutting it. The same, to an
extent, is true for the
non-pro local rider who is trying to be a pro, and
instead of focusing on
work and money is focusing on training and racing.
Increasing the prize list to a decent level
would also, in my opinion,
attract more Washington riders. It has come to the
point in Oregon where the
size of the 1,2 fields is almost a joke. While I do
not think that people
not winning cash has anything to do with the small
amount of Oregon 1,2's, I
do think an increased prize list for the 1,2's would
attract Washington
riders and perhaps lure some sandbagging Cat. 3's
into getting their
upgrades. All and all, I think a prize list that was
focused on the Pro,1,2
races can help create a "focus point" of racing if
you will. Making the 1,2
race a "focus point" of racing would create, what
Clark Natwick calls, "An
athlete pipeline" and encourage all riders to
upgrade and move up to higher
categories, which should be a major goal of riders,
OBRA and racer
organizers.
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Jonathan C. Puskas
159 Fifth Street
Lake Oswego, OR 97034
impu-@yahoo.com
"If you're gonna charge...charge hard!"
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