D_P_

Let the truth prevail - Refer to new post "CSA Lies again!!!" Posted on CSA Website - There has been speculation of improprieties in the selection procedure of the ladies team to represent South Africa at the World Championships in Stuttgart. Cycling SA has satisfied itself that the processes leading up to the selection were indeed correctly adhered to and reaffirm its support for the original team as selected. As part of the ongoing process of improving all systems and procedures within Cycling SA, we are ensuring that constant reviews are undertaken in order that we remain compliant with a selection process that is both fair and transparent. Our thanks and gratitude are extended to the selectors involved for the time, effort and commitment shown. DAVID BELLAIRS VICE-PRESIDENT CYCLING SOUTH AFRICA Minutes from 1 General meeting to discuss issues in SA women's cycling - Ref to RED text for relevant parts MINUTES OF MEETING HELD 29 AUGUST 2007 AT 18H00 AT CYCLE LAB IN THE INTEREST OF LADIES CYCLING IN SOUTH AFRICA <?:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><?:NAMESPACE PREFIX = O /> <?:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><?:NAMESPACE PREFIX = ST1 />Charles FreemeoNNAME> as spokesman, welcomes all present and proceeds to read a letter from David Bellairs concerning representation of CSA and the issues facing ladies cycling in South AfricaoN> It is clear that we have huge problems and that solutions need to be found. To kick off, Marilyn Rossouw feels that it was unjust that Ron?l van Wyk was omitted from the final selection of 4 riders chosen for the elite ladies team to Worlds. A questions was raised concerning the selection of 6 riders ,,, and why SA were only sending 4. Lisa Vermaak stated that it should be the best riders in the team and that by default the SA Champ should represent her country. SA Championships should be ridden more aggressively and taken into account when selecting teams . Charles Freeme gives an overview of the total selection process and reads the documents as given on the CSA website, written by the President concerning the roles and responsibilities as well as the criteria set out for selection process. The selectors being; Erica Green. Alex Cooper and Glen Lottering with Erica as convener. A Selectors commission consisting of Tony HardingoNNAME> , Erica Green and Elrick Kulsen was also given forward. Interaction between all the parties needed to happen with the final sign off by the President of CSA on Selection. No meeting has taken place between the parties, and in fact the email address of Glenn Lottering was the cause of not being part of the process. Documents from COO concerning time frames and implementation dates for the process,, was given which would be published on the official website by latest 01 September 2007. A meeting scheduled with CSA on Friday 31 August 2007 were the process and the budget will be discussed with Sylvia Dale. Care must be taken to ensure the road to Beijing and that the best rider gets selected for the appropriate events. Charles states that answers were still outstanding from CSA and in particular Carinus LemmeroNNAME> on issues pertaining to World B champs, and the selection thereof. Numerous mails have been sent to COO concerning ladies cycling across the board , relating to selection processes and time frames. A major concern was raised that the selectors are not present at the major races. John Robinson feels that the riders on the international circuit also get excluded. Bart HarmseoNNAME> explains that it is difficult to compare their performance as the selectors never see them race. It was noted that the selectors had only attended one or two races throughout the year and that riders were being evaluated on paper,, and not on performance in the races themselves. Erica Green expresses her love for the sport and that she didn?t ask for the present situation. She doesn?t want all the responsibility and that it was impossible for one person to do the job. The current set-up is not working and that maybe we should look at hiring permanent staff. Bart Harmse blames the Provincial structures for the mess in cycling and that we shouldn?t blame the selectors. At congress the Provinces should nominate and vote for the right people. John Robertson remarks that nobody wants to accept accountability and how do we move forward from here. Andrew McLean remarks that because the Provinces didn?t stand together all cycling gets run by Cape Town. Everything happens in Jo?burg but the selectors don?t attend because they are too far away. We must find a solution to carry forward and if Carinus Lemmer is too busy we should go to CSA with a solution. We must get more people like Erica Green involved that have an interest in the sport and, they must be willing. Roy?s proposal is that the people following the races should select the team choosing according to present form and we would have to trust John with the overseas riders. Charles asks for possible solutions and that all parties would need to work together to make it happen. The Team managers are all aware of the riders status and can give honest opinions on the riders performance that are in the TEAMS and that participated in a particular race. A white paper draft was drawn up as a starting point for further development by all parties . That we divide into 2 seasons, January to June and August to November. Overseas riders to be considered for the squad The wearing of green and yellow armbands.? or similar identification of such riders S.A.oN> selection twice annually and chosen out of the squad of 10 riders , Make use of selection races eg: Argus, Tour D?urban and 94.7 etc. Ladies to sometimes ride with the 40+ men. Out of town riders would have to race in Gauteng. Upcoming riders- (not in the squad) will be identified on performance and invited to camps etc.. based on merit Training camps and development work amongst riders in the squad.?from National level Suggestions for a selection panel are the following:- 1. The race commissioner. In this case Ansie de Jager. 2. The team managers to be able to put forward a team. 3. An outsider but that must attend all races. John also suggests that our S.A. Championships be moved to March to tie up with the international seasons. Bart reminds us that the dates are put forward by the Provinces and not CSA. Hendrik Wagener stated that it would be impossible to hold Championships before the end of March as there were just too many tours taking place. John and most present felt that S.A.s should take preference. Andrew agrees that it should be our premium event which should be strategically positioned on the racing calendar and also to where it takes place. With it being held in East London next year we can expect maybe half the amount of entries. Marilyn suggests that a calendar be drawn up in January each year with all strategic dates such as Continentals, Worlds and Tours which would ensure that late announcements of teams be prevented. Even the vet?s should be announces as soon as possible after S.A.s. Lisa Vermaak also expressed her disappointment that there is no financial assistance for Vets representing SA at the world event.. David made a suggestion that a riders union or association should be formed that will look after the interest of ladies cycling in South AfricaoN>. Andrew : No body for cyclists to voice themselves. Take control, run it and sort things out. Show how it should be done. Hendrik Wagener stated that both himself and Ansie deJager serve on the ladies commission but were not allowed to ask questions, or give any inputs into selection. The squad of 8 riders chosen by the selectors ,, one cyclist had already hung up her bike 2 months ago, and was not riding on the national circuit.. Charles says that riders should get involved in the process and that people, should pledge their time and experience, to get the job done . Roy suggests that we start with the managers and the registered teams. Erica proposed the following: That we make use of National squads. Increase our pool of younger riders. Have courses and training camps. Have feeder teams for the pro-teams. Coaching programs for pro-teams. There is no current criteria for the selection of teams, the team to worlds was based on International results, as well as a summary of 2005-2006 results supplied by Alex Cooper with a preference to younger riders. Bart HarmseoNNAME> said that there should be more involvement with the riders seeing that 2 withdrew from the team shortly after it was announced. John would like to know why only 4 ladies were selected when we can send a team of 6 riders. Erica answered by saying that she never knew we could send 6 riders ,, no answer was tendered by Bart HarmseoNNAME> .. Theo comments on the lack of communication and asks if anything was communicated to the managers and teams. No communication was done through this network. Andrew: It is obvious that we have the wrong people selecting teams. The managers are the only people that really see what goes on and should be able to select the teams together. Charles: It is clear that there is a lack of understanding and that the selectors do not know on what level of performance each rider is currently at . This was evident in the fact that two riders had pulled out of the TEAM as a result of not being at their best form. Roy suggests that a spokesman be appointed for Ladies cycling to voice all the concerns and to drive the process to a higher level,, ie ? representation of the TEAMS and the riders . The fighting of equality and recognition. The meeting appointed Charles Freeme who in turn accepted the responsibility for the interim . Bart reminds us that a squad also has to be selected for Continental Championships. John and Theo both feel that we should send a full team to worlds of 6 riders Bart will meet with CSA for a go ahead. Bart assured the meeting that we would have an answer by close business 30 August 2007 as to whether it would be possible . Andrew warns that we are putting huge pressure on the ladies that will now be selected for Worlds and that it is unfair to the cyclists as people will really be looking for results. Bart HarmseoNNAME> suggests that instead of proceeding with a vote of no confidence in the selectors that we give them the chance to rather step down. Erica Green indicated that she will step down, with immediate effect . . Charles asked the remaining squad riders that did not make the selection , if they would be available ,, is so re elected .. Ron?l van Wyk preferred not to comment. John says that Arien Torsius has been training specifically for Worlds. Robyn de Groot wasn?t present. Lynette Burger and Lizanne Naud? said that they were available. Charles thanks all for their time and input. The meeting is closed at 20H05.

You make-up your own minds - Kinda simple ... Posted on CSA Website - There has been speculation of improprieties in the selection procedure of the ladies team to represent South Africa at the World Championships in Stuttgart. Cycling SA has satisfied itself that the processes leading up to the selection were indeed correctly adhered to and reaffirm its support for the original team as selected. As part of the ongoing process of improving all systems and procedures within Cycling SA, we are ensuring that constant reviews are undertaken in order that we remain compliant with a selection process that is both fair and transparent. Our thanks and gratitude are extended to the selectors involved for the time, effort and commitment shown. DAVID BELLAIRS VICE-PRESIDENT CYCLING SOUTH AFRICA Minutes from 1 General meeting to discuss issues in SA women's cycling - Ref to RED text for relevant parts MINUTES OF MEETING HELD 29 AUGUST 2007 AT 18H00 AT CYCLE LAB IN THE INTEREST OF LADIES CYCLING IN SOUTH AFRICA <?:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> <?:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Charles FreemeonName> as spokesman, welcomes all present and proceeds to read a letter from David Bellairs concerning representation of CSA and the issues facing ladies cycling in South Africaon> It is clear that we have huge problems and that solutions need to be found. To kick off, Marilyn Rossouw feels that it was unjust that Ron?l van Wyk was omitted from the final selection of 4 riders chosen for the elite ladies team to Worlds. A questions was raised concerning the selection of 6 riders ,,, and why SA were only sending 4. Lisa Vermaak stated that it should be the best riders in the team and that by default the SA Champ should represent her country. SA Championships should be ridden more aggressively and taken into account when selecting teams . Charles Freeme gives an overview of the total selection process and reads the documents as given on the CSA website, written by the President concerning the roles and responsibilities as well as the criteria set out for selection process. The selectors being; Erica Green. Alex Cooper and Glen Lottering with Erica as convener. A Selectors commission consisting of Tony HardingonName> , Erica Green and Elrick Kulsen was also given forward. Interaction between all the parties needed to happen with the final sign off by the President of CSA on Selection. No meeting has taken place between the parties, and in fact the email address of Glenn Lottering was the cause of not being part of the process. Documents from COO concerning time frames and implementation dates for the process,, was given which would be published on the official website by latest 01 September 2007. A meeting scheduled with CSA on Friday 31 August 2007 were the process and the budget will be discussed with Sylvia Dale. Care must be taken to ensure the road to Beijing and that the best rider gets selected for the appropriate events. Charles states that answers were still outstanding from CSA and in particular Carinus LemmeronName> on issues pertaining to World B champs, and the selection thereof. Numerous mails have been sent to COO concerning ladies cycling across the board , relating to selection processes and time frames. A major concern was raised that the selectors are not present at the major races. John Robinson feels that the riders on the international circuit also get excluded. Bart HarmseonName> explains that it is difficult to compare their performance as the selectors never see them race. It was noted that the selectors had only attended one or two races throughout the year and that riders were being evaluated on paper,, and not on performance in the races themselves. Erica Green expresses her love for the sport and that she didn?t ask for the present situation. She doesn?t want all the responsibility and that it was impossible for one person to do the job. The current set-up is not working and that maybe we should look at hiring permanent staff. Bart Harmse blames the Provincial structures for the mess in cycling and that we shouldn?t blame the selectors. At congress the Provinces should nominate and vote for the right people. John Robertson remarks that nobody wants to accept accountability and how do we move forward from here. Andrew McLean remarks that because the Provinces didn?t stand together all cycling gets run by Cape Town. Everything happens in Jo?burg but the selectors don?t attend because they are too far away. We must find a solution to carry forward and if Carinus Lemmer is too busy we should go to CSA with a solution. We must get more people like Erica Green involved that have an interest in the sport and, they must be willing. Roy?s proposal is that the people following the races should select the team choosing according to present form and we would have to trust John with the overseas riders. Charles asks for possible solutions and that all parties would need to work together to make it happen. The Team managers are all aware of the riders status and can give honest opinions on the riders performance that are in the TEAMS and that participated in a particular race. A white paper draft was drawn up as a starting point for further development by all parties . That we divide into 2 seasons, January to June and August to November. Overseas riders to be considered for the squad The wearing of green and yellow armbands.? or similar identification of such riders S.A.on> selection twice annually and chosen out of the squad of 10 riders , Make use of selection races eg: Argus, Tour D?urban and 94.7 etc. Ladies to sometimes ride with the 40+ men. Out of town riders would have to race in Gauteng. Upcoming riders- (not in the squad) will be identified on performance and invited to camps etc.. based on merit Training camps and development work amongst riders in the squad.?from National level Suggestions for a selection panel are the following:- 1. The race commissioner. In this case Ansie de Jager. 2. The team managers to be able to put forward a team. 3. An outsider but that must attend all races. John also suggests that our S.A. Championships be moved to March to tie up with the international seasons. Bart reminds us that the dates are put forward by the Provinces and not CSA. Hendrik Wagener stated that it would be impossible to hold Championships before the end of March as there were just too many tours taking place. John and most present felt that S.A.s should take preference. Andrew agrees that it should be our premium event which should be strategically positioned on the racing calendar and also to where it takes place. With it being held in East London next year we can expect maybe half the amount of entries. Marilyn suggests that a calendar be drawn up in January each year with all strategic dates such as Continentals, Worlds and Tours which would ensure that late announcements of teams be prevented. Even the vet?s should be announces as soon as possible after S.A.s. Lisa Vermaak also expressed her disappointment that there is no financial assistance for Vets representing SA at the world event.. David made a suggestion that a riders union or association should be formed that will look after the interest of ladies cycling in South Africaon>. Andrew : No body for cyclists to voice themselves. Take control, run it and sort things out. Show how it should be done. Hendrik Wagener stated that both himself and Ansie deJager serve on the ladies commission but were not allowed to ask questions, or give any inputs into selection. The squad of 8 riders chosen by the selectors ,, one cyclist had already hung up her bike 2 months ago, and was not riding on the national circuit.. Charles says that riders should get involved in the process and that people, should pledge their time and experience, to get the job done . Roy suggests that we start with the managers and the registered teams. Erica proposed the following: That we make use of National squads. Increase our pool of younger riders. Have courses and training camps. Have feeder teams for the pro-teams. Coaching programs for pro-teams. There is no current criteria for the selection of teams, the team to worlds was based on International results, as well as a summary of 2005-2006 results supplied by Alex Cooper with a preference to younger riders. Bart HarmseonName> said that there should be more involvement with the riders seeing that 2 withdrew from the team shortly after it was announced. John would like to know why only 4 ladies were selected when we can send a team of 6 riders. Erica answered by saying that she never knew we could send 6 riders ,, no answer was tendered by Bart HarmseonName> .. Theo comments on the lack of communication and asks if anything was communicated to the managers and teams. No communication was done through this network. Andrew: It is obvious that we have the wrong people selecting teams. The managers are the only people that really see what goes on and should be able to select the teams together. Charles: It is clear that there is a lack of understanding and that the selectors do not know on what level of performance each rider is currently at . This was evident in the fact that two riders had pulled out of the TEAM as a result of not being at their best form. Roy suggests that a spokesman be appointed for Ladies cycling to voice all the concerns and to drive the process to a higher level,, ie ? representation of the TEAMS and the riders . The fighting of equality and recognition. The meeting appointed Charles Freeme who in turn accepted the responsibility for the interim . Bart reminds us that a squad also has to be selected for Continental Championships. John and Theo both feel that we should send a full team to worlds of 6 riders Bart will meet with CSA for a go ahead. Bart assured the meeting that we would have an answer by close business 30 August 2007 as to whether it would be possible . Andrew warns that we are putting huge pressure on the ladies that will now be selected for Worlds and that it is unfair to the cyclists as people will really be looking for results. Bart HarmseonName> suggests that instead of proceeding with a vote of no confidence in the selectors that we give them the chance to rather step down. Erica Green indicated that she will step down, with immediate effect . . Charles asked the remaining squad riders that did not make the selection , if they would be available ,, is so re elected .. Ron?l van Wyk preferred not to comment. John says that Arien Torsius has been training specifically for Worlds. Robyn de Groot wasn?t present. Lynette Burger and Lizanne Naud? said that they were available. Charles thanks all for their time and input. The meeting is closed at 20H05.

Although this is going to hurt a bit - The selectors are not entirely at fault here. Yes they stuffed-up, but ultimately it is the structure above them that was put in place that needed to ensure that proper process and protocol was followed, i.e. Corporate Governance. CSA did not support these guys from a financial and other perspective to be able to do their job properly!<?:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> We as cyclist were also blamed last night and our provinces were (In CSAs opinion) not doing their job ? But lets be solution focused here for a while ? It looks like most of us here come from a business and professional background, so let?s look at it from this perspective: 1. A company has shareholders (We ? the cyclists and provinces) 2. We elect directors to manage our interest (President, Vice-President and management team) 3. There is also a Board of executive and Non-Executive directors ? In this case it would be The governing Sports Body of SA 4. If our expectations aren?t met and proper process and protocol is not followed we raise our concerns to the management structure (Directors) and board (Sports Body of SA) and give them an ultimatum to respond with corrective actions / mitigating actions So c?mon guys and girls ? Lets stand-up!!! ? and start an Official Petition to indicate our Vote of No Confidence to the current structure. We all can Rant and Rave here as much as we like, but lets channel all your energy into a positive direction ? I?ll volunteer to take this trend, votes and all supporting documentation and consolidate it into a formal process by which we as cyclists can make our voice heard ? The team mangers put some very constructive solutions on the table, so lets support them as well - CSA said that they will look at this proposal, but my feeling is that this will disappear as usual. All I need from you are: 1) A process of how we will get your votes (Maybe the owner / webmaster / moderator of this site can help?) and 2) Your Votes ?!!! I?ll formulise and drive the process ? (Got a bit of experience in these type of things and I?m willing to do a bit of Pro-Bona work)

In last nights 1'st General Meeting held to the benefit of improving Women?s Cycling, Erika Green admitted that the National Women's selectors DID NOT operate according to the governance structures and made a mistake! She confirmed the following in public:<?:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> - The national women?s selectors (Erika, Glenn Lottering, Alex Cooper) were not informed enough re race results and performance due to the fact they they?ve only been at 1 race this year together ? - They did have a selection criterion, but this was hap-hazardly put together amongst themselves (not tested with any-one in cycling world) before the World Selection and it was mainly focused on last years and past results due to the fact that they did not have relevant information re this year. This was communicated to NO ONE ? Thus no rider / manger could prepare ? - The selectors NEVER sat together and one selector (Glenn) was not involved in the process because they had his wrong e-mail address. He only found out yesterday what happened ?? - They as National selectors DID NOT know that we could send 6 ladies, therefore they only chose 4 Erika tendered her resignation as National Women?s Cycling Selector and Convener last night, but because CSA was not in full representation (Only sent Bart), this is not official ?

Groot Lem - Did you run out of things to say? Lie down before you hurt yourself ...

Making International Headlines - from cyclingnews.com: Hunter and Van Wyk left off South Africa worlds team http://www.cyclingnews.com/photos/2007/tour07/tour0719/fs036tn.jpg Robert Hunter (Team Barloworld) and Ronel Van Wyk (Team Konica Minolta) are two names not on the list of riders selected by South Africa for the team the nation is sending to the World Championships in Stuttgart, Germany, September 27-30. The federation announced its squad on its website www.cyclingsa.com August 24. No reason was given in the announcement for the omission of Hunter or Van Wyk. Hunter became the first South African to win a Tour de France stage in July. He also finished second in the green jersey (sprint) competition. Van Wyk is the 2007 South African road race and time trial national champion. South African National Team for the UCI World Road Championships Elite Men: James Perry, Daryl Impey, Darren Lill, David George, Ian McLeod U23 Men: Nolan Hoffmann, Jay Thomson, Jacques Janse Van Rensburg, Jacobus Venter Elite Women: Marissa Van Der Merwe, Minette Naude (Allready declined), Yolandi Du Toit, Anriette Scuhoeman http://www.cyclingnews.com/news.php?id=news/2007/aug07/aug27news

To all the ?Anon? supporters - Let me give you a quick lesson from the on-line user-guide:<?:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> a) This is a Rant and Rave site, this implies that people can moan and groan here as much as they want and b) This is a website developed for people to moan and groan anonymously - Why do you think we post under an Alias? ?? If you want to post more on the irrelevant ?Anon? topic, there is a topic ?Why Post Anon? - so paste it there where it belongs?! So lets get back to the subject at hand ? Words Team Selection

GoGirl - If you are a selector - Which I suspect you are ? Plse do yourself a favor and log-off ...! You have embarrassed yourself enough ...!!!

Guys and Girls - The facts are crystal clear and simple. Go the the official seeding in SA and you'll find the following - 1Van Wyk , RonelEliteF2Burger , Lynette EliteF3STANDER , MARISSAEliteF This proves that Ronel is the TOP PERFORMING WOMENS CYCLIST currently in SA. Anriete is currently ranked 4'th in VETS !!! Make your own conclusions re her selection (Maybe becuase Alex - her manager - is one of the selectors ...?) Apart from that - Does a SA Champion not qualify by default to represent their country amongst other country champions at Worlds ...??? The ENTIRE world operates this way - BUT - it seems that SA don't ...???!!!

The Girls that is now in the team were ALL at SAs! Ronel beat all of them fair and square on a very hilly and tough circuit at SAs in a final sprint ... The other Girls were overseas earning points for SA and NONE of them are in the team - Very unfair towards them I think. Minette is young and up-coming, but in my view she might be just another ?flush in the pan? like last time and it is very unfair towards these riders that gave-up SAs to earn points for SA. Minette would have NEVER achieved her result as SAs (4th) if the other Girls were here ? My view on who the logical common-sense team should have been is: Marissa, Yolandie, Ronel & Lynette ? Between these 4 riders we would have had 2 x sprinters, 2 x climbers and 2 x TTs ??<?:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

This move by CSA and the "selectors" just KILLED the SA Championships and what it stands for!!! This will become just one more race (with NO prize money) with no glory or merrit ... Why become SA Champ (Tripple this year in Ronel's case) and not be selected twice in a row - 1) All Africa and 2) Worlds to represent your country ...!!!??? You go Ronel - You are not loosing here - They are ...!

This move by CSA and the "selectors" just KILLED the SA Championships and what it stands for!!! This will become just one more race (with NO prize money) with no glory or merrit ... Why become SA Champ (Tripple this year in Ronel's case) and not be selected twice in a row - 1) All Africa and 2) Worlds to represent your country ...!!!??? You go Ronel - You are not loosing here - They are ...!

Via the Grape-Vine ... It is as from today with immediate effect!

Hot off the press!!! - Ronel van Wyk just resigned from Professional Cycling, Konica Minolta and ALL other related cycling matters ... What a MASSIVE loss to SA cycling ...!

Hot off the press!!! - Ronel van Wyk just resigned from Professional Cycling, Konica Minolta and ALL other related cycling matters ... What a MASSIVE loss to SA cycling ...!