nautical

Spoke to Hendrik from CSA @ 09h00 regarding the C4/ tandem issue. It seems this incident was a learning curve for all concerned in terms of planning, etc. He says a vehicle should have neutralised C4 and then disqualified anyone who "jumped the line" once the tandems passed. I think it is the 1st time that a situation called for such action, but it was not performed possibly due to the fact that the marshalls have not encountered something like this under the old seeding system. Therefore, to all the decent-minded C4 riders who fell prey to a few hooligans and planning absence: send your comments and motivation as to why the blanket disqualification must be overturned, to Hendrik via email (hpwagener@vodamail.co.za). CSA has a meeting in 2 weeks time to bring this issue to some level of resolve.

I am a rider in C4 and obviously read the negative comments with some dismay and a lot of disappointment. It is a pity that a "self-chosen" few would cause such aggrivation and mayhem at the expense, safety, general sanity and joy of the majority of decent riders. It should also be noted as one individual commented (and in hind sight, it may be better for the tandems to start before C4 at least {some of them posted times that placed them among C1's})The argument by some then, that one should not have a racing licence if you are going to get caught, does not hold water, since the new seeding system in the catagories, is done to supply an equalisation of ability. It is only natural that some will get caught by riders in later start groups- it is the nature of cycling. To get back to the C4/ tandem fiasco, do note that a minority was responsible for the ultimate disqualification. From where I was positioned, we shouted at C4 and SOME A1 riders to fall back and not chase. The tandems caught us on a very narrow road with a rough surface. At that stage, our group was still very big and it was impossible to suddenly engage single file in order for them to pass. Maybe, the marshalls should have held them back till it was safe in terms of numbers, road width, etc. to pass? There were 10 of us that ultimately sprinted for a top 10 finish (futile exercise ultimately)in our group, riding in good time and I just feel the marshalls should have noted specific race numbers of the culprits and remove them from the race. For what it is worth, apologies to those affected by the fools in our group.