Okay, let's just get some of the facts documented before the wild speculating can begin: - Andrew asked before entering S.A.'s if he could ride both age categories. His reason was that he was traveling a long way and would like to compete in both events. This would mean that he would race 45-49 on Sat afternoon, and 40-44 on Sunday morning (not much more than 12 hours apart). He was given permission, in writing, and had to pay twice the entry fees. His name was listed in both start lists. - When we arrived in Oudtshoorn, we were told that there had been complaints about this. - CSA held a meeting on Friday night to discuss the situation. They rules that Andrew could only compete in one race, and that it would be his choice as to which category he would race. That was the ruling of the officials. - Andrew tried to get a flight back to Joburg on Sat night. He couldn't, and decided he would rather race with the rest of the team in the 40-44 cat. - On Saturday night we were told that a 'petition' was being organised to petition against him riding the 40-44 cat. We were told who was organising the petition as well. - When we arrived at the start, Andrew was told by one of the officials that verbal threats had been overheard regarding him during the race. - At the start line, Jorge Faria made a public speech regarding the rules, and that Andrew should not be allowed to race. Jorge is not in the 40-44 age group. - The officials stated that Andrew WAS entitled to race the race. - Andrew asked for a show of hands as to who did not want him to race. - Quite a few guys put up their hands. - Andrew withdrew from the race. - After the race start, CSA nullifed the start and tried to locate Andrew to ask him to start the race. They couldn't find him because he went riding the route in the opposite direction. - The race was allowed to continue. Those are the facts. Edit: The 45-49 age group was won by Mark Beneke, riding down from the 50-55 age group.bruce2009-06-01 06:13:31
