The whispers in the wing that I heard where that Max was told he would get a spot on the Ghost international squad an as of the last time I checked he wasn't or had ever been put up on there site as a official sponsored rider. So it might be a case of empty promises? I find it sad how most of the Pro riders here in SA chop and change between teams like they change their underwear, yes the riders have to take the opportunities that present themselves and do what they deem to be in their best interest but there seems to be no brand loyalty both with athletes and sponsors. Yes on the face of it everything seems to have ended amicably but the behind the scenes talk and politics with everyone throwing each other "under the bus" is killing the sport. Sponsors don't want to sponsor athletes because the get kicked in the teeth as the end of one season and obviously athletes aren't happy with there current situation be it that the grass may look greener on the other side or that they are not getting the support and backing they require? I think we need to take a leaf out of the overseas teams book and have sponsors make a long commitment to the sport ie. 10 years and do it to the best of their ability and on the other hand our riders need to stop being so fussy and a bit OCD, be happy you have a sponsor and a bike to ride. They for lack of a better way of putting it are way to serious and high strung always having an excuse as to why they didn't perform instead of just saying a better man won, suck it up and live to fight another day. Look at some of the European riders ie. Hermida, Fontana and the likes. A happy rider = a fast rider. Rant over.
