Is the National XCM series of real value to SA?

[Chris NewbyFraser]

If one thinks about it coldly, for the average fit cyclist, riding a National event is a non-event. They cannot compete against the top end riders and so are relegated to seeing their results best reflected in a seeding ladder. Is this of real value to a competitive weekend warrior? Sure, they get to ride in a big event, but sheesh! we ride in fabulous events all the time, a National is not such a big deal.

 

Given the short and unhappy thread discussed by Cape members about the first National in Grabouw, the only one in the entire cape provinces(3) region, it may be pertinent to ask Hubbers - is it good for the country that most of the National events to be consistently held so far from the area. We Vaalies are lucky - most events are not more than 500km from home and are thus more affordable, but for a "Slaapenaar", or even those from the beer and sunshine coast (East London), the series is a massively expensive exercise in travelling. Given that Gautenger's generally enjoy better salaries, the burden on Cape cyclists is even more irksome.

 

Surely CSA should be more sensitive toward this burden that they are putting on to the second biggest  cycling community(if not the biggest when you combine the provinces)in the country? My view is that CSA should discontinue the National series and introduce an inter-Provincial XCM championship out of which National Champions can emerge. The benefits of this provincial series is that local provincial riders still get to ride in a Nationally recognised series but, if they so choose, can select only those events in which their province competes and and so challenge for provincial colours. Riders with National title aspirations would need to participate in more events, but not all, across the nation. 

 

This would also allow CSA to choose National teams from a truly representative field and for the general cycling public to be able to compete, on a socially competitive basis, for Provincial honour, much as runners, canoeist's etc do. I like to see our pro's race and read about their exploits, but these stars come and go. A province, on the other hand, remains, no matter how many riders rotate through it. 

 

A provincial series would also allow more organisers to get experience, skills and exposure. An increase in temporary jobs would possibly occur for both event workers and Provincial riders.

 

Now I can expect to receive the usual barrage of points saying that XCO is more important than XCM but think about it, 98% of SA mountaineers don't give a hoot about XCO except to watch Nino on the gogglebox - they don't care to do it and would rather be provided with events that are meaningful to them, not to a handful of exceptionally brave and talented XCO riders.

 

Maybe.....just maybe............the CSA should hand all recreational racing over to the PPA and instead focus on the special few who could represent us on the world stage.

[-cK-]

I would also like to hear some input on this matter myself. 

 

What I find strange and correct me if I'm wrong here but to qualify for National colours you will only need to have the correct CSA license and enter the appropriate races and get into the top 3 spots for your category (easier said than done though  ) whereas Provincials you actually first need to have obtained your regional colours to be able to qualify for Provincial colours at all.

 

I would have though that the same type of requirement would apply to Nationals but it doesn't seem to be the case

[RocknRolla]

CSA is not organising any races. They only sanction the events.

 

For a race to be sanctioned 'national level' certain criteria is to be met by the organisers and route designers.

 

You should look at the animal that is Advendurance and question them why a national level race is not held in each province in order to grow the sport as you believe it would.

 

Csa is just there to make sure everyone is safe and collect their cut from the entry fee

 

 

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