When a winner isn't a winner

[Pieter-za]

Now why do have competitors in the 25km at all then? 

 

(Would the winner of the 25km have won the 50km in any case?  - Not talking about the competitor in Scenario 1, but in general.) 

 

So this argument can arguably go for every winner of the 25km, regardless.

[Guest]

I once saw a 30 something year old standing on the podium next to 2 little lighties because he "beat" them at the 20km race and collected a prize. He looked a bit silly standing up there next to the 2 kids.

[s14phoenix]

Wouldn't mind some thoughts on this.

 

Is it bad form to game the system when entering races?

 

Hypothetical situation A

You're race fit for the 50 km version of the event where you'd probably finish in the top 20 or so, but you choose instead to enter the 25 km version because you know you'll win it with ease which will score you a prize worth R5k.

 

Hypothetical situation B

You've won your class in a race two years running, together with the prizes and accolades that come with it. Do you step aside to let someone else have a crack at the podium or do you just keep creaming it year after year? 

 

Caveats: 

I'm not talking about pro events, I'm referencing medium to large fun rides that attract competitors ranging from folk pedalling in their crocs (not judging) to fit & fast amateur racers.

 

Asking for a friend of a friend.

 

Sit A: you are a D!#k and should not be surprised to be branded as such - grow a pair and step up your game and race with the real competition.

 

Sit B: Keep creaming the competition - but why are you only winning this event and don't move up a category or race elite where your efforts may get you bigger accolades or a contract etc.

[Hairy]

I once saw a 30 something year old standing on the podium next to 2 little lighties because he "beat" them at the 20km race and collected a prize. He looked a bit silly standing up there next to the 2 kids.

I bet you those youngsters gave him a run for his money ... he probably did not walk properly the next day, while the youngsters were out riding their bikes.

 

Better way of looking at it, why is there no junior cat. for the youngsters to race for?

[Dirkitech]

Yes but what if you can't beat the faster person and still want to win, shouldn't the faster person step aside rather?

isn't that why lately everyone gets participation medals for everything, to cheer up the people that don't make it and never will?

[Jewbacca]

Add to this guys who are super strong but also fairly new to cycling who choose to do the shorter distances as it 'improves their seeding' faster.

 

I have been thrown that answer a few times when asking 30 something year olds with cows instead of calves why they are entered in the half marathon.

 

I stopped caring. If you want to then do it. If you're not breaking the law then by all means be a tjop. You're the one who has to go to sleep at night!

[Skubarra]

Now why do have competitors in the 25km at all then? 

 

(Would the winner of the 25km have won the 50km in any case?  - Not talking about the competitor in Scenario 1, but in general.) 

 

So this argument can arguably go for every winner of the 25km, regardless.

 

The shorter distances would usually have youngsters (who might not be allowed to do the long distance), noobs and older people. Sure a strong rider might end up riding that distance for many reasons and end up winning which is fine, but the OP mentioned someone specifically targeting those races (personally a guy like that won't get applause from me)

[dev null]

Tru-Cape?

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

I think I forgot my sarcasm tag, here it is /s.

LOL. Dude, I know YOU did. Was using your post as an example, expanding the ridiculousness of it all. 

[Cat2forLife]

Add to this guys who are super strong but also fairly new to cycling who choose to do the shorter distances as it 'improves their seeding' faster.

 

I have been thrown that answer a few times when asking 30 something year olds with cows instead of calves why they are entered in the half marathon.

 

I stopped caring. If you want to then do it. If you're not breaking the law then by all means be a tjop. You're the one who has to go to sleep at night!

 

It's an invalid excuse, because short routes get penalised heavily when it comes to seeding.

 

30 year olds, what can we do about it 

[Paddaman]

Scenario A:  R5K is R5K.  If the organisers are willing to throw that money at a 25km race then they should also accept that for some fit guy R5K pays a lot of bills.  I know guys complaining about the size of the winner purse (even though they mid fielders) in more than on sport.  If the organisers want to get more on the longer distances then they need to increase the prizes in both quantity and size.

 

Scenario B:  If I am winning my age grouper title year after year then those I compete against must try harder.  Sport is not a socialist activity, not everyone can get a title.

 

In both cases even to ASK the question implies that the person asking grew up on participation awards and free sweets. 

[Neverfit]

If you go out everyday and train for 50km, why would you want to do only 25km just to feel better about yourself? Sure you can win a medal and some cash...good on you and all legal, but is this worth all the effort. why not train for 25km then?  The reward (for me) is in challenging yourself and improving on my own performance. to do half the race I would normally do, is like cheating on your putt-putt score card.

 

As for doing a race and winning year after year after year - keep going, your winning streak will come to an end soon enough with the rest of the field working a bit harder and suffering a bit more than you... no shame in being good at what you do.

Political correctness will be the end of all good things. NO WAY do you slow down and let number 2 pass you just to make him feel better. BS

 

Edit:Spelling

[Jewbacca]

If you go out everyday and train for 50km, why would you want to do only 25km just to feel better about yourself? Sure you can win a medal and some cash...good on you and all legal, but is this worth all the effort. why not train for 25km then?  The reward (for me) is in challenging yourself and improving on my own performance. to do half the race I would normally do, is like cheating on your put-put score card.

 

As for doing a race and winning year after year after year - keep going, your winning streak will come to an end soon enough with the rest of the field working a bit harder and suffering a bit more than you... no shame in being good at what you do.

Political correctness will be the end of all good things. NO WAY do you slow down and let number 2 pass you just to make him feel better. BS

I let number 2's pass through me every day..........

[Mamil]

I don't think I'm ever going to find myself on the horns of this particular dilemma.

 

When I say I'm racing it means I'm lined up with lots of other people on bikes and we're all going in the same direction.

[Shebeen]

SANDBAGGING is never acceptable!

I once saw a 30 something year old standing on the podium next to 2 little lighties because he "beat" them at the 20km race and collected a prize. He looked a bit silly standing up there next to the 2 kids.

oh crap, that might have been me!

 

was at esels for the weekend and took a big wipe during the nightride.

woke up the next morning with a hectically swollen ankle, so chose not to ride

then got massive fomo, so decided to just try do the short race and see what happens, after a few kms it wasn't feeling too bad and then started enjoying the ride.

 

ended up 3rd, next to some 12 yr olds. but i got all the wine!

[urbanroyal]

This thread reminds me of this video. ..they have infiltrated the racing scene ...????