New Podium Rules?

[Calvon]

Cycling events. If you over 60 yrs don't expect any recognition at the prize giving, but your entry fee will be welcomed.

 

The passed Herald cycle tour is always a great event and not to be missed,thanks to all. How about all event organizers polish up on the finer things. Such a pity that all category winners couldn't have been announced.

 

To mention one rider who has a green number, a best time of under 3 hours in 2006, now 83 years of age!!! and an average time of 24 km/hr in the 106 km ride Sundays event. The U23 - 32 km/hr Ave. The 70 to 79 - 33.5 km/hr Ave. But the latter category Is excluded from the podium. I have never heard of a 55 plus category, 50 to 59 yes.

 

Having said this it leaves a sour taste in ones mouth. Yes, I'm 70 plus and would not expect a prize but it would be nice if podium winners in all category be recognize by their hard effort and good health amongst the younger riders. We all add to the numbers of the event and numbers do count for any event to be successful. 

 

So next time event organizers give a little thought. Again we appreciate your hard work and many hours you put into it. Make us all happy and it will only take two extra minuits of the event announcements.

 

Yours in cycling

Calvon Gendall

[Skubarra]

Hi Calvon - well done on finishing the cycle tour.

 

I think the lack of podium announcements might be just for practical reasons? If there are podium announcements for every "10 year" age group, for both sexes, for both the long & short route you can quickly run op to say 20 to 30 podium announcements. If you take 2 minutes for each podium it can get quite a drawn out affair, if you leave out a few to save time some people will also be unhappy.

[Vetplant]

Well done Oom

[Long Wheel Base]

I had done races(popular well known races) before where the tandem group has been a decent size with strong pairings and they only had a podium for the winner. I don't expect a prize(sure it's nice) but at least have a podium for the top 3 where photos are taken. For some people it may be a once in a lifetime opportunity.

[Chingy182]

Hi Calvon - well done on finishing the cycle tour.

 

I think the lack of podium announcements might be just for practical reasons? If there are podium announcements for every "10 year" age group, for both sexes, for both the long & short route you can quickly run op to say 20 to 30 podium announcements. If you take 2 minutes for each podium it can get quite a drawn out affair, if you leave out a few to save time some people will also be unhappy.

This is actually a valid point.

 

At the Woolies Triathlon in Nov/Dec last year they had category winners for the long & short:

- individual (both sexes)

- team (both sexes)

- mixed teams

 

All winners were well deserved of their achievements, but it did make for an awfully long and drawn out podium procession. 

[HdB]

This is actually a valid point.

 

At the Woolies Triathlon in Nov/Dec last year they had category winners for the long & short:

- individual (both sexes)

- team (both sexes)

- mixed teams

 

All winners were well deserved of their achievements, but it did make for an awfully long and drawn out podium procession. 

This could be improved to a degree, by ensuring all category winners are next to the presentation area before it starts. How many times do they call the names, and you have to wait for 2nd place in category Z to amble on over from Timbuktu apparently.

 

So, put in the race booklet and announce before the group starts, that if you finish top 3 in your category, be at the presentation at least 10 minutes before it starts, or tough cookies.

[HdB]

On the topic of the Herald, does anyone know what the deal is with the rider who finished 3rd, Adriaan Oosthuizen, not being given the position officially? Instead, Louis Visser is listed as 3rd

[ChrisF]

This is actually a valid point.

 

At the Woolies Triathlon in Nov/Dec last year they had category winners for the long & short:

- individual (both sexes)

- team (both sexes)

- mixed teams

 

All winners were well deserved of their achievements, but it did make for an awfully long and drawn out podium procession. 

 

Similar at least years MTB event in Napier.

 

VERY drawn out story with every groups podium being called up for a photo and flowers. (not sure who got prizes)

 

 

That said, the smiles of those in the "smaller groups" were so good to see !!

 

 

We will go back for the Napier event, and just plan for a longer session at the end.

 

 

 

We have also had local events where the prize giving was over in less than 15 minutes .... HUH ! ? !  THAT is one way not end the day .... many of us spend 8 to 12 hours on traveling and the actual event.  Why the rush to wrap up the event ?

[SwissVan]

Cycling events. If you over 60 yrs don't expect any recognition at the prize giving, but your entry fee will be welcomed.

 

The passed Herald cycle tour is always a great event and not to be missed,thanks to all. How about all event organizers polish up on the finer things. Such a pity that all category winners couldn't have been announced.

 

To mention one rider who has a green number, a best time of under 3 hours in 2006, now 83 years of age!!! and an average time of 24 km/hr in the 106 km ride Sundays event. The U23 - 32 km/hr Ave. The 70 to 79 - 33.5 km/hr Ave. But the latter category Is excluded from the podium. I have never heard of a 55 plus category, 50 to 59 yes.

 

Having said this it leaves a sour taste in ones mouth. Yes, I'm 70 plus and would not expect a prize but it would be nice if podium winners in all category be recognize by their hard effort and good health amongst the younger riders. We all add to the numbers of the event and numbers do count for any event to be successful.

 

So next time event organizers give a little thought. Again we appreciate your hard work and many hours you put into it. Make us all happy and it will only take two extra minuits of the event announcements.

 

Yours in cycling

Calvon Gendall

Well done Calvon

You have a valid point, exceptional achievements deserve to be recognised.

[KevinRV]

I think what Calvon's point is that NO recognition is given to the over 60's. These are the guys that were around when the "tours" started and contributed immensely to the success and todays popularity of these events. They pay the same entry fees as do the "hot shots" who get recognised by their achievements and how many of them will still be cycling when they reach the more "mature" ages? So, Calvon is actually suggesting that those older category riders who achieve placings in their respective categories just get their names and placings mentioned at the prize giving, not actually traipsing up to the stage/podium. Just to read out those names will only take another minute of time! That's all the recognition they want, not prizes!

 

Kevin V.

[Vetplant]

I think what Calvon's point is that NO recognition is given to the over 60's. These are the guys that were around when the "tours" started and contributed immensely to the success and todays popularity of these events. They pay the same entry fees as do the "hot shots" who get recognised by their achievements and how many of them will still be cycling when they reach the more "mature" ages? So, Calvon is actually suggesting that those older category riders who achieve placings in their respective categories just get their names and placings mentioned at the prize giving, not actually traipsing up to the stage/podium. Just to read out those names will only take another minute of time! That's all the recognition they want, not prizes!

 

Kevin V.

I'm happy to listen to the top 10 of those 60+ age Categories if you do it as suggested. They deserve the recognition for looking after themselves to be able to show up on race day!

[Calvon]

Correctly said Kevin V.

[Calvon]

Thanks to all who took the time to read and leave comments. The conclusion is it's all age categories but not at announcements.

A quote from Albert Einstein "Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe.” Cheers

[thisismyotherbike]

If you want a model for how this should be done, just go to any running event on a Saturday morning in Pretoria. All categories recognized and special situations like older runners doing excellent times are announced (both at the finish and at the prize giving).

 

The prize giving is usually efficient, but thorough. You'll find there's a mens/ladies overall complete podium; then for smaller age categories the top three will be announced but only the winner stands on the podium for a quick photo, a nicer medal and R50 in an envelope. Master, Grand Master and Great Grand Master age categories are always recognized.

 

Similar to what I've seen at mtb stage races, but nowhere else in cycling, this process adds to the atmosphere and camaraderie of the races. People hang around to cheer and chat to the age category legends.

 

70+ runners usually get free or reduced entries as well.

[Quagga]

Unfortunately more and more "races"  are starting to do this and always with the excuse "we do not have enough time"

 

But they have time to let some sponser waffel on and on about his/her company

 

Often the 1st gets called on stage / podium and 2nd 3rd sometimes gets a mention. 

 

Seems that races only care about the pro's