CyclingSA, what the flip were you thinking - part2

[gummibear]

There are many guys in SA who would give there left ... to get a chance at World champs and would even pay there own way if they could but they are not given the chance.

 

Look at how the SA ladies have improved in the last year and they have been doing a lot of training in Europe.Thanks to Decca clothing and a few others

[Wyatt Earp]

Yeah, look I dont know anything about local cycling at all, hardly even watch it, but I have followed Marathon events and especially the Kenyan's and Ethiopian runners for decades.

 

Look, genetically they are built for running, of that there is no doubt, but many of these guys dont even get professional training until they win or compete well in an event on the international platform, they just cant afford it, so they make do with local amateur coaching at schools and clubs, also forget special diets and high class training equipment like HR moniters and ultra light weight shoes, that all comes much later, they start with nothing but a desire and will to win.......which they never ever lose, because that would mean returnnig to a life of poverty in the mountains.

 

Perhaps its just too easy for the majority of our athletes, of all demominations.

 

They get the best training, the best equipment, the best diet's and money in their pockets, perhaps they have never needed to give something up, so they have not really learnt to cultivate that will to win against all odds?.

Top post, I really like your approach.

The part I highlighted is what so many people have just left lying by the wayside.

[FowlStArt]

The problem is that most of our guys have to pay their own way anyhow, they just dont get sent.

[Trail Blazer]

Not sure if you guys saw the CSA's report on the CGW... ?

 

http://www.bicycling.co.za/articles/commonwealth-games

[bassasdaindia]

i can not believe we didn't send our national time trial champion Kevin Evans to represent SA for the time trial and help the guys on the road !!!

[Shebeen]

If I may I would like to add a slightly different spin.

I see a problem with individuals, South African sports people as individuals that is.

We tend to think we live in S.A. and as a result of that we simply can not/ will never be able to perform at a level that an athlete from the USA/ AUS or other countries can perform at.

Most athletes compete here at home, where they become heroes, this idol-ism then comes with a downside which attaches itself to said athletes as a sickness, it's called a bloated ego.

I think we actually do have some good individual sportsmen:

Burry + Sifiso + Greg

Ernie + Retief + about 5 other golfers

Jordy Smith (surfing)

 

They were all good, but only got world class when they went overseas. Our top roadies should all be competing in europe, and I think that's already the case looking to the future crop.

 

Epic is a good example of bringing world class here, it's taken a while but i think it has helped close the gap between the europros and our stock sa mtb riders(burry is a bit of freak that stands out)

[cyclingfiend]

Extract from CSA's comments referred to above:

"We will continue to grow the 2016 Men's group by targeting all our effort on the riders born during 1985 and younger. That is our plan and we will stick by it".

 

This really does show extreme naivety - common sense would say pick the best - what the h*** has age got to do with it???

World champs winner Thor Hushovd yob 1978 - now 32 years.

World champs ITT winner Cancellera- yob 1981 - now 29 years

Commonwealth Games winner Allan Davis yob 1978 - now 32 years.

2nd Roelston - 29 years

3rd Miller - 33 years

 

CG - ITT winner Miller yob 1977 - now 33 years

 

History shows that the hard core endurance events are always bested by the more mature, experienced cyclist.

 

Merit is what counts and these odd phobias about youth currently being expounded by a few at CSA need to be reviewed.

[DB28]

Extract from CSA's comments referred to above:

"We will continue to grow the 2016 Men's group by targeting all our effort on the riders born during 1985 and younger. That is our plan and we will stick by it".

 

This really does show extreme naivety - common sense would say pick the best - what the h*** has age got to do with it???

World champs winner Thor Hushovd yob 1978 - now 32 years.

World champs ITT winner Cancellera- yob 1981 - now 29 years

Commonwealth Games winner Allan Davis yob 1978 - now 32 years.

2nd Roelston - 29 years

3rd Miller - 33 years

 

CG - ITT winner Miller yob 1977 - now 33 years

 

History shows that the hard core endurance events are always bested by the more mature, experienced cyclist.

 

Merit is what counts and these odd phobias about youth currently being expounded by a few at CSA need to be reviewed.

 

haha bud... i think you missing a bit of the point... their vision is to work on the younger riders (those born after 1985) now so that by 2016 they will be up to scratch. As at the moment, if we have to be honest our riders in the 28-34 age cat (apart from evans) are rather useless compared to their international counterparts and our best riders are actually the younger guys, off the top of my head, guys like...

both van rensburgs

both van heerdens

thomson

seyferrt

rabie

both browns

kachelhoffer

venter

bakke

the day brothers

jennings

van zyl

bester

julius

songezo

kruger

potgieter

maree

is where our future lies... and if you look at the names, those are already the guys dominating the local racing seen. and there are a good couple more... but this "age group" and younger is where we need to focus our attention because if you a 30+ SA rider and you haven't made it big internationally then im sorry... you not gona make it. it woulda been an even bigger waste if CSA sent guys like lange, white macdonald, fullard... please the LA comeback thing is, how can i say it.... old

 

In 2016 a rider born in 1985 will already be 31... therefore fitting into the desired age cat you were pointing out anyway.

 

Edited October 14, 2010 by boet

[Wyatt Earp]

I think we actually do have some good individual sportsmen:

Burry + Sifiso + Greg

Ernie + Retief + about 5 other golfers

Jordy Smith (surfing)

 

They were all good, but only got world class when they went overseas. Our top roadies should all be competing in europe, and I think that's already the case looking to the future crop.

 

Epic is a good example of bringing world class here, it's taken a while but i think it has helped close the gap between the europros and our stock sa mtb riders(burry is a bit of freak that stands out)

But this proves my point exactly, why only a handful, we can compete at top level with big numbers, we are a crazy sporting nation after all.

[Wyatt Earp]

if you a 30+ SA rider and you haven't made it big internationally then im sorry... you not gona make it.

I am so insulted right now

[DB28]

I am so insulted right now

 

hahahaha... truth hurts???

[Wyatt Earp]

hahahaha... truth hurts???

Eina !!!!!!! :lol:

[Tjokkits]

the long write ups in this thread is too much for my attetion deficit disorder, my woolies butter chicken is going down well, i am out of here

[Dennis the Menace]

haha bud... i think you missing a bit of the point... their vision is to work on the younger riders (those born after 1985) now so that by 2016 they will be up to scratch.

 

I don't think fiend missed the point at all. You just cannot write off riders due to age - that fits in the same ballpark as quota systems for sports.

The best must represent the country regardless of age. If Nic White suddenly decides he's going to Australia and get some intensive training, goes to next years world and gets a medal then that great isn't it? Not for buffoons at CSA to say he's not eligable. (that was obviously a hyperthetical case before eveyone start jumping up and down).

For now, I reckon either David George (32?) or James Perry (30?) could have got a silver in the ITT at the CG's - with a few months prior notice.

They were effectively blocked by CSA's own stupid criteria. And I don't think it is the CSA as a whole, but just a few who the rest kow tow to because they don't know better!

There are many senior cyclists in SA who could hold their own at events such as the worlds - lets face it - they were the guys "sent for experience" to quote a well worn official phrase, 10 years ago - now they have got what they were sent for!!!!