In Response

Re Race: Shay Elliott Classic - Bray, Sunday 14th May.

17th May 2000

In response to Cian Lynch's Report:

Having read many of Cian Lynch's Race Reports, many of which provide a great insight into life in the bunch, I feel it is necessary to comment on his apparent "B - rider" bashing in the report on the Shay Elliot last Sunday.

Although I'm sure that Cian does not speak for all "A - riders", I find it particularly arrogant of him to think that the "B - riders" have no right to follow what wheels they choose. They pay their money like everyone else (I'm not sure whether it has escaped his notice but the fact is the majority of entry fees collected are from B - riders, but the majority of prizes go to the A - riders).

Everyone hates wheel-suckers, but they are part and parcel of every race, both A and B races. But for Cian to categorise all B - riders as such is unfair. Whenever there is an A/B race there is always bound to be an element of wheel sucking, simply because A - riders are stronger. But to think that the B - riders are "interfering with the race" as Cian suggests, is ludicrous. THEY ARE THE RACE. Cian suggested that "Cass" started getting 'pissed off' with the B' riders. The truth is that this is no ones problem but his own, this is not meant as an insult, but just to say that "THAT'S RACING". 

The fact is that B - riders should be treated more on par with A - riders. It was ridiculous to see at the start of the year, B - riders being asked to ride only four laps (48 miles) at Stamullen, when the A's were riding 6 laps (72 miles), especially when many B - riders have aspirations of riding the RAS. Races of this distance are a common occurrence throughout the year. With this in mind, how are B - riders expected to compete against the A's in A/B races such as the Shay Elliot when they are obviously at such a disadvantage?

The future of top level cycling in Ireland is dependent on riders coming through the B ranks into the A ranks (as Cian himself did not too many years ago). So perhaps Cian should stop 'ranting' on as he puts it and just get on with racing.

Regards
David Lane
UCD Cycling Club