Comments on: Open letter to USAC on the topic of cyclocross racing. http://mollycameron.com/2012/12/31/open-letter-to-usac-on-the-topic-of-bicycle-racing/ veldrijder. Fri, 21 Aug 2015 19:25:40 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.9.8 By: Bill Groesz http://mollycameron.com/2012/12/31/open-letter-to-usac-on-the-topic-of-bicycle-racing/comment-page-1/#comment-69588 Thu, 17 Jan 2013 18:33:37 +0000 http://mollycameron.com/?p=3488#comment-69588 Excellent letter…although it could be condensed into the following six words; quit playing politics with our sport! Instead of bicycles, which I ride, I’m into racing beach catamarans, like Hobies. Same thing there, however, with different groups vying for control. Sorry it’s such a hassle for you but kudos for such a well-written letter that addresses all aspects.

]]> By: Sami http://mollycameron.com/2012/12/31/open-letter-to-usac-on-the-topic-of-bicycle-racing/comment-page-1/#comment-69232 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 00:08:46 +0000 http://mollycameron.com/?p=3488#comment-69232 I agree! This happened to me in the Elite race at Kansas City in 2007. I had enough UCI points to net me a mid-pack call-up, and I was lined up dead last, then caught behind a crash at the start. I had flown all the way to MI to get my UCI points. And raced under a UCI license. I think it’s just brutal, and they cannot have had that pro vs. masters vs. any female Cat. 1 cross racer excuse for me in the women’s race, because at that time it was all the same.

Ever since then I STOPPED buying a UCI license. It was an easy decision for me. They don’t even abide by their own rules, why should I be paying them a dime?

]]> By: Ryan Miller http://mollycameron.com/2012/12/31/open-letter-to-usac-on-the-topic-of-bicycle-racing/comment-page-1/#comment-68257 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 05:03:32 +0000 http://mollycameron.com/?p=3488#comment-68257 Molly,
Well said. I’ve been experiencing a similar issue with a Cat 2 to Cat 1 road upgrade request. After winning Stage 1 at the 2012 Cascade Classic Cat 2 stage race and finishing second on GC (by three seconds) I requested my USAC Cat 1 upgrade. Unfortunately the 28 points I earned at Cascade (capped at 20) could not be considered. In spite of beating 107 of the 108 racers (USAC riders from 14 states and some BC riders) in one of the most competitive Cat 2 stage races in the US – the points could not be counted because it was an OBRA event.
I agree with you that everyone I’ve spoken with at USAC has been quick to reply and courteous, but it’s frustrating that a process which is supposed to ensure the quality of the Cat 1 license has instead become a way to punish riders who happen to live in non-USAC sanctioned states.
I still have goals of becoming a domestic pro, and I’ve continued training this winter with that goal in mind. It’s extremely frustrating that the national organization which should have an interest in fostering athletes instead has rules that hinder advancement.
I am 21 years old and a full-time engineering student. Like you I think that we represent dedicated racers that USAC should be supporting.
I honestly don’t expect anything to change and am trying to work around term schedules to find races outside Oregon to earn my remaining upgrade points. But hey bike racing is a tough sport and isn’t always fair. Turns out that if you live in Oregon it’s even tougher.

-Ryan

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