So this is just one more reason that the UCI and Uncle Pat (Mcquaid) are off my Christmas Card List. No, no. You're not going to change my mind on this.
I started to see some activity on some social networks this morning about why UCI have decided to start enforcing a rule that won't allow pro racers to take part in non-USAC sanctioned events.
You can read the whole story at Podium Insight.
This rule effects quite a few races but most noticeably here in Oregon with the Oregon Bicycle Racing Association (OBRA) and in Colorado with the American Cycling Association (ACA). Where virtually all the bike racing is regulated by these Associations. So with that rule enforced except for a hand full of races through out the calendar year you wouldn't see any pro level racers at the events.
This is very similar to the deal in 2009 when BMC wasn't allowed to start a full squad at the Tour of the Gila because of a rule stating that you couldn't have more than 3 world tour (At the time, Pro tour) ranked riders in a lower level UCI event.
Both this "new" Non-USAC rule and the rule they started to enforce in the 2009 Tour of the Gila are examples of the UCI deciding crackdown on pre-existing rules in the US Cycling.
The part I can't figure out is why? Why would they care if a pro racer goes to a local crit to throw down $35 to race around in a circle for an hour?! There are only two reasons I can think of.
The first has to do with not wanting band riders (One's busted for doping or something else.) from still being able to race. But my thing is, who cares!? Why should the UCI or USAC care if a local race promoter allows (Or doesn't allow for that matter.) any racer in their race? It seems to me that on as small of a level that these races are held at it wouldn't effect the UCI or any of the big races in the slightest.
That goes with the grand fondo part of the rule too. Why on earth should it matter to them weather a pro rides with a bunch of "Fred's" in their yellow windbreakers around the country side? This really just leads me to my second reason.
It's all about money/control (Which lets face it, most of the time they are the same thing.). They want to strong arm both the small individual races that still want to play. As well as OBRA and ACA to fall into line under their umbrella of power.
I think that perhaps cycling in the USA has just gotten a little to big for the UCI to ignore anymore. And when you couple that with the USAC trying to stretch away from the UCI with the whole radio issue. That just makes Uncle Pat want to turn the screws all that much more.
The thing is though cycling can survive just fine without the UCI (Sure there would maybe issues with the Olympics. But do you really thing that they won't allow one of the biggest countries in the world to complete because of the UCI's influence? I sincerely doubt it.). But I don't think the UCI can survive without leaching off of cycling. And the way they have treated everyone at the table they better be damn careful. Because I believe if things keep going the way they are going. We're going to see a total mutiny.
So Uncle Pat. Please. Let the pro boy's and girl's race their fucking bicycles. If you're that worried about dopers getting to race. Get rid of the old rule and put in a new one stating that a convicted doper can't race any organized race and call it good (Even though I'd like to see them try to enforce it.). The UCI seems to like to change the rules every other Thursday, right before their afternoon tea anyway. Just put that on the schedule too.
As far as the control thing goes. If there seems to be a problem try a little more diplomatic approach to it. You know, work together. Smile on your brother. Break bread and come to a solution that is a win/win for everybody.
Oh wait. I forgot you don't do that. Never mind....
Rubber side down,
Big E
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