Double Standard at Australian Open Road Champs

[Walrus]

Last year Will Walker was denied the Open Australian title, despite winning the combined Open/U23 race. The Open title went to 3rd place getter Russell Van Hout. This year they have split the races up to avoid the controversy again.

Yesterday the Women's combined Open/u23 TT was run, and was won by u23 Carla Ryan. Kathy Watt was the first Open athlete over the line, however this time, Ryan was awarded both titles.

What gives? A TT is a race against yourself...making it pretty justifiable to award the open crown to Watt.

Either run the races separately or be consistent in the application of rules.

 

[warrwych]

Last year Will Walker was denied the Open Australian title, despite winning the combined Open/U23 race. The Open title went to 3rd place getter Russell Van Hout. This year they have split the races up to avoid the controversy again.

Yesterday the Women's combined Open/u23 TT was run, and was won by u23 Carla Ryan. Kathy Watt was the first Open athlete over the line, however this time, Ryan was awarded both titles.

What gives? A TT is a race against yourself...making it pretty justifiable to award the open crown to Watt.

Either run the races separately or be consistent in the application of rules.

Especially when the U23 category was expressly introduced to encourage and develop that group of riders. Politics??????

 

[Maverick5]

Especially when the U23 category was expressly introduced to encourage and develop that group of riders. Politics??????

Per Cycling Australia website:

Women’s U23 Category
In an effort to create more incentive for women riders in the elite category, the Road Commission has introduced a championship category for U23 Women. This category will not be conducted as separate events to the elite women and an Australian Champions jersey will not be awarded, however medals will be presented for the best three U23 women in both time trial and road race events. This initiative has been implemented with a longer term view despite the short notice for the 2007 championships. Again, the Road and Coaching Commissions will monitor and review.

 

[Paulie-AU]

Per Cycling Australia website:

Women’s U23 Category
In an effort to create more incentive for women riders in the elite category, the Road Commission has introduced a championship category for U23 Women. This category will not be conducted as separate events to the elite women and an Australian Champions jersey will not be awarded, however medals will be presented for the best three U23 women in both time trial and road race events. This initiative has been implemented with a longer term view despite the short notice for the 2007 championships. Again, the Road and Coaching Commissions will monitor and review.

And that would be the answer to the question.

 

[Walrus]

Per Cycling Australia website:

Women’s U23 Category
In an effort to create more incentive for women riders in the elite category, the Road Commission has introduced a championship category for U23 Women. This category will not be conducted as separate events to the elite women and an Australian Champions jersey will not be awarded, however medals will be presented for the best three U23 women in both time trial and road race events. This initiative has been implemented with a longer term view despite the short notice for the 2007 championships. Again, the Road and Coaching Commissions will monitor and review.

Thanks for the clarification.