Giro boycott on the cards by Bob Aldridge
Posted on Monday, March 03, 2003 - 06:39
Three top teams might withdraw from the Giro in protest, should the South African Cycling Federation fine Barloworld and HSBC for a minor infringement.
The SACF is expected to slap a fine on the teams for allowing their riders to compete at both the Germiston race and in the Pietermaritzburg Belgotex Classic.
“If the SACF insist on fining us and HSBC, I am prepared to pull Barloworld and Minolta out of the Giro and I know that Martin Sanders at HSBC feels the same way,” commented John Robertson, the sponsor broker behind Barloworld and Minolta’s professional cycling commitments.
“The sport is being run amateurishly and this can’t be allowed to continue if we want to compete at a professional level here and internationally.
“I will be meeting with Martin this week to discuss the situation and we look forward to hearing what the SACF decides; all we’ve tried to do is support two events and the SACF’s reaction just isn’t on,” Robertson added.
SACF - IMHO need I say more.
Pro Teams - Well done for standing up!!