Over the last few years, cycling has experienced enormous growth here in South Africa. It is difficult to drive around nowadays and not find numerous cyclists on the road. When we choose to do things voluntarily, we usually choose things we enjoy, and cycling is no exception. Judging by some of the bikes and cycling accessories that people own, it's easy to see that even the laid-back folks are willing to fork out for their chosen sport. Unfortunately, the business people out there know this, and they capitalise on it. We all appreciate and accept the fact that it takes money to organise an event such as the Argus, huge amounts of money. At 175/entry, we as cyclists contribute the first R6 000 000.00 for staging the event. And yes, I've seen and read the article concerning the amount of money it takes to put a cyclist on the road.<br />In return for an entry fee, we get to be part of the biggest timed cycling event in the world. A few weeks ago, we were part of the second biggest timed cycling event in the world, the 94.7. The guys that did the timing, however, proved to us (once again) that they are either not interested, or that they are not capable. Why the organisers have so much faith in these guys to supply the timing technology for the biggest timed cycling event in the world then, only they will know. If the timing were offered free of charge to the cyclists, then fine, we should be happy. But it's not free of charge. And if I pay for something, then I want something in return. If I'm not happy with the product, then I either want something else or I want my money back. That's the way it works - everywhere. It's called fair trade. Winningtime, I'm afraid, is NOT fair trade.<br />Why have Championchip never been given the opportunity to time the 94.7 or the Argus? After all, they do time the Comrades Marathon and the Two Oceans, and if that is not proof of their competence, then what is? Maybe there is something else behind this whole timing debacle? Would it be silly to speculate that there are a few commonalities between Winningtime and P+P Argus Cycle Tour Board Members? Commonalities such as the people that are in decision making positions around the Argus table, are maybe the same people that make decisions around the Winningtime table? Who knows? But if were true, then excuse me sir, that ain't fair trade.<br />The shortcomings of Winningtime have been mentioned by numerous members in this thread, and on the Argus BB just the same. If only two people were unhappy amongst 1000's, then OK, deal with those two. But when 1000's are unhappy, you then deal with the company.<br />I own a Championchip. I had the option of renting a chip or buying one. I bought one because 1> their website works 2> the results are always uploaded by the next day 3> they have people whom I can contact if I have a problem, either by e-mail or by telephone, and they speak ENGLISH! 4> They have given me great service on and off the bike and 5> THEY ARE PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN!<br />Converting ALL timed cycling events to Championchip will bring an end to the timing headache. The Comrades Marathon uses Championchip, as do the Two Oceans and most major marathons in the country. It just makes absolute logical sense to issue an athlete with a chip which he or she can use at any event throughout the country, be it cycling, running or whatever. "Almost 100 000 different people compete in more than 900 road-running events in South Africa each year. The one factor which is common to every single participant in every single race is that they want their time to be taken accurately and they then want to know what their race time is. Add in about 60 000 cyclists, as well as thousands of triathletes, swimmers and participants in other sports events who are all just as obsessive about results and times, and it is obvious that the timing and presentation of the results at events throughout South Africa is one of the most important aspects of organising a race" ...and that means cycling events too, Mr. Race Organiser!<br /><br />Quote taken from www.championchip.co.za