Wednesday’s mailbag: Katie; power struggles; complete transcripts
- By VeloNews.com
- Published Dec. 14, 2005
- Updated Nov. 4, 2009 at 1:22 AM UTC
The Mailbag is a regular feature on VeloNews.com. If you have a comment, an opinion or observation regarding anything you have seen in cycling, in VeloNews magazine or on VeloNews.com, write to WebLetters@InsideInc.com. Please include your full name and home town. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.
Here’s something for your list
Dear Velo,Hot:
Katie Compton storming to her second national title from far back in the pack.Not:
The decision to disrespect the current national champion, and deny her a call up.I wonder if next year a two-time national champion will get the same shabby treatment.
Marc Vettori
Elkton, MarylandThe biggest issue
Editor
The main problem with cross is the season is too short. Whaaaa!
Kyle Samuels
Salinas, CaliforniaCan’t you guys learn to play together?
Dear Editor:
How sad and pathetic that the UCI and grand tour organizers can’t easeoff on the egos and the power struggling and come together. Both sideshave good and bad points. The best solution clearly lies somewhere in themiddle. I really don’t believe that a solution is that far away either.I do know that both sides have met. But to be honest, I don’t recall thatthere’s been any true negotiating going on. At least not that I recallreading about. It seems both sides want it there way or else.While it’s clear to me that the ProTour is a great idea, it does havesome flaws and needs to be adjusted or reworked. The schedule is too long,it alienates many great events and teams who don’t have the resources,and the points system is a mess. However, cycling is more that just theTour de France. Other events (single day included) have just as much historicalimportance as the tours. Also, credibility is a serious issue in my mind.The thought of the ASO co-running a cycling league, with their tabloidrag slandering cyclists at will, and the ASO excluding cyclists from theTour based on doping allegations and/or associations not proven, makesme uneasy. Also, the grand tours (especially the TdF) can’t be allowedto leave out top euro squads for third rate regional teams. The same canbe said for dishonoring the rainbow jersey by leaving out reigning worldchampions.I’ve thrown out a few opinions on both sides but I haven’t tried tocover all the issues. There’s plenty more. My point is that neither sideis entirely right or wrong and the solution lies somewhere in the middle.Neither side is willing to budge, so it’s time to negotiate! I suggestthat the two sides agree to binding arbitration to settle this once andfor all. They can bring all their lawyers and their arguments and let someonewith a clear head decide.
Barrie Mollitor
West Hartford, ConnecticutRefreshingly honest
Editor,
Regarding JohnWilcockson’s interview with Lance Armstrong: By not editing out Mr.Armstrong’s critical comments on your publishing history gives your reportingmuch credibility. It’s refreshing to find true journalism.
Rich AdairWell, it’s not like we could have cut it out of what we referredto as a “complete transcript.” And yeah, he wasn’t too happy with someof us, was he? – Editor
The Mailbag is a regular feature on VeloNews.com. If you have a comment, an opinion or observation regarding anything you have seen in cycling, in VeloNews magazine or on VeloNews.com, write to WebLetters@InsideInc.com. Please include your full name and home town. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.