[NCNCA] Women's Races

[Casey Kerrigan]

Sorry folks but I think starting fields separately is generally not  
the solution to this type of problem. You aren't suppose to have two  
groups on a crit course at once if there is a good chance that one  
field can catch the other. Starting the two fields separately means  
that they aren't suppose to mix if the two groups catch. As an  
official I've seen to many messes when two fields, started separately,  
catch then then spend most of the rest of the race mixing up together.  
Or one or more riders attack just as one group is being caught and  
then  use the faster group to stay away from the group that was caught  
( or at least that is the complaint from the riders in the group that  
was caught and they never catch the break.

There are also safety issues like one group sprinting into the back of  
another group on the finish or if you have a major crash in one group  
( with a rider seriously injured in the middle of the racing line)  
with a second group quickly approaching. With only one group on the  
course race staff has more time to get to the injured rider and more  
time to set up marshals to wave riders around the injured rider.

Casey
On Apr 30, 2008, at 2:34 PM, Ron Castia wrote:

> The solution is quite simple.
> Show the promoters that the market is there and we will accommodate  
> the demand.
>
> While picking the 3/4s separately may not be a perfect solution for  
> the Women, it is a step in the right direction and a compromise. The  
> alternative is running the fields together and not picking separately.
>
> Taking Rick's suggestion about staggered starts is an option worth  
> weighing on race day. It will mostly be up to the refs and the field.
>
> Maybe most have not really looked at our race yet, but the Women 3s  
> have two opportunities to race, with an engineered break in between.
>
> Advice given to me on unrelated topics, it might make sense for  
> folks take a step back and count the blessings rather than curse them.
>
> Show the promoters you appreciate the efforts by pre-registering,  
> then send us suggestions on how you would like to see things improved.
> Your suggestions carry more weight when they are backed by dollars  
> bills.
>
> Complaining about something that is speculative for the promoter in  
> the first place is a great insurance policy for there being no  
> speculation the next year. The path becomes extremely clear.
>
> You Savvy?
>
> Ron
> (I guess I just lost my diplomacy award)