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'08 USA Worlds Team Announced

MikeMac

Monkey
May 18, 2006
156
0
Yeah - I heard a bit about that, but you know that in the end, not one guy there wanted anything gifted to him. Kain was super-stoked with his time and place - that's why we're big supporters of his - he's humble, modest and still has that kid-like enthusiasm, even though he's 30. For a lot of reasons other than flat out talent (don't get me wrong, he's built for speed) we're psyched that he's representing the US.

Great to see you there -
MM
 

rayhaan

Monkey
Oct 18, 2007
522
0
ireland
any news on why luke strobel isn't racing this year? I thought he was on an ironhorse team of some description...


EDIT: I just read two posts above and saw what happened to strobel...that sucks!
 
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dh gangster

Monkey
Jul 31, 2006
366
0
P en Doubleyou
yeah I was talking to Luke on the phone about a month ago and when he said he wouldn't be healed in time for worlds I was incredibly disappointed. Seeing as I live only a stones throw from his trails, I really wanted him to get a top ten. Last year I believe he had the fourth fastest split overall before he crashed.
Grrr.
 

ska todd

Turbo Monkey
Oct 10, 2001
1,776
0
Every year we have a World's team and every year there are hurt feelings. The US is granted a certain number of slots and there will always be a couple bubble-boys who don't make the squad. There is no requirement that the federation fill the roster, but they often do as a show of support to the riders.

Unlike certain countries with stacked World Cup top 20 level rosters, the US team generally struggles to get Elite DH'ers who meet the "automatic qualification criteria" and thus it ends up being at the coaches discretion how to fill the spots. These picks are generally based on potential for medal performance at this or future World Championship events, performances at past World Championship or World Cup events, performances on the Worlds track (or courses very similar), personal commitment to Elite level competition, or a dozen other individual line items.

Last year I was part of the process to select the Worlds squads but this year was I not. I believe it was up to Mark Fitzsimmons and Marc Gullickson (MTB development coach) to choose the team's discretionary picks. Fitzy is probably more familiar with almost every better level junior or senior downhill athlete than anyone else out there. He also has years of previous experience in timed racing and testing sessions in mountain bike and motorsports. Gully is a former pro XC and cross rider and went to Worlds on his own right on several occasions.

The automatic criteria has been posted on the USAC site for a while and is easily found with two scrolls and two clicks. No rider can claim ignorance for not knowing this criteria and the dates of event or submissions if he or she desired to race at Val di Sole.

2008 MTB Gravity World Championships said:
CRITERIA FOR AUTOMATIC NOMINATION TO THE TEAM

Elite Downhill

Eligible Participants: USAC International License Holders; Age 19 and over
Maximum Start Positions: 7

Athletes will receive automatic nominations to the team based on the following prioritized criteria:

1. Any athlete placing in the top three (3) at the 2007 World Championships in the same event and category. In order to maintain their position on the Team, the eligible athlete(s) must continue to demonstrate the ability to finish in the top 3 at the World Championships during the current racing season. This evaluation will be based on results from major international competition and current ranking on the appropriate UCI Individual Classification.
2. Any U.S. rider finishing in the top-five (5) in a 2008 UCI Downhill World Cup race by June 2nd, 2008. If more than one athlete finishes in the top-five (5), only the highest placed rider will automatically qualify for the World Championship Team. If two or more athletes tie for the highest placing, all of those riders will receive automatic nominations for the World Championship team.
3. Any U.S. riders ranked in the top-ten (10) in the 2008 UCI World Cup rankings, as of June 2nd, 2008. The positions will be filled based on the UCI rankings (highest to lowest) until all qualified riders have been nominated or there are no more start positions available.
4. The winner of the Chile Challenge/Mountain States Cup # 3 Downhill - USAC-MTB National Gravity Calendar race. This event is currently scheduled for May 26th, 2008 in Angel Fire, NM.
Of the seven riders on the squad, all are elite caliber racers and just as deserving as anyone for a spot on the Worlds team. I am actually surprised to have seen a full roster. I was personally expecting there to be no more than 3-5 riders max for 08 on the Mens Elite DH roster based on performances at initial World Cup rounds and then the 07 National DH Champion out of respect and deference to his title as is customary for the event.

-ska todd
 
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Salty4X

Monkey
Jun 17, 2006
222
0
Chris Herndon is another another glaring omission from the 4X team....2007 Dual slalom National Champ, 3 O'all in the DH national champs....also an East Coast rider :disgust1:
Dual is completely different than 4X and hes not known for his blazing power down the first straight.
 

CRoss

Turbo Monkey
Nov 20, 2006
1,329
0
The Ranch
As much as I love the guys, what have Strait, Riffle, JD, Warren, Steinberg done so far this year to merit their selection? Is this just an automatic West Coast and Colorado rider selection or is there a rational explanation?
Top 12 US riders current UCI points ranking:

First column rank last column points. Points
33 32 STROBEL Luke * USA19860624 TMX USA 22 362
63 60 BANGERT Cole USA19851012 USA 23 214
68 75 RIFFLE Duncan * USA19861029 CAN USA 22 205
144 166 BEYTAGH Geritt USA19840901 USA 24 89
167 165 HERNDON Christopher USA19810128 USA 27 75
194 255 WARREN Cody USA19850827 USA 23 66
197 196 SHARP Tim * USA19870515 YET USA 21 65
281 313 STRAIT Kyle * USA19870404 SFR USA 21 45
290 278 CONDRASHOFF Ryan * USA19860714 USA 22 43
314 348 SWANGUEN John * USA19890325 MSR USA 19 39
328 318 VAN DINE Christopher USA19800401 USA 28 36
337 325 MEMMELAAR Jason USA19830719 USA 25 35

Some of the guys selected I do not think have even raced much in the US this year. They have been over in Europe racing the same guys they will race at Worlds. There is alot to be said for racing against your competition.

You can find every current rider's UCI ranking and personal results here: http://www.uci.ch/ucinet/default.asp?page=rankingsdetail&RankingsDetailID=538&discipline=MTB&continent=MON&ridercategory=ME&RankingsRace=DHI&RankingsType=Individual&year=2008&l=ENG&npage=1
 

Dylan Dean

Monkey
Oct 12, 2007
608
0
southern California
Top 12 US riders current UCI points ranking:

First column rank last column points. Points
33 32 STROBEL Luke * USA19860624 TMX USA 22 362
63 60 BANGERT Cole USA19851012 USA 23 214
68 75 RIFFLE Duncan * USA19861029 CAN USA 22 205
144 166 BEYTAGH Geritt USA19840901 USA 24 89
167 165 HERNDON Christopher USA19810128 USA 27 75
194 255 WARREN Cody USA19850827 USA 23 66
197 196 SHARP Tim * USA19870515 YET USA 21 65
281 313 STRAIT Kyle * USA19870404 SFR USA 21 45
290 278 CONDRASHOFF Ryan * USA19860714 USA 22 43
314 348 SWANGUEN John * USA19890325 MSR USA 19 39
328 318 VAN DINE Christopher USA19800401 USA 28 36
337 325 MEMMELAAR Jason USA19830719 USA 25 35

Some of the guys selected I do not think have even raced much in the US this year. They have been over in Europe racing the same guys they will race at Worlds. There is alot to be said for racing against your competition.

You can find every current rider's UCI ranking and personal results here: http://www.uci.ch/ucinet/default.asp?page=rankingsdetail&RankingsDetailID=538&discipline=MTB&continent=MON&ridercategory=ME&RankingsRace=DHI&RankingsType=Individual&year=2008&l=ENG&npage=1

not knocking the ranking much... but just find it funny... Mick's ranked 10th, yet he's retired. Stribble has been injured since Sea Otter, but ranked 33rd. i'm sure a lot of these rankings are based off of last year (my guess is 1 year since June 2nd) Brad Benedict isn't even listed (that i could see), but has raced the past 2 world cups (though only qualified for 1), won Santa Ynez NMBS (don't think you get points for that though), but got 5th at Angelfire, i'm sure he's got to have a few points?
 

CRoss

Turbo Monkey
Nov 20, 2006
1,329
0
The Ranch
I didn't have time to go searching for everyone that is why I posted the link to where the information could be found.

The UCI's website is slow as hell so I did not have the patients to see if JD and Kyle have more points in '08 then the riders thinking they should have been on the team. Which is a criteria for USAC decision.
 

Dylan Dean

Monkey
Oct 12, 2007
608
0
southern California
as far as the US team goes... i've got mixed feelings. Yes, i think there may be some biased selecting.... but at the same time, who's to say we all wouldn't be a little biased. a few of these guys i haven't heard much of... but after seeing a few of them at Angel Fire, i know they were fast enough to make the team. I'm sure Fitzy know's what he's doing with whatever selection he himself made to the team. As for Marc Gullickson... i don't know much about him (other than his former years as a racer). i can only assume (like with most XC guys), that he doesn't know much about the gravity guys (but same with us gravity guys - we don't know a whole lot about the xc group, (other than those who get the media attention). I personally think there should be a seperate gravity mtb coach/director/etc.. but whatever... my opinions are rarely taken into account anyway.

anyway, no, this personally wouldn't have been my exact selection, but i applaud all of these guys & gals for making the team. and they get my full support! they all deserve it.
 

DH Rules

Chimp
Jul 13, 2006
90
0
On the trails of WNC - Mostly
Every year we have a World's team and every year there are hurt feelings. The US is granted a certain number of slots and there will always be a couple bubble-boys who don't make the squad. There is no requirement that the federation fill the roster, but they often do as a show of support to the riders.

Unlike certain countries with stacked World Cup top 20 level rosters, the US team generally struggles to get Elite DH'ers who meet the "automatic qualification criteria" and thus it ends up being at the coaches discretion how to fill the spots. These picks are generally based on potential for medal performance at this or future World Championship events, performances at past World Championship or World Cup events, performances on the Worlds track (or courses very similar), personal commitment to Elite level competition, or a dozen other individual line items.

Last year I was part of the process to select the Worlds squads but this year was I not. I believe it was up to Mark Fitzsimmons and Marc Gullickson (MTB development coach) to choose the team's discretionary picks. Fitzy is probably more familiar with almost every better level junior or senior downhill athlete than anyone else out there. He also has years of previous experience in timed racing and testing sessions in mountain bike and motorsports. Gully is a former pro XC and cross rider and went to Worlds on his own right on several occasions.

The automatic criteria has been posted on the USAC site for a while and is easily found with two scrolls and two clicks. No rider can claim ignorance for not knowing this criteria and the dates of event or submissions if he or she desired to race at Val di Sole.



Of the seven riders on the squad, all are elite caliber racers and just as deserving as anyone for a spot on the Worlds team. I am actually surprised to have seen a full roster. I was personally expecting there to be no more than 3-5 riders max for 08 on the Mens Elite DH roster based on performances at initial World Cup rounds and then the 07 National DH Champion out of respect and deference to his title as is customary for the event.

-ska todd
The point is that none of the riders met the Automatic Criteria and let's be honest, no USA rider is any where near making that criteria. Even Kain didn't meet the criteria with a 2nd at Angel Fire. So where do we go from here...what do the the riders have to do to catch the eye of the selectors? Race the world cups if they are lucky enough to have the UCI points and rich sponsors? Chase UCI points? Ride the events that the USAC deem to be the "qualifiers" even if the dates conflict with the richest and most exciting DH race in the country? Ride the west coast events (sorry had to throw that one in)? Be a prima-donna super star....?

Tell us where to direct out energies and we'll do it. You say "Of the seven riders on the squad, all are elite caliber racers and just as deserving as anyone for a spot on the Worlds team" isn't the point to try and select the riders that are currently showing the best form and have the best chance of doing well for their country...not just because they are "nice guys and deserve it"?
 

dante

Unabomber
Feb 13, 2004
8,807
9
looking for classic NE singletrack
thanks Todd!

The automatic criteria has been posted on the USAC site for a while and is easily found with two scrolls and two clicks. No rider can claim ignorance for not knowing this criteria and the dates of event or submissions if he or she desired to race at Val di Sole.
is there any talk of changing these? if this happens every year, it might seem that there could be a better way to do it. since NO American can currently qualify for #s 1-3, it comes down to one race (and one rider) and everything else is the opinion of a couple people. I'd rather see more automatic quali's, or at least some set of points, results, etc as opposed to the opinion of a few people... The only easterner chosen is someone who won the Jr qualifier at Platt. Every other person on the squad is a coach's choice, from Cali or Colorado.
 

dante

Unabomber
Feb 13, 2004
8,807
9
looking for classic NE singletrack
The point is that none of the riders met the Automatic Criteria and let's be honest, no USA rider is any where near making that criteria. Even Kain didn't meet the criteria with a 2nd at Angel Fire. So where do we go from here...what do the the riders have to do to catch the eye of the selectors? Race the world cups if they are lucky enough to have the UCI points and rich sponsors? Chase UCI points? Ride the events that the USAC deem to be the "qualifiers" even if the dates conflict with the richest and most exciting DH race in the country? Ride the west coast events (sorry had to throw that one in)? Be a prima-donna super star....?

Tell us where to direct out energies and we'll do it. You say "Of the seven riders on the squad, all are elite caliber racers and just as deserving as anyone for a spot on the Worlds team" isn't the point to try and select the riders that are currently showing the best form and have the best chance of doing well for their country...not just because they are "nice guys and deserve it"?
top 5 from Nationals last year:
1 Cole Bangert 03:55.93 177344 28 MOREWOOD/UTOPIA/FREESTYLE
2 Luke Strobel 03:57.81 181052 30 MAXXIS
3 Christopher Herndon 04:02.56 96111 19 SPECIALIZED/CANECREEK
4 Tim Sharp 04:03.66 194305 4 YETI/FOX
5 Geritt Beytagh 04:04.15 188092 23 MOREWOOD

Of those, there's 1 person that's actually on the national squad... You'd think that Nationals would have a bit more of an influence, wouldn't you?
 

motomike

Turbo Monkey
Jan 19, 2005
4,584
0
North Carolina
seems like the same ole crap every year. no doubt the guys that have been chosen "deserve it", but there are definitely a few out there that have been to worlds before and are pinning it this year that won't have that chance to go because somebody didn't pick them to go. could we at least, as the members of usac, get to vote on like 10-15 candidates to go? that way we'd get the representatives that the people want to see go and not worry about one or two race results for them to be chosen on?
 

General Lee

Turbo Monkey
Oct 16, 2003
2,860
0
The 802
Not trying to be a cynic, but making the Worlds team seems like an opportunity to give $3000 to a federation that doesn't give a sh*t about you.

was up at Bromont today and talked to a few of the Canadian seniors/juniors, it seems their selections left a lot of people shaking their heads as well.
 

DarrylB

Monkey
Jan 16, 2008
135
0
the secret loam!
As a Canadian, I don't pay too much attention to the us national series. but I follow the WC's, Canada cups, US open etc... I was very surprised that Geritt was not on the team, he definitley has a case for a petition.
 

Heath Sherratt

Turbo Monkey
Jun 17, 2004
1,871
0
In a healthy tension
What has Riffle done but prove he is slower this year than last? JD, I agree based upon his result in Maribor and Ft. Bill last year, Strait is fast and hopefully will prove to all the haters that freeriders can ride fast. As for the others, whatever, Banger T is the National Champ and should be attending, but the other guys?
Congrats to Graham on making Juniors, go get em Dude!
Derek Teel for '09!
 

ska todd

Turbo Monkey
Oct 10, 2001
1,776
0
The point is that none of the riders met the Automatic Criteria and let's be honest, no USA rider is any where near making that criteria. Even Kain didn't meet the criteria with a 2nd at Angel Fire. So where do we go from here...what do the the riders have to do to catch the eye of the selectors? Race the world cups if they are lucky enough to have the UCI points and rich sponsors? Chase UCI points? Ride the events that the USAC deem to be the "qualifiers" even if the dates conflict with the richest and most exciting DH race in the country? Ride the west coast events (sorry had to throw that one in)? Be a prima-donna super star....?
As I'll say below, why should the bar be lowered? Does that make the riders/team any better or just reward reduced performance?

As has been discussed in other threads, USAC will be implementing a new scoring system for 09 as well as placing more emphasis on the Gravity Calendar events. These events should (and probably will) hold greater importance in selection criteria. A NASTAR style rankings system at the UCI level would also greatly help make these selections more "scientific". Even with a totally numbers-based selection process there will be hurt feelings and complaints of bias from certain groups and individuals.

Again, I was not part of the selection process for the 08 team so I cannot comment on specifics of this year's squad. However, the coaches selections have in the past been awarded to riders who have potential for future medal performance, are committed to racing against international competition, or who add a specific dynamic to the program (ie. coaching or mentor).

This season was particularly hard to select a Worlds team as the event is being three months earlier than normal due to the Olympics. In XC there are lots of events that can sneak in before WC season begins but for DH we are limited to when events are scheduled due to snowfall, etc.

Tell us where to direct out energies and we'll do it. You say "Of the seven riders on the squad, all are elite caliber racers and just as deserving as anyone for a spot on the Worlds team" isn't the point to try and select the riders that are currently showing the best form and have the best chance of doing well for their country...not just because they are "nice guys and deserve it"?
You can direct energies toward USAC and appeal for a funded gravity coach or program but, until our numbers are much more substantial (or until the USOC is funding a coach for us) I doubt it will really make much economic sense. My honest recommendation is to focus your attentions on helping to develop junior riders in your region thru coaching, camps, clinics, and support. These kids are really the future and if hard effort (and money!!) is put in now, perhaps in 3-5 years we will be back on top of the podium in the Elite ranks.

My statement about "the seven riders on the squad, all are elite caliber racers and just as deserving as anyone for a spot on the Worlds team" is to say that really, trying to discredit anyone on that team in favor of any other rider is pretty hard an would not be fair to those riders. Someone might have better performance domestically while another has medium performance against fields similar to the one at Worlds. Who really has a better shot there? We're splitting hairs here folks! Damned if you do, damned if you don't.

is there any talk of changing these? if this happens every year, it might seem that there could be a better way to do it. since NO American can currently qualify for #s 1-3, it comes down to one race (and one rider) and everything else is the opinion of a couple people. I'd rather see more automatic quali's, or at least some set of points, results, etc as opposed to the opinion of a few people... The only easterner chosen is someone who won the Jr qualifier at Platt. Every other person on the squad is a coach's choice, from Cali or Colorado.
This has nothing to do w/ East vs West. USAC is more than aware of what is happening on the East Coast now with racers and events than any other time. This is about athletic performance and winning medals at this event this year or in future years AS A TEAM. That is always been the US team's mission for World Championship events.

Why should the admission criteria be dumbed down because we have poor performance at a WC level? This is why my recommendation would have been to take the riders with the best individual placings at WC rounds 1 & 2 + the current National Champion. However, I am not the coach or team manager and I did not assemble the team. I am only an armchair QB like everyone else in this forum.

top 5 from Nationals last year:

Of those, there's 1 person that's actually on the national squad... You'd think that Nationals would have a bit more of an influence, wouldn't you?
No, why should it? The US National Championships was only open to Americans and happened last season. The reigning National Champion is usually invited to Worlds by their federation out of tradition.

seems like the same ole crap every year. no doubt the guys that have been chosen "deserve it", but there are definitely a few out there that have been to worlds before and are pinning it this year that won't have that chance to go because somebody didn't pick them to go. could we at least, as the members of usac, get to vote on like 10-15 candidates to go? that way we'd get the representatives that the people want to see go and not worry about one or two race results for them to be chosen on?
This isn't American Idol or the All Star Game! As stated, this event is about winning medals for the US federation. These selections were made after riders themselves petitioned and these petitions were then reviewed by the coaching staff.

-ska todd
 
Apr 20, 2008
12
0
CT
No, why should it? The US National Championships was only open to Americans and happened last season. The reigning National Champion is usually invited to Worlds by their federation out of tradition.


-ska todd
the US Open was an international event and geritt b got 8th
 
Apr 20, 2008
12
0
CT
i thought the team was based on who would do the best in an international event, the us open was an international event
 

ska todd

Turbo Monkey
Oct 10, 2001
1,776
0
The US Open is not sanctioned by USAC or the UCI. Technically it doesn't exist in any official capacity.

-ska todd
 

Inclag

Turbo Monkey
Sep 9, 2001
2,750
439
MA
The US Open is not sanctioned by USAC or the UCI. Technically it doesn't exist in any official capacity.

-ska todd
I don't know I'm pretty sure I was down there in Dirty Jerz this past memorial day weekend. Seemed pretty official to me.... :rolleyes:

....sorry to hear that some people got jipped. Its too bad that in order to support your country at an international level, you need to be involved with USAC.
 

DH Rules

Chimp
Jul 13, 2006
90
0
On the trails of WNC - Mostly
The US Open is not sanctioned by USAC or the UCI. Technically it doesn't exist in any official capacity.

-ska todd
The reality is that the US Open does exist and attracts more WC level riders than any other event in the country. Over 100 pro level riders compete and at the Amateur level you have to book months in advance. Given the short time we had to make the selections shouldn't USAC have taken their head out of the sand and recognized that there was an event that had far more significance than Angel Fire, swallow their pride and use the results to help make their selection?
 

ska todd

Turbo Monkey
Oct 10, 2001
1,776
0
While the US Open is certainly a great event (probably my favorite in America) it is not a sanctioned event by either USAC or the UCI, therefore it does not carry any weight in rankings, qualifications, selections, etc. Regardless of the quality of the race talent, the number of riders, etc if a race does not fall under a sanctioning guideline it is hard to make a case that it be counted in an official capacity. The elite riders competing in the US Open event knew this and for the great percentage of them they were not affected or did not care. Certain riders went to AF instead of the US Open specifically because of this issue and the event's qualification status. Should these riders be denied opportunity because they pursued the defined selection criteria?

I am not trying to take away from the fact that Gerritt is a fast racer, a good guy, or anything else; I think we all can agree on that. However, you cannot argue that the selection criteria was known and posted for months ahead of the event. If an an objection was to be raised it should have been soon after the criteria were announced, not after the team was selected.

-ska todd
 

Fonzie18

Turbo Monkey
Goodnness. The Us Open does not count!

It's like showing up to soccer tryouts and displaying your B-ball skillZ, it just don't matter (we are talking about worlds team selection BTW)!
I know for a fact that some of these guys (who people are whining for) have gone to Worlds before for the USA and know exactly what the process is.

Hey, here is a random bit of information...Angelfire was a automatic qualifier! No WAY! One of the only places that has held a World cup here in the USA a Worlds qualifier? Get out of town, I'm gonna go watch Sam Hill and race with him at the US open instead...I'm sure because Sam is there it means a whole lot more than that Angelfire race!
 

MikeMac

Monkey
May 18, 2006
156
0
Hey DH Rules - USAC only took two pro men who also happened to compete at Angel Fire for their pro DH squad - Kain and Lars. Neither was an auto qualfier, yet both elected to follow the petition process, a process that was available to everyone. That rules of that process were published well in advance and easily understood.

Like USAC or not, they are the national governing body and have been for some time - that's no secret. Understanding the rules of how they elect their squad is required reading of anyone who wants or expects to be on it. They're reasonable and smart folks - and whether it's an official USAC event or not, they get what the Open is and stands for. I strongly believe that a petition from any of the top 30 DH'ers in the country, especially with great results internationally or from the Open would have received strong consideration.

And bagging on Angel Fire? C'mon man, enough already. Especially because it's really not performing for you as a foundation of your argument. Why? There were no auto qualifiers for DH from the event and there were over 180 riders registered (123 raced) between the Pro and Semi-Pro ranks. For the record, we've been nothing but complimentary about the Open and its importance, the quality of its courses and the excellence of its production. The Open's a fantastic event - a gravity rider's dream. So is Chile - and there aren't enough events around that can make that claim. Continually taking shots at it seems kinda small.

Mike
 

CRoss

Turbo Monkey
Nov 20, 2006
1,329
0
The Ranch
Goodnness. The Us Open does not count!

It's like showing up to soccer tryouts and displaying your B-ball skillZ, it just don't matter (we are talking about worlds team selection BTW)!
I know for a fact that some of these guys (who people are whining for) have gone to Worlds before for the USA and know exactly what the process is.

Hey, here is a random bit of information...Angelfire was a automatic qualifier! No WAY! One of the only places that has held a World cup here in the USA a Worlds qualifier? Get out of town, I'm gonna go watch Sam Hill and race with him at the US open instead...I'm sure because Sam is there it means a whole lot more than that Angelfire race!
Not to mention how every year you hear about how the World Cup pros at the US Open don't really have their game faces on at the race.

100s of pros entered the US Open, but their is no restrictions on what makes someone a pro. Joe sport racer could register in the pro category at the US Open if they wanted too.

These are all things that make the US Open not a very important race when selecting the Worlds team.

DH Rules said:
Over 100 pro level riders compete and at the Amateur level you have to book months in advance. Given the short time we had to make the selections shouldn't USAC have taken their head out of the sand and recognized that there was an event that had far more significance than Angel Fire, swallow their pride and use the results to help make their selection?
Angel Fire had 110 licensed semi-pro and pro riders. The entire DH had around 600 competitors. I am not sure how you can say the US open has far more significance??
 

Jeremy R

<b>x</b>
Nov 15, 2001
9,698
1,053
behind you with a snap pop
I am not sure how you can say the US open has far more significance??
Here is how you say it:
Pretty f*cking clear.

1 Steve Smith (Cove/Sram) 2.36.737
2 Sam Hill (Monster Energy/Iron Horse) 0.00.589
3 Bryn Atkinson (GT Bicycles) 0.01.866
4 Matti Lehikoinen (Ms- Intense Factory) 0.04.274
5 Andrew Neethling (Mongoose Bicycles) 0.04.693
6 Filip Polc (Kenda Tomac Racing) 0.04.782
7 Brendan Fairclough (Monster Energy/Iron) 0.04.954
8 Geritt Beytagh (Morewood Bikes USA) 0.05.543
9 Amiel Cavalier (Giant Bicycle) 0.05.904
10 Jurgen Beneke (Marin) 0.06.046
 

trust4130

Monkey
Aug 16, 2005
203
0
Pennsylvania
However, the coaches selections have in the past been awarded to riders who have potential for future medal performance, are committed to racing against international competition, or who add a specific dynamic to the program (ie. coaching or mentor).

-ska todd
Say, for example, the US Open? Oh, but it's not a "recognized" event??? Sure sounds like a matter of the almighty dollar...

Not trying to pick on you or your words, it just seems a bit contradictory...
 

MikeMac

Monkey
May 18, 2006
156
0
I think that the Open is hugely significant, but for whatever reason, whether because of USAC or the folks that run it, it's not an official selection race. Riders that do well there deserve a long hard look, but because it exists outside of the USAC framework they may need to petition to get in. Is that the step that we're getting hung up on? Meeting USAC half way?
 

Jeremy R

<b>x</b>
Nov 15, 2001
9,698
1,053
behind you with a snap pop
First off, Congrats to the all the guys that made the team.
But this argument is:
Not about the US Open and Angelfire, both are kick ass events.
And its not about East vs. West, both have fast riders.

But there is no way anybody without a crackpipe in their hand could rationally not put Geritt on the team.

1) He won the Pro class at the Plattekill qualifier for jr. worlds on a course made to mimic the worlds course in Italy.

2) He won the Bromont Canada Cup against a stacked field including pinner Steve Smith who is a top world cup rider, on a course that is going to be a world cup this year.

3) He finished 8th at the US open and was top American in a field which included the entire top ten being filled with fast World Cup riders including Sam Hill. The same people who he would be racing at Worlds.

4) And just last week he won the Mt. Snow DH race on another tough wet course like he is likely to face in Italy at worlds.

As far as the applying process, I am assuming that Geritt applied considering he has been to Worlds before and knows the process.

Just another mindboggling USAC oversight that adds to the reasons why so many Dhers are not even renewing their license anymore.
 

MikeMac

Monkey
May 18, 2006
156
0
Jeremy - if all that's true, then yeah, it's a huge oversight. I think we all want to see our very best head to Italy and compete and Gerritt's made a substantial case. Maybe something can still be done?

...and you're right, it's not AFR versus the Open. With the number of pros attending each there's clearly room for both - even on the same weekend (which is unfortunate, but necessary.)

MM
 

bizutch

Delicate CUSTOM flower
Dec 11, 2001
15,928
24
Over your shoulder whispering
Hey Garrit, maybe you should have ran Fox Forx this year so Fitzy would go to bat for you.

If you're reading this Fitzy, I'm just kidding. But I like to stir the pot. It's funny that our Worlds team is going to have a bunch of guys who can't even qualify for a World Cup though.

And I consider Garrit a friend and, heck, my neighbor. He's going to be our best US chance at that track. Why?

1. Training with Carmichael Training Systems (to cover Todd's commitment loophole)
2. East Coast dominance ...you can't just ignore the East Coast if all the other riders are considered of similar talent. Guy is actually living on the road all summer to do World Cups and all the East Coast DH races 12 hours from home.
3. US Open dominance
4. A gigantic JOKE of a selection criteria. Let's all get realistic here. For a National Federation to make a 3 paragraph CRITERIA is laughable and pathetic. You get World podium...you go. You win Angelfire, you go. That all we qualify. We make 'em up rest! Pale face talk funny...him no go!

This is nothing aimed at Todd though. I'm sure those rules didn't come from his keyboard since we know he'd have written a diatribe. :D But who in their right mind designs a 7 man squad's qualifications to be a podium internationally and a single race on US soil? It's USAC's fault that this list of riders isn't clear, not the riders.

If USAC had given the ground rules more thought and a criteria that had opportunities for riders from ALL ACROSS THE US to qualify for Worlds, then fine. We'd all be tight lipped and have maybe 1 guy to whine about as "coaches pick". USAC just made no effort, half assed a set of shoddy qualifiers that a World Cup top 10 rider would even need luck to achieve (as I remember Kovarik was a given winner at the Chile Challenge last year and his bike exploded or something). Had Garrit gone to the Chile Challenge and left a derailleur on the mountain, then what?

So now a couple guys on a 1 hit wonder laugher team with their fork sponsor as one of only 2 people as the selection committee gives us our team. Way to go USAC...consistency! :thumb: