Interesting Article on USA Cycling

[TrackCynic]

That flow chart from Dimspace was a work of art. Shame he hasn't had the time to update it to include the current relationships that still shape our US cycling landscape. STILL, these people are involved in junior development: Specialized Juniors is Weisel's, Bontrager U23 is run by CSE (Stapleton and Knaggs - both Armstrong/Weisel henchmen, see link below); Hincapie is, well, Hincapie. Unfortunatley, it goes on. I think it is going to take an outsider with a LOT of money and even more drive to get this bunch off their throwns.

http://velonews.competitor.com/2013...ate-armstrongs-stake-in-bontrager-team_287998

BTW, where are all these egotistical alphas when grass-roots cycling needs them to contribute to grow the sport instead of allowing them to ride with doped-up Hincapie, Danielson and Armstrong?
http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/biking/High-Rollers.html

 

[DirtyWorks]

BTW, where are all these egotistical alphas when grass-roots cycling needs them to contribute to grow the sport instead of allowing them to ride with doped-up Hincapie, Danielson and Armstrong?
http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/biking/High-Rollers.html

They aren't interested in growing the sport at the grassroots level. They are interested in making themselves some money.

It's the prefix "pro" of pro sports.

 

[RobbieCanuck]

Good question and I don't have an answer. You'd think they would want to protect the Olympic brand, but beneath the veneer, there are quite a few people the equivalent of Thom and Lance across sports federations.

Worst recent case I read about was a weight lifting federation (not U.S.) resigning en-mass due to doping controversy.

Let's say we get lucky and there are mass resignations. USAC members cannot elect board members. Members cannot vote legislation to VOTE for board members. Thom Wiesel controls three seats through USACDF and he and his pals appoint the other seats. Thom wins! It's impressive.

If the USAC member riders went en masse to USOC and said they were unhappy with how the National Governing Body is set up, why could they not set up their own body and get USOC approval as the NGB?

Aside from the shameful mafia-like nepotismic structure of USAC, it is clearly non-democratic if members do not have a vote as to the affairs of USAC or seats on the Board.

I wonder if there is some legislation somewhere that authorizes USAC as the NGB of cycling? If so the legislation could be changed. If not then what is USAC's claim to be the governing body? I suspect they are the approved body by USOC for now, but that can be changed if USOC decides it is in the best interests of cycling to do so.

My hunch is there is no one out there that has the time or motivation to change things. Too bad, because the appearance of USAC as an extended structure of Weasal's personal cycling conglomerate is so glaring it is disconcerting.

 

[Alpe73]

My hunch is there is no one out there that has the time or motivation to change things.

I suppose there are quite a few with the time and motivation. Power? Money? Maybe not so much ... and as DW said, if there's no cash to be made .....

Yep, pro Sports ... a galaxy away from house league.

 

[DirtyWorks]

If the USAC member riders went en masse to USOC...

Well, there's your first problem. Members gave up their rights to vote and don't do much but go around in circles together in small groups.

I wonder if there is some legislation somewhere that authorizes USAC as the NGB of cycling?

The Ted Stevens Amateur Sports Act granted Olympic federations a monopoly in the U.S. Apparently it is very well constructed.

I suspect they are the approved body by USOC for now, but that can be changed if USOC decides it is in the best interests of cycling to do so. .

You are getting into an area I know almost nothing about. I need to get an understanding of the USOC's role with US sports federations.

 

[eporesis]

I suppose there are quite a few with the time and motivation. Power? Money? Maybe not so much ... and as DW said, if there's no cash to be made .....

Yep, pro Sports ... a galaxy away from house league.

To my knowledge, the only significant changes in governance in the last 40 years were brought about by lawsuits. Simes and Strock. There's a route, albeit, unpleasant.

If Lance wanted to say all he knows about Weisel, Och, and Johnson, that would do it. I can't think why he'd do that.

Cookson? Maybe if he cared and weren't busy and didn't owe Plant and whoever is behind Plant (Och I suppose).

Why should we care about USAC governance? Other than justice and credibility, the development model (identify talent, move it to Europe) does nothing to advance the sport in America and only serves the interest of the Champions Club.

 

[zigmeister]

USAC is a private membership organization, just like the NRA, or any other of its kind.

What does that mean? Basically, they can do whatever the f&*k they want.

If they want to be part of UCI events etc, then they have to comply with the mothership to get particular support/status. Another private organization who does whatever the f&*k they want...including Cookson.

 

[RobbieCanuck]

USAC is a private membership organization, just like the NRA, or any other of its kind.

What does that mean? Basically, they can do whatever the f&*k they want.

If they want to be part of UCI events etc, then they have to comply with the mothership to get particular support/status. Another private organization who does whatever the f&*k they want...including Cookson.

So why don't the members of USAC resign en masse, create their own member driven organization and go to USOC and the UCI for recognition?

Given the optics of USAC, especially the allegations contained in the Qui Tam lawsuit, I suspect they would be given a fairly receptive audience. It simply requires a well organized activist. Surely there is one or two of these in the USAC membership.

 

[DirtyWorks]

So why don't the members of USAC resign en masse, create their own member driven organization and go to USOC and the UCI for recognition?

Well, USAC continues to use their monopoly to shut down competitors. So, as much as there are promoters willing to stay outside USAC, they are frequently given an offer they cannot refuse. An example would be USAC scheduling directly opposite said competitor and the federation suddenly funding the local promoter's prize list.

Add to that USAC members simply don't care. They gave up their rights to vote without much of a battle but for Les Earnest and his compatriots.

It's much harder than it sounds and has been tried over the years.

 

[TrackCynic]

So why don't the members of USAC resign en masse, create their own member driven organization and go to USOC and the UCI for recognition?

Because most of the USAC license holders do not have the slightest idea that this is going on. They buy their license to race and only do so because the race promoters make them do so.

Even those who are involved at a deeper level (promoters, store owners, community leaders) do not seem to be interested in moving away from it. "It's an evil we have to live with" is the usual response.

 

[Dear Wiggo]

So why don't the members of USAC resign en masse, create their own member driven organization and go to USOC and the UCI for recognition?

With all due respect, I find this is a naive question. Do you have knowledge of any instance in a recreational pursuit where this has happened? Do you think the USOC AND UCI are "clean"?

By the time an organisation has this much inertia, it is like any other monopoly, and will continue to roll on despite itself.

To me it feels a bit like asking why the employees of BP or similar (eg Orica zomg) don't all quit and start an ethical company keen to avoid spilling oil over beaches all around the world and generally destroying the environment, something that has a far greater impact on society than a bunch of dodgy bike racing officiandos.

 

[RobbieCanuck]

With all due respect, I find this is a naive question. Do you have knowledge of any instance in a recreational pursuit where this has happened? Do you think the USOC AND UCI are "clean"?

By the time an organisation has this much inertia, it is like any other monopoly, and will continue to roll on despite itself.

To me it feels a bit like asking why the employees of BP or similar (eg Orica zomg) don't all quit and start an ethical company keen to avoid spilling oil over beaches all around the world and generally destroying the environment, something that has a far greater impact on society than a bunch of dodgy bike racing officiandos.

I hear you and I don't know off the top of my head of any grassroots sporting organizations that have imploded due to membership withdrawal. I am aware of many political organizations that have. And with respect to this USA situation, about which I only have an outsider's point of view, maybe I am being naïve.

But surely there are member riders of USAC that are pi$$ed off with what has happened to its National Governing Body in terms of its lop sided organizational structure, control and apparent biases. Personally I would not belong to an organization unless there was some significant mechanism for me to have a say in its operation. All it would take would be a nucleus of credible riders to start the revolution at USAC.

Based on my observations I would have more faith in USOC and the present UCI to be more receptive to a new NGB than old USOC and the Verbruggen/McQuaid corrupted UCI. And that too may be very naïve of me. But how do you know until you try?

However you may be right. There is probably no small p political will to make the changes needed or there is just too much apathy and reluctance to interfere with the status quo. Sad, because it is clear the structure of USAC creates a dictatorship/monopoly for the financial benefit of the Weasel types.

Regarding your BP analogy, there are many people in Western Canada that work for oil, gas and pipeline companies that also belong to the Western Canada Wilderness Association or the Alpine Club of Canada, both of which are committed to environmental integrity.

Just because you work for an oil and gas entity does not mean you discard your commitment to clean energy at the office door. The fact is these projects pollute, but many of them are necessary for the economy so the key is to construct them as environmentally friendly as possible. Many oil and gas workers are committed to this goal. The tough thing is to find the balance as to which projects should proceed and which ones are too environmentally degrading.

I personally oppose the Keystone XL pipeline because British Columbia is just a too important environmental jewel worth protecting. In that case the balance is in favour of the environment.

 

[proffate]

USAC tends to use its mass and monopoly to quash competition, such as OBRA, ACA, CBR, etc., mainly via lack of mutual recognition agreements re: categories and upgrading. In recent years it successfully brought CBR and ACA back into the fold, which is to say that those promoters who used CBR and ACA licensing for their events are now back to using USAC. So there were grassroots cycle racing associations in the US without (known) ties to professional dopers, but the amateurs didn't sufficiently support them by spending enough money on their events.

 

[Dear Wiggo]

I hear you and I don't know off the top of my head of any grassroots sporting organizations that have imploded due to membership withdrawal. I am aware of many political organizations that have. And with respect to this USA situation, about which I only have an outsider's point of view, maybe I am being naïve.

I read your post and applied it to myself directly. I am probably an outlier, but only join a local cycling club because I have to - I have no choice. I can't get a racing license unless I do so.

Same with membership of CA. I have to join to race. I don't really care about CA or what they do or how dodgy they are, despite my whinging to the contrary.

I want to race, and need a license to do so. I enjoy the scenery of GTs and the spectacle of one day races, and would love to create a system that allows clean riders to win at the top level of the sport.

Beyond that my care factor is less than zero.

Like I said - I may be an outlier, but if my attitude (I just want to race) is similar for others, then turning my sport into a political tool for change is probably the last thing people want to do. Particularly when the "damage" due to corruption within the sport is fairly limited.

 

[RobbieCanuck]

I read your post and applied it to myself directly. I am probably an outlier, but only join a local cycling club because I have to - I have no choice. I can't get a racing license unless I do so.

Same with membership of CA. I have to join to race. I don't really care about CA or what they do or how dodgy they are, despite my whinging to the contrary.

I want to race, and need a license to do so. I enjoy the scenery of GTs and the spectacle of one day races, and would love to create a system that allows clean riders to win at the top level of the sport.

Beyond that my care factor is less than zero.

Like I said - I may be an outlier, but if my attitude (I just want to race) is similar for others, then turning my sport into a political tool for change is probably the last thing people want to do. Particularly when the "damage" due to corruption within the sport is fairly limited.

Yep I hear you and I suspect you are not as much an outlier as you think. I suspect most riders are like you. Political action be it big P or small p, can be distasteful, frustrating and overly time consuming (takes away riding and racing time) and like you said earlier it would have to take a big issues to mobilize the troops.

But the allegations in the Qui Tam suit against Weisel and Stapleton are pretty significant and would make one ask why are they still associated with and control USAC?

 

[Dear Wiggo]

But the allegations in the Qui Tam suit against Weisel and Stapleton are pretty significant and would make one ask why are they still associated with and control USAC?

It may be interesting also to look at the turn over of racers, and get a feel for how many racers were racing at the time of the incidents mentioned in the Qui Tam vs racers who started after that era and the make up of USAC membership today.

I also wonder why USOC have not given a stern talking to the USAC, given it's an Olympic sport subject to the Olympic charter.

 

[DirtyWorks]

USA Cycling Loves Their Dopers

They invite doper and all around sports fraud to speak to the children about the "lifestyle commitment" required to race at an elite level. That's direct quote.

https://www.facebook.com/USAC.TID.c...9847184365174/895523993797486/?type=1&theater

I wonder if anyone asked him if he's given any of the the money he earned to some of the clean racers he stole from. I'm thinking the answer would be "no."

 

[DirtyWorks]

It may be interesting also to look at the turn over of racers, and get a feel for how many racers were racing at the time of the incidents mentioned in the Qui Tam vs racers who started after that era and the make up of USAC membership today.

Mostly flat participation rates for more than 10 years. The sport has an enormous amount of turnover for many reasons.

The only rise they've gotten is in aggregate numbers as they have added a permit for every kind of event imaginable including coaching seminars and even training rides.

Robbie, Thom has structured control of USAC by controlling the board of directors at USAC via the USACDF where he is in charge and cannot be removed. USAC members have no say in any of USAC's administration. Zero. This means, the best case scenario of Thom and Steve going to prison, they'd run USAC from prison as easily as they do now.

Meanwhile, USAC passes USOC funding as well as revenues generated by USAC to USACDF. How the money is spent at USACDF is poorly defined. (surprising no one)

 

[Dear Wiggo]

They invite doper and all around sports fraud to speak to the children about the "lifestyle commitment" required to race at an elite level. That's direct quote.

https://www.facebook.com/USAC.TID.c...9847184365174/895523993797486/?type=1&theater

I wonder if anyone asked him if he's given any of the the money he earned to some of the clean racers he stole from. I'm thinking the answer would be "no."

Comments so far are in agreement.

 

[DirtyWorks]

A funny thing happened, USAC took down the picture of George's visit speaking to the kids.

Anyway, here's an old-time story about USA Cycling from another Eddie B. rider who didn't get along with the father of American doping.

http://www.theouterline.com/perspectives-on-doping-in-pro-cycling-2-inga-thompson-5/

 

[mewmewmew13]

A funny thing happened, USAC took down the picture of George's visit speaking to the kids.

Anyway, here's an old-time story about USA Cycling from another Eddie B. rider who didn't get along with the father of American doping.

http://www.theouterline.com/perspectives-on-doping-in-pro-cycling-2-inga-thompson-5/

Very interesting..

and everyone should read this article!!

 

[hiero2]

Very interesting..

and everyone should read this article!!

I caught the link to the Inga Thompson interview from VN, and went straight over to The OUter Line to read the whole thing. Talk about the insider view! GREAT interview.

It is ironic - as soon as I started reading it, I popped over here to see if it had been posted yet. I opened the Forum, then I scanned the threads on the top page to see if anything "fit" - and selected this thread. Saw the good links from the OP - but a year or so old - clicked "last" and bingo!

Y'all were already here! Marvy.

But I add my strong recommendation - if you have any interest in learning what actually went on - read this article.

Also some nice little race stories in there!

Oh - and btw - this interview with Thompson really validates some of the super-negative stuff we've been hearing the past few years about USAC.

Wish I could restart a breakaway org and call it USCF2.

 

[DirtyWorks]

Wish I could restart a breakaway org and call it USCF2.

Already done. http://nabra.us/

It's basically OBRA (largest bike racing population per capita) only trying to expand outside Oregon. They do sanction races all over the country, but USAC works very hard to limit their expansion.

The best way forward is talking with the racers in the area and get a sense of how many will go to an event that switches to NABRA, Present the information to local promoters.

Other than not racing at all, this is the only way consumers can affect USAC.

 

[RobbieCanuck]

A funny thing happened, USAC took down the picture of George's visit speaking to the kids.

Anyway, here's an old-time story about USA Cycling from another Eddie B. rider who didn't get along with the father of American doping.

http://www.theouterline.com/perspectives-on-doping-in-pro-cycling-2-inga-thompson-5/

Great article DW. Keep up the good work of finding information that shows how corrupt USCF was and that questions the motives of USAC. The really disturbing thing is that cycling on so many levels continues to be a cesspool.

It also should concern true fans that so many former dopers are still working in the sport, sponsoring development teams (i.e. Hincapie) and making money off their fraudulent careers.

What might help wake up the sport is for the IOC to turf cycling from the Olympics.

 

[DirtyWorks]

What might help wake up the sport is for the IOC to turf cycling from the Olympics.

You are operating under the assumption the IOC wants clean sport. They don't. The bio-passport system makes this abundantly clear.

Most important thing to the IOC and UCI is the fans still show up. It appears cycling had record-breaking audiences/media traction. It's been said many times, it's the fans still showing up for the doped show that is as much responsible for the state of cycling as the federation.

FWIW I figure if I can get the facts out like Ms. Thompson's story, most reasonable people will agree that it's a terrible situation. Maybe that will change things a little.