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Barry
The National U23 team is great news. It sounds though that some degree of "pre-selection" has already been done. I know that these youngsters represented SA in the Junior ranks for two consecutive years and it will be good for continuity to retain them within the squad.
However, we know that the current u23 pool to select from is big and I'm not too sure whether the structures and guidelines have been put in place or if the criteria is transparent and communicated upfront to the potential pool that exists.
I'm assuming this is the news that is to follow, but if you're saying that the two youngsters will ride for the National team that tells me that they've already been pre-selected. Although I don't have any doubt about their abilities, should they not be measured against their counterparts within the U23 category first or will the criteria that I can't seem to find (CGC aren't aware of anything) allow automatic access for the ex Juniors into the next categories squad or team in this case?
Hello Gary
Yes, Mauritz and co will not be automatically excluded( although the agreement does focus on 1st and 2nd years only). Like any National team, its not just one group of riders. We have had to start somewhere and in 2009 it was the first year that Cycling SA invested some money in Junior racing.
So as a start the "pre-selection" as you might percieve it will focus on firstly the Juniors who rode Nations Cups. Reason being- They are at a far greater advantage above the rest already as they have that extra season of exposure as juniors and one up already. Therefore most important to keep that ball rolling.
Is it unfair? Maybe a little, but then Nolan, Tiaan, Hanco, etc can also come knocking later to ask for a second chance, but the fact is that there wasnt anyone at that time looking after them as a National structure when they left the junior ranks.
I have seen many guys go from Junior to Senior ranks and have come to know just how it works and who normally makes it.
So subject to final approval, here is how I see it going( only applicable to Academy as National team selection for International participation remains to be done along the same line of criteria as before)- Inviting the Nations Cup participants of 2009 to join the academy. Once we have answers, there and subject to final numbers we can look after, we use an identification process though provinces, etc to make sure we can spot the youngsters not in Pro Teams or any other set ups. They too will then be considered, tested, etc.
As I said, its a start and one has to start somewhere. And I do expect a fair amount of flack, but it will not deter me from getting this thing started and ultimately having a structure in place for school leavers to go to and see if they can progress to the next step. The MOST important thing is to have it for the future. And yes, I too feel it is a pity we didnt have it in the past.......
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I heard as rumour that the Ladies Minolta deal has fallen through...
