As more and more participants want/demand better services from an event, there is more and more pressure on the race organization and officials to provide “instant” results. Racing back in the day meant you scored the payout placing and then the results may some day get posted. Now that we have seen results instantly flashed on the television screen with a FinishLynx camera system and a six-figure timing budget…everyone expects that same level at all events. As the President of the Arkansas Bicycle Coalition and Tyson Racing and owner of All Sports Productions, which promotes the Joe Martin Stage Race, we want to provide the best, most accurate results possible. A wrinkled number is only visible with a FinishLynx quality system in the very best of conditions and then sometimes the bib is still unreadable. If everyone knew how much time, effort and experience it takes NRC-level timers to decipher the plethora of poorly pinned and positioned numbers no one would ever alter his or her bib number. Additionally, that is why frame numbers are so important…bib numbers aren’t always visible in the best of conditions or positions.

Now….to the point of USA Cycling making a rule. Does anyone really think the governing body of cycling had it in for the weekend warrior by writing such a rule to just be another rule? REALLY!

Before another participant believes that promoters or officials are out to get you and me (as I’ve raced for a few years myself…although you may not believe it from my performance at Cowskin when I was lapped by Mr. Tilford thank you very much), please know that the amount of time and resources spent on officials and timing by a small one-day crit or a NRC event is exponentially out of proportion to the amount of resources spent on any other event expense.

I would like to challenge everyone to take the time and commit the energy to be the race promoter of an event; you would truly appreciate how hard everyone works to give you/me a venue to do something we love. One of the greatest things I get to experience each year as promoter of the JMSR is the change in attitude of a former racer who was the leader of a Continental Team who has now become a team director. The change is 180 degrees. They now appreciate what is takes to put on an event, which has so many moving parts.

And finally…JMSR has once again hired the best in the business to time and score the race. But, you if you chose to manipulate your number so it can’t be read…don’t come asking why you weren’t scored or placed. With that being said…I know beyond a shadow of a doubt the officiating crew and timing company are 110% committed to scoring and placing each rider who crosses that line. I ask everyone to consider the bigger picture the next time you go to pin your number on your jersey.

See you on the roads….