Racing with our wallets

The road racing season starts in early March (actually later this month with some TT's) and I've got to comment on the lack of incentives offered. And/or the lack of specifics on incentives offered.

Several races have said upfront that there are no prizes. No money, no merchandise, no primes, zip, nada, zilch! That's fine I guess, it's not my personal preference as a promoter; but then why charge such a high price ($25-30) to compete?

Other races mention "CASH" to placings such and such deep, but lack details. Not only is that against the USA Cycling rulebook, it also can lead to a bait & switch situation. I fully understand the issue of offering up a certain prize package and having a weak field represented; but that's a lesson learned when thinking about offering prizes to that field next year (if offering that particular field a race at all), and the price of promoting a race (no guarantee of sufficient entries covering the cost of the race).

I cannot point to anybody racing solely in the PNW that relies on this sport as their source of income; we all pretty much do this for the fun, upgrade points, and/or bragging rights until the next weekend.

But I can point to those who will race selectively based on the perceived value for their hard earned dough; in effect boycotting selective races that offer "nothing"* or are short on specifics for their high entry fee.

From my perspective race promoting was for the love of the sport with a large enough prize package (both cash & merchandise) to provide enough of a carrot for every field to chase; while making sure my race staff was cared for, covering expenses and putting a little money towards my kids college fund.

I applaud all those who thrust themselves into promoting racing as it gives us all a chance to get out and compete; but you also have to strike a balance between what is a fair value for what is charged. A no-frills race certainly has its place, just not expected to come with a premium price. Though the basic tenet that something is worth what someone else will pay for it; is true until that someone has buyer's remorse & refuses to get fooled again.

*what I mean by "nothing" is that participants get the standard safe race with corners marshaled diligently, total or rolling road closure, and Officials monitoring and scoring correctly; but without any frills. Typically the promoter puts in as little an effort that is required to get by, while trying to maximize their bottom line.