Minutes of Meeting of the BC Cyclo-Cross Commission
Ibis Hotel, Rugby East, 2 April 2008
Present: Ian Poole (Chairman); Martin Eadon, Ben Eedy, Chris Gooch, Pete Hargroves, Pete Mooney, Liz Slater (Commission members); Brian Furness (BC Cyclo-Cross Co-ordinator); Steve Grimwood, Carl Thompson (guests).
Apologies for Absence
Received from Kelvin Hoy, Charles Jackson.
Minutes of Previous Meeting
The minutes of the previous meeting held on 8th December 2007 had been circulated and were agreed as a true record.
Matters Arising
There were no matters arising.
Minutes of Annual Conference
The minutes of the Annual Conference held on 23rd February 2008 had been circulated and were agreed as a true record.
Matters Arising
Commissaire clothing. The matter of higher quality commissaire clothing had been raised with Samantha Matthews by Ian Poole and Martin Eadon, but the response indicated that, given the large number of commissaries involved, the cost of providing this free of charge would be beyond the scope of the budget. Brian Furness pointed out that in several regions, because many commissaries also rode, numerous commissaries had been accredited, but would only be appointed for one event so that they could continue to compete in the others; clearly it was impractical to provide more expensive clothing for one day per year. He noted that in the case of a similar matter of clothing provision for National Escort Group motorcyclists, a minimum number of events was required before clothing could be issued, and this may be a way forward in making the purchase of better clothing viable. Unfortunately, information on regional commissaire activity was incomplete, and Commission members were asked to assist in obtaining details of such activity within their respective regions.
Risk Assessment Training. It had been agreed that further development of the risk assessment framework was desirable, with more discipline specific examples; Chris Gooch to lead on this. Steve Grimwood offered to forward a copy of the comprehensive document used at Ipswich.
Pit Etiquette Guidelines. Ian Poole indicated that this was close to completion. Pete Hargroves commented that the provision of jet washers by the promoter may raise health and safety issues, in that it placed a duty of care on the promoter to ensure that such equipment was used safely and responsibly. In such cases, the provision of an operator may also be necessary.
Sponsorship. Further to the point raised by Pete Mooney at the Conference, it was proposed that guidelines/template letter be produced to assist organisers in securing local sponsorship. Brian Furness to pursue with the marketing department.
Under-12s. The opposition of the Conference to a national championship at this level was noted and endorsed, but the Commission revisited the issue of free entry to under-12 races, which had become a central pillar of cyclo-cross policy. Ben Eedy noted that with fields of 70+ in some areas, and all expecting a prize, these races were creating a significant revenue issue for some promoters. The wide disparity in ability and age within the under-12 category was also noted, although it was pointed out that organisers were free to split into sub categories. The entry fee matter was deferred, however the Commissioned reaffirmed the principle of maintaining competition at this level as “fun-based”.
Regulations. The point raised by Vin Cox on incorporating the need for gridding into the rulebook was acknowledged. Brian Furness to review the wording.
Finance and Administration
An updated income/expenditure sheet for the cyclo-cross programme up to the end of March, plus outline budget for 2008-09, was circulated. The balance sheet was discussed item by item and approved.
National Programme
2008-2009 National Trophy Series. Following on from the previous discussion on the overall budget, the cyclo-cross co-ordinator circulated a detailed analysis of series income and costs. He noted that a £6,000 shortfall between net entry fees and prize money could not be sustained, and that this could be addressed in two ways: an increase in entry fees and/or a reduction in prize money, more specifically the abolition of the overall prize fund. This was an element which had been maintained from the period of substantial commercial sponsorship during the 1980s, but was now difficult to justify given current funding streams. The Commission agreed to abolish the overall prize list, but to leave entry fees unchanged for 2008-2009 following a 12.5% increase the previous year. It was suggested that some of the prize lists for individual events should be reviewed in certain categories, and be dependent upon the number of entries received, and while it was acknowledged that this may conflict with the requirement to publish prize lists in advance, the cyclo-cross co-ordinator was asked to look at ways of addressing this.
The 2008-2009 promoting venues were reviewed. Ben Eedy reported that issues at Derby regarding the need to provide a deposit against the reinstatement of land had been addressed, and while there were still some concerns in the event of very severe conditions, plans were going ahead. Martin Eadon and Pete Mooney noted that development work at Mallory was continuing, but this would not hamper the construction of a viable course.
Inter Area Championships. This had still not been finalised. It was felt that, following the success of the 2007 event, every effort should be made to maintain the momentum by seeking a promoter for 2008 at a Midlands location. It was agreed that the Commission would cover the costs of the national judging team, and contribute an agreed sum of up to £500 to underwrite venue costs if this would assist in making this happen. Pete Mooney was asked to seek a promoter in the West Midlands region on this basis.
2009 National Championships Update. It was noted that Martin Eadon had been co-opted onto the National Championship workgroup by the Yorkshire Committee, and he was asked to keep the Commission informed of progress.
National/Major Events 2009-10 and Beyond. The Commission received a presentation from Steve Grimwood and Carl Thompson on discussions with Ipswich Borough Council and other key partners in Suffolk concerning the local authority’s vision of bringing major events to the region. Brian Furness pointed out that a bid for a major championship needed the support of British Cycling, and therefore would need to fit within its major event strategy.
On a wider point, it was agreed that there was a need to try and develop longer term future planning in the allocation of future major events, and this would be a key issue in the proposed organisers’ seminar to be held in the spring.
International Competition Update
Brian Furness, Pete Hargroves and Martin Eadon summarised the outcomes of the meeting of international competition personnel held in February. It had been agreed that it was no longer viable to allocate funds towards participation in elite World Cup events, and that some available resources would be diverted towards nurturing talent at the younger end of the age spectrum. To this end, it was proposed that a training weekend be held at the start of the season, focussing primarily on riders in the 16-20 age band who were able to demonstrate a commitment to cyclo-cross. From this group, it was envisaged that a smaller selection would be made, with targets based on domestic performance, and some continental races below World Cup level. Brian Furness indicated that he had spoken to Gary Coltman, who was happy to support this from the Talent Team perspective. Martin Eadon was asked to pursue options.
It was noted that the issue of stolen equipment at the World Championships was still being pursued with the insurers.
Commissaire & Officials' Training
Some issues had already been aired during discussion of item 5 of this agenda. Ian Poole and Chris Gooch reported briefly on their meeting with BC Volunteer Support Officer Rob Jefferies, and indicated that they were scheduled to get back to him shortly to address action points.
Any Other Business
None raised.
Date(s) of Next Meeting(s)
To be advised.