Sarasota SX cancelled? Options

[DoranB]

Just read a link on Genes BMX to an article that details Sarasotas decision to pull the plug on the SX race in September. Any locals have any inside info?

[MikeCarruth]

I am working on a story on this for BMX NEWS tomorrow. But, before posting it, I wanted to check a few facts.

The news article I am sure Gene and I both read (though I was unable to find the link Doran was talking about on that site) does not say the "Sarasota UCI BMX Supercross World Cup," although it very well may be that... it talks about the "Olympic Trials."

The article does not list a date or month of the event for which that the negotiations collapsed, so it is hard to pin down, without further clarification (which I have sent inquiries seeking), as I know there were many levels to the plans for SX in Sarasota, including a permanent facility (or, at least that was the chatter).

Adding more to the speculation that it may be the September event, the article talks about how *UCI* was unable to agree to certain language in the contract (which is commonplace in the US, though not so much for foriegn companies)...this leads me to believe it may very well be the SX event in September, because I always thought the (US) Olympic Trials were a USAC/USOC event (and would, presumably, be run in Chula Vista), so it may just be a case of the mainstream media not knowing the terminology.

On the other hand, the previously-announced location of the September SX event was "on the beach," while the location in the article is stated as the "Sarasota County Fairgrounds," which is inland. And the article makes no mention of GSX, which I found strange.

It also says "Plans called for about 150 riders to compete in the Olympic trials" which is more consistent with the SX race than the trials, which should only have a handful of "Long-Team" riders competing.

Of course, you'd hope that important details such as this would be dialed in WAY before 60 days prior to the event, so my hope is that they are talking about the Trials, and the OTC is a good fallback--with the Sarasota SX going off as planned.

Here is the link to the article:
http://bmxurl.com/sarasotasx

More facts on this, via BMXNEWS tomorrow (If I can get the right people to return my inquiries).

Best,

M

[justride]

Leave it to the UCI to ruin everything, they're starting to look like the UN in some respects with the way they try to play politics.

[DoranB]

On the other hand, the previously-announced location of the September SX event was "on the beach," while the location in the article is stated as the "Sarasota County Fairgrounds," which is inland

Yeah, the beach location got scraped around the same time all the NBL stuff was going down.

[carlito]

Leave it to the UCI to ruin everything, they're starting to look like the UN in some respects with the way they try to play politics.

If you can get your hands on Aug issue of Mountain Bike Action Magazine you may get a good glance at the efforts of the UCI to ruin MTB XC racing.

[MikeCarruth]

Details are trickling in to the BMX News newsroom, even beyond business hours...and it is coming clear that the "Patch" article is in error, and NOT referring to the US Olympic Trials, afterall, which will be held at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, CA on June 16th, 2012.

This leaves us with little doubt, though no confirmation from official sources, that the Sarasota World Cup on September 16-17, 2011 is the focus of the article (and, thus, will likely be canceled).

And, just prior to lights out, another article popped up in Sarasota media, which DOES list the September event, specifically, saying:

"The BMX event had been scheduled to take place at the fairgrounds over four days in September..."

http://bmxurl.com/sarasotaheraldsx


More to come on bmxnews.com tomorrow (Wednesday).

Best,

M

[justride]

If you can get your hands on Aug issue of Mountain Bike Action Magazine you may get a good glance at the efforts of the UCI to ruin MTB XC racing.

I read about that. Some of what the UCI does seems like they are against the riders and what they want to see.

[MikeCarruth]

(IMG:http://www.bmxnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/sarasota_beach.jpg)

Posted an article on BMX News which includes comments from Johan Lindstrom

Read The Story Now!


M

[Badbmxer]

What a Joke, GSX is BS.
They should leave the North America SX series to the Pros at the ABA.

[MeredithJL]

I just read Lindstrom's comments, which come off more like a temper tantrum. Calling Sarasota County 'unprofessional', lol!!

[RBIGroup]

I just read Lindstrom's comments, which come off more like a temper tantrum. Calling Sarasota County 'unprofessional', lol!!

I agree 100% with Meredith on this, wasn't this the same group who blamed the city officals of Primm, NV for that race not being pulled off?

Buntster

[WillMurray]

Now would seem like a good time for Mr. Roker to slide in with his track in Daytona that is supposed to be in the works? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/worried_anim.gif)

[RBIGroup]

Now would seem like a good time for Mr. Roker to slide in with his track in Daytona that is supposed to be in the works?

Sadly, I have more faith in Renny then this group....

Buntster

[Bikemonkeys]

I agree 100% with Meredith on this, wasn't this the same group who blamed the city officals of Primm, NV for that race not being pulled off?

Buntster

How many cities are going to Google GXS and see that they haven't gotten a really good track record of getting these races going?

[MeredithJL]

How many cities are going to Google GXS and see that they haven't gotten a really good track record of getting these races going?

The same amount that will also see that the head of GSX likes to publicly trash whatever city is involved if and when things don't work out. I don't know anything about Primm, but I doubt this latest collapse in negotiations was entirely the fault of Sarasota County. It's too bad the Sarasota event fell apart.