USAC Marshal Meltdown - You Screw Up Everything! 52

all, take the name calling somewhere else. you can disagree all you want, but keep it civil.

Edited. Apologies.

Scott Tucker > USAC.

Did usac ever state what rule was broken to justify the dq?
That is no way for an official to treat a paying customer. Very poor example for usa cycling. I am glad they really are out of mtb racing on the east coast.

No they never stated what rule was broken.

High five to the real winner! He was fastest down the hill. Simple as that. Nice run dude!

It does strike me that there is a relationship between them. I can't imagine he's talking to a complete stranger? Nonetheless. It was a great run and very disappointing he was DQ'd for something that was in some ways beyond his control. He was as the start on time, whether the rules state that he was meant to be there significantly before his start time is a different matter. Yelling is of course unnecessary. I know a lot of these folks are volunteers and even if they're paid I doubt the officials are getting rich. But the USAC seems to be taking advantage at these events to charge exorbitant fees. They wanted $125 or more last year for me to add on short track to my xc race, and that was just too much to justify; nationals or not.
USAC officials and volunteers run a race at MD called the Greenbrier Challenge, and it's one of the best organized races I've ever seen. They even payout in CAT 1 XC giving virtually all profit back to the racers. So, i know USAC people can do it right! USAC controls Road, TT, Track, Cyclocross, and BMX, but in MTB promoters have been not only running their own races but advertising the fact that they aren't affiliated with USAC. It's really a sad state of affairs that culminated a couple years ago with Cannondale pulling all their riders to take them to the 'unsanctioned' Whiskey 50, and when Jeremiah Bishop was passed over for the US Team in favor of someone who hadn't finished a single USAC tour event that year! I understand relations have much improved since then and it lead to some fantastic world cup qualifying xc events in the early season. Things should continue to move forward. But it also means USAC has to continue up their game in support of their own MTB community. They are still the only way for our riders to get to the world stage.

It seems like something or someone is being under-managed at the USAC events.

This is the same guy that threatened to pull my license in Angelfire because I (along with all the other junior pros) didn't know that a $250 UCI license was required to race Pro GRT's. If they would've told me in advance or enforced it in the first race of the series I'd understand but yelling at me for your mistake, not ok. Then at nationals threatened to DQ me during Dual Slalom practice when I was trying to set my front tire in the right spot on the gate. Then threatened to DQ and fine me during Enduro for playing music on my phone (not through headphones or earbuds just out loud) because apparently it endangers other riders, myself and him. And finally this is the same official that gave the fines for peeing and then lied to the other officials about the fine telling them the pro riders just whipped it out and started peeing in line. USAC as a whole isn't bad, but this ONE guy is ruining it for everyone! Please USAC get rid of him! All of my other experiences with officials have almost always been positive and most of the officials are good people!

Sorry guys I have to chip in here. I'm a race organiser in Australia and a race. I know how hard it can be to organise riders. That is not abusive in my opinion, I have seen and given out worse. You don't have any idea what stress breaking the beam like that can do to a timing system.

There's been a lot of whingeing on here, looks like some of it was discussed with officials at the event. I hope all of it was. That's the best avenue to do in a respectful manner.

Good luck

please just stop...races are about the riders not the organizers. no one wants to hear about some horse pucky stress you endure as a promoter.

I didn't say it stresses me, I said it causes stress.

So you worked running the computer on timing?

My point is if a rider has an issue you should bring it up with the organiser first. An online form first is not very good. I also stated some of these issues appear to have been raised by riders with organisers which is good.

The event is about everyone too by the way

Nope. Ryan Villapoto doesn't show up late to the start and he doesn't climb past the Monster Energy girl to do it.

If you race, you show up to the start early, find the start list, confirm your time and that you are in line and ready and then walk your butt into the gate when it is your turn. You are the king of hugs and excuses.

i have also designed/tested course, marshaled and worked timing at races up to the NAET & EWS level. its not a big deal at all, if you know what you are doing. thats what manual backup timing is for. and if working a race is so stressful for you that you end up acting in this manner towards hard-working and big $$$-paying racers you need to find a new job. librarian maybe? this is supposed to be fun.
blows my mind people even bother with USAC anymore, just a stream of nonstop drama!

I'm guessing that guy wears a little red hat at night, with "make downhill great again", on it.
Dick move official. Dick move.

sometimes I just love living in Sweden, would be so extremly rare to shit like this go down. In any type of sport or event. In this case here the timing officials would just have kept the start hut clear and shouting for the next rider. If you even tried entering from the front they would stop you and make you go around.


I do have to say its kind of strange that he even went through the front without asking and it still not acceptable to be late to your start time. But still no reason to get hammered like he got.

The official seems to already know the guy.

its also safe to assume your a complete douche haha but really if you dont actually know the facts then shut up

I can't shut up. I'm typing, not talking. Duh!

this marshal needs to come say hello to my liddel friend

Iceman Chuck Liddell is your friend?

Unbelievable! Can't this be appealed? Struggle to believe that mistake gives legit grounds for a DQ especially under the circumstances. If this happened in the UK, the entire MTB community would be in uproar and putting some serious pressure on the organisers.

I think the entire UK wouldn't be stupid enough to show up to the start gate late and then try to charge through the front of the gate, basically cutting in line, possibly ruining someone else's run by maybe distracting the timers from their job and just flay out not doing the most basic rules of racing. Come in the back.

If they were doing there job and didn't allow the rider behind me in the gate I could of. I was headed there. Realized I couldn't do went threw the front. That's how much time I had and how late I wansnt! Your a troll and have nothing better to do. Get a life you lame. Go out side and do something. You sound like a cop

Hey man I'll begging back east. Says you live in Nc. I'll be going threw that area. Like to meet up?

So we can hug it out? I don't do fights any more. Kids, job, ceramic tooth...stuff like that. Be happy to ride with anybody fast that likes to talk shit while we pedal.

My son ran a great race and put everything he had into this season! The way he was treated pissed me off. They told him ok and started his countdown. He didn't screw up anything...may be the USAC officials should pull their heads out of their a**es. There should have been room for him at the start gate or better yet don't run practice so close to their start time. He was there to win and to have this a**hole treat him this way is uncalled for. Thank you Vital for your kind words. There is a problem that needs to be fixed!

You are so full of it. If he's your son, you should be embarrassed at his ass hattery. The video said he's racing 30+ Cat 1. He's a grown man who should be able to wipe his ass the right way. I've raced since I was a kid in everything from motocross to BMX to mountain bikes to road bikes. Not one grown man on this planet have I ever seen that was STUPID ENOUGH to go through THE FRONT OF A START GATE!!!!
He wasn't there to WIN or he'd have been at the start gate that apparently there were so many other guys capable of getting to...that it was crowded. So your son, who thinks life revolves around him, decided I get to do whatever i feel like and go the other way.

It is LITERALLY THE ONE AND ONLY THING AS A RACER YOU HAVE TO DO RIGHT AND GET IT RIGHT ONCE!!! Everybody quit ass grabbing and coddling. This is a 30 year grown man walking in the start gate ass backwards for the first time in race history.
CAN WE NOT SAY HE'S JUST A FAST IDIOT with a mommy who posts on mtb sites????

BIZUTCH I don't care how old my son is I will have his back or anyone elses back when they are screwed over. Sorry if you don't like the fact I'm a MOM and post on mtb sites. Last time I checked I have EVERY RIGHT to post here as you do! Trust me my son can wipe his own a** and fight his own battles. Yes, you are right racers should be at the start gate on time. After the lift up the mountain he cut it close.There is a reason why a grace period is granted ... shit happens but if a rider is there they are allowed to start. Well how do you make that start if the rest of your class are stacked up to the starting gate? Don't tell me he wasn't there to win! Everyone is allowed their own opinion and you have stated yours ....so now here is mine.... you SOUND LIKE AN IDIOT for being so butt hurt because a MOMMY posted HER opinion on what happened. You had one thing right... he is fast but far from an idiot trust me.

The way you get around that line ma'am is to get to the top way ahead of your start time. Flat out. You're still making excuses.

I have been the idiot I call your son and rolled up to a start gate by the hair of my head barely able to get in the gate.

I've watched plenty of guys miss their start time.
I've sat on crowded lifts, slow lifts, freezing lifts, stopped lifts, rickety shuttle trucks, you name it.

I realized I love to race so much that I WILL ALWAYS SHOW UP EARLY because that's what grown ups do. It's what everyone does...except your son.

Your son didn't show up early, he didn't show up on time. No, rather than just accept his punishment for his mistake, he posted his run that didn't count and even labeled it "winning run." Just stop it and mail him some cookies.

Lmfao! If I broke a rule why was I counted down? Hmmm no rules stating I can be there I time. I still had time on my clock. I hope you get stuck on a lift

Oh I can't wait too meet you.

Check your rule book. 2016 Rulebook:

"(d) Each rider shall report to the starter at least three minutes before their scheduled starting time and shall start at the scheduled time. A rider starting early shall receive a time penalty, as determined by the Chief Referee. If a rider appears later than the appointed starting time, the start will be allowed only if it does not interfere with the riders starting on schedule. If it does interfere, the rider may be further delayed. In case of a late start, the appointed start time shall be used in computing the results unless the rider has been granted a new start time as provided elsewhere in these race regulations or in the technical guide for the event. The rider’s bicycle must be stationary at the moment of the start."

Glad you posted those physical threats online. I screenshoted them. Can't be too careful. I got kids and don't do the whole fight thing any more. I'ms sure you and I would have had a lot of fun taking it out on each other when I was teen. But men can handle strong words. You'll live. Real men can accept when they've made mistakes and admit to them too. Not just give excuses. Didn't say you can't ride a bike fast, which is what really matters. Suck it up.

I have dealt with this official out in Arizona before. He's a real A**hole to deal with @ local races also. USAC needs to do something about his attitude towards the riders. I guarantee this isn't the first time he's done this

Wow such an unnecessary demeanor. F that guy! What's his name anyone know?

I would expect a warning or reprimand from someone at the start hut. If there was a problem, they apparently got over it and let him take his run. Why does the guy at the bottom have to nearly come unglued? You put up good money to race at National Champs and shouldn't have to walk on egg shells everywhere and get treated like this. Imagine the roller coaster Finn Jr. just went on; he has an awesome run, (unofficially) wins, then immediately chewed out by an official...and DQ'd. Unreal. I'd be pretty sour on paying another dime to USAC.

Imagine you're the other 250 responsible adults who did the right thing, got there early, confirmed your time, replies to the spotter, paid the same money and were all able to get it right without their mommy hand holding them or you guys giving him a free pass. Racing is awesome, it doesn't have to be serious but it's seriously SOOOOO EASY to show up like the rest of the world. Wanna give him a freebie, let it be on your couch.

He was late and couldn't get in the right way what was he supposed to do? Just not race? Fuck that, dude was there to race and win. Not to mention no one stopped him at the gate so where are the officials up top? They obviously didn't care or couldn't be bothered to even be there. Im sure dude has been on time for alot of races one mistake doesn't mean you should talk shit to his fam and be a complete ass hole but thats just kind of dude you are I guess.

You are Captain Excuse. You want me to go get your participation trophy so you can put it next to your Intramural team t-shirt?

Yeah, I'm talking shit to his mommy because he is 30 years old and the only mommy's boy who didn't show up on time whose mommy is on a forum defending a mistake.

Rules are what wins AND loses races. Should you be allowed to cut the course a Itty bit or none at all?

People are raging on USA Cycling for fining people, and that's fine by me to be upset about.

But this thread is a poorly misplaced bashing of a legitimate rule.put in place to keep idiots from triggering the timer, wandering into the gate whenever they feel like it...and more than anything, shutting down excuse after excuse after excuse for not showing when and where you should.

Hypocrites demanding officials maintain professionalism, but still be your buddy and your brother when you're the one who should take the full blame for not being in line.

Man your funny! Put it this way the rules state I got 2 fucking min to make it there! Your some troll that sits online i would smash your damn face in! I've never once had a problem with any official always yes sir no ma'am thank you sir thank you ma'am! When you run a practice close to a race shot is bound to happen! Does Ryan vilapoto have practice 20 min before his race! Does rv have to ride a bike almost a mile to make some fucking tire changes? Does rv have to fucking wait till dinner time to fucking race? You would never talk to my mom like that in person! Your a piece of shit! I hope you fucking get hit by a car you fucking lame!

I broke no rule you lame!

Is that official your daddy or something? Your ass is way too red over it. Stay classy.

(d) Each rider shall report to the starter at least THREE minutes before their scheduled starting time and shall start at the scheduled time. A rider starting early shall receive a time penalty, as determined by the Chief Referee. If a rider appears later than the appointed starting time, the start will be allowed only if it does not interfere with the riders starting on schedule. If it does interfere, the rider may be further delayed. In case of a late start, the appointed start time shall be used in computing the results unless the rider has been granted a new start time as provided elsewhere in these race regulations or in the technical guide for the event. The rider’s bicycle must be stationary at the moment of the start."

Concerning the rule quoted above, He did not arrive 3 minutes before his start time and he was allowed to start because his start did not interfere with the riders starting on schedule. The finish official was upset for some reason other than a rule violation. The man appears to be insane. Your comments are rude and useless.

I can't see how he broke that quoted rule? And if seems even if he did arrive too late they'd just delay him and put him off even later is all. But he didn't delay anyone and didn't miss his start.

But okay for enduro to be late! Your a fucking lame that is a squid that barely rides wasn't there! Actually I want to hear more of your stupid thoughts. Mr I'm so fuckingn perfect!

@RichardFinnjr I'm not perfect. Stated (I'm long winded so you may have missed it), but I've been in your spot and almost missed a race run at a National and watched guys travel cross country and miss their start and get NO run.

Let's get real honest. How long before your run did you PHYSICALLY ARRIVE within 50 yards of the Start house? When did you check in with the spotter who stands outside the start house lining riders up in order? The spotter at a National usually has the riders IN RACE ORDER 10-20 riders deep.
If it's 10 riders, 30 second intervals, you still had 5 minutes if you're where you're supposed to be. Be honest.

Bizutch, Um...no one likes you, or your opinion. Sh*t happens, and you are a prime example of this.

Noted.

He was probably late because the line to the porta-potty he was in was longer than expected. You know, since you can't just piss in the woods without getting fined.

the official volunteer or not... wasn't calm in demeanor or professional when confronting the rider (who pinned it) way fired up from the race was way calmer. I understand if you miss you're start in Elite / Pro. but for amateur master event even if it's national champs who cares. USAC is running quite the side show out in California this year reminds me of MT Snow from 2006 - 2008 just taxing everyone for anything $$$. * The hole in the track * Piss Fines *Kmetz and Pitts ? fined for improving safety standards * Now this for amatuer masters racers .C' MON... put Ulmer in charge of everything !

This is absolutely ridiculous. The rider was not be rude or arrogant in any way yet the marshall still attacks him. Also why did the marshal care if he was recording the conversation? Was he not comfortable with what he was going to say? It obviously did not cause any issues with the timing system so why not just have an adult conversation with him and a warning? Can't believe they screwed this guy out of a National Championship. I would be losing my sh!t