FLCC> ESG qualifiers - Cookies Crumbling ?

[Glenn Swan]

Cookies crumbling ?  No way.

	The Cookies were better represented at the ESG qualifiers than the posted 
results might imply. As was pointed out before, Don Sproull, Ano Garcia, 
Joe Bailey and I all qualified for the team. Several other spots on the 
team were filled by Tuesday night regulars, who although they don't race in 
Cookies colors, are taken as part of the local cycling scene. Ithaca was 
well represented, comprising at least half of the Central team. We might 
have been even more prevalent if it were not for the fact that bureaucratic 
elements stepped in and voided perhaps three of our strongest Cookies 
riders. I am disappointed that Matt Plumb, Brian Lawney, and perhaps 
Cameron Cogburn as well, were deemed ineligible for the games because of 
changing definitions of what constitutes proof of address (racing license ? 
place of residence for the last number of years ? driver's license ? birth 
certificate ? ...) Brian and Matt were refused entry, and it was only after 
some pushing that they were allowed the satisfaction of at least riding the 
TT part of the qualifier after driving to Binghamton early Sunday AM. They 
both beat Norm Valerio (in his car) to the top of the climb, so their times 
are approximate, but it appears they posted the fastest times of the day - 
bar none in the hillclimb TT. Not bad eh ?
	
To put it in a little more perspective consider the quality of riders who 
came out for the qualifiers this year... Did I say that we have the 
strongest team I have seen in many years ?  You won't believe how powerful 
this team is....Top qualifier was Corey Burns, who has been riding on the 
top US amateur team, doing many pro races in the US for the last 2-3 years. 
And when guys like Wayne Bray, who has been a top regional rider for a few 
years, as well as one of the strong boys on last year's squad, fails to 
make the team, you know we have some depth. In fact half of last year's 
squad went home empty handed ! I rode a good TT (for me) and was happy to 
finish 4th. When Andy Melnychenko has a good ride and finishes 5th or 6th 
you know we have guys who can climb. I won't get started about the points 
race and how fast a couple of our guys can sprint, but I am going to be 
happy to lead out Brad Crosby and Stevie O because they're fast enough to 
make my efforts worthwhile. And that's if Corey isn't already in a 
breakaway up the road...I'm actually pretty psyched about this year's team. 
And I will only wonder how much better it might have been with certain 
other local Cookies riders in the mix as well.

Glenn