I think that the privately run “cross funds” like in the past are not the best method, as you continue to not fix the system. We can’t make USAC do anything with their existing funds, even though we pay for CX licenses, but perhaps we can convince them that we, as the CX Community, are willing to take a $1 hit per race entry which they can collect from the promoter with their insurance fees.

Put that in a fund managed by Gully etc. to fund all U23′s for the worlds trip, then the Juniors, if money allows. I think over the course of a year, the numbers would easily work out.

Jerry

Ryan, those are some great ideas. I tried to do a fundraiser for my trip over last year, but was only mildly successful. USA Cycling did fund several athletes at the camp this year, but it was only because there was extra funding left over from earlier in the season. In the past the camp has not been funded, and only a few riders are funded each year for the Worlds. The funded riders still have to pay to get there, but they are covered for costs incurred once there. For everyone else at the Worlds for example, they have to pay for their trip there and then a team fee for transportation, food, team clothing etc.

In short, racing internationally becomes hugely expensive very quickly. However, I think doses of high level international racing plays a crucial role in rider development, and anything we can do to defray costs would be very beneficial.