This is the most recent correspondence between Stan Koziatek, Mary McConneloug, and Michael Broderick of NoTubes.
Stan,
When it comes to the high stakes involved in Olympic selection, don’t believe everything you hear. These are the times! We need your support. We will do everything we can to resolve this. I’ve seen web articles that give the Olympic spot for Mary and others that give it to Sue. It’s all rubbish so far! The USA Cycling guys, who made the decision, are concerned that the selection process was delayed. As of Thursday, July 15th, there was no official decision regarding the U.S. Women’s Olympic spot.
We are appealing to two main points: 1. Her result may be nullified if the mystery woman who competed in 2004 World Championship Marathon without transponder. We don’t believe there is enough evidence to prove that she rode the entire course. It is not possible to prove that she did. A UCI rule is cryptic and states that there are no transponders no times then no final result. We have high hopes for #2. The 2003 Schweitzer Mtn points are a sticky topic. Short Track. The UCI has not yet recognized the UCI-ranked short track race at Schweitzer Mtn last year. Trek (Sue Haywoods sponsor), is likely lobbying for this, but the UCI website has not yet listed the points. It’s been more than a year.
According to the grapevine, some U.S. cyclists and France Cycling staff met while they were in Ecuador. Concerning the Schweitzer Mtn. points into the selection criteria. They agreed in a backroom meeting to bypass the UCI rules and include points in the Olympic chase. Mary wasn’t informed about the meeting, and she showed up after the discussion regarding the Schweitzer points had concluded. It is wrong. All parties involved in decisions of this scale must be present and accountable. She was only one of eight people affected by this decision. She was not allowed to speak or invited to participate in the discussion. The Schweitzer Mtn. The UCI rankings should not include Short Track. These points are not valid because Mary was not part of the Ecuadorian discussion.
Although it may be too late for the UCI points to be changed, Trek is certain that they will do everything possible. Mary and I are very disappointed by the point confusion and the last-minute attempt to include this event into the points chase. We’ve been keeping track of the UCI points website, just as we were supposed to, and then this happens. Unbelievable! Is she being kept in the dark? This was a conspiracy between France Cycling and the other athletes? We can only hope Mary’s exclusion from the Ecuador meeting was not intentional. We hope everyone can agree that no decision regarding this matter should be made without all parties’ consent. Mary, I, our friends, family, sponsors, and other concerned parties will all do our best to resolve this matter.
Thanks,
Mary McConneloug and Mike Broderick
