It’s true! As Cycling Australia gets to grips with new financial limitations following the global financial meltdown, it has made the obviously tough decision to wind-up it High Performance Mountain Biking program that supports Australian Mountain Bike athletes train for, and reach events like the World Cup, World Championships perhaps most worryingly, the Olympic Games.

Read CA’s press release here

I’m sure this was a tough decision to reach considering CA’s fractured relationship with Mountain Bikers; but it really sucks too!

For one, although Rowena Fry, Gracie Elvin and Paul Van der Ploeg will receive support into 2010, what will this mean for Australia’s Olympic hopes? I might not be the greatest racer, but I love to watch our hopefuls duke it out on the greatest international sporting stage against the worlds best knowing that billions are watching. A lack of presence here will be a massive disappointment.

Sure, Olympic distance Cross-Country might be an area we could improve in, but I find it hard to believe that we have lost such an invaluable resource in CA’s support. The effect on younger racers will be huge too – it would be hard to not be demoralised as a fast, fit whipper-snapper with your eyes on any of the gold available out there internationally.

Thankfully CA has not cut the program wholesale. Coach Neil Ross will most likely stay on to oversee the athletes mentioned above and pathways to get exception riders to the big races still exist but I can’t help thinking that this decision to focus resources on programmes with ‘greater Olympic medal prospects’ will is a cutback that will definitely damage our sport.

Please put in your comments here and on the forum to get real discussion going about CA’s decision

Hugh