Opinion - Elite Racing Teams

[smilingcat]

When I read this late last night I thought "oh boy a tough call".

I guess what one needs to do here is look at dollars and cents if you are more concerned about the financial side of things.

Granted the 4% spends nearly 50% of total capital.

4% of 346 people come out to be 14 people and together they spend $25.5k or $1842 per person.

the other 96% or 332 spends $29.9K or roughly $90.00 per person.

Stark contrast. BBBUTTTTT!!!

Do the gang of 14 bring enough prestige to the group where they are actually bringing in the endorsements and sponsorship that you otherwise might not get? Deep discounts for everybody that you may not get otherwise? Did you get a frame at a deep discount. These are the hidden cost that the 96% needs to look at it too.

Does the gang of 14 bring in qualified coaches and trainer? there is cost associated. And what out of pocket expense would it be if you were to spend the money to get a qualified coach and trainer? I don't think you pay extra above your membership dues for that... Again its a hidden benefit you may have overlooked.

And how much do you spend on your membership? If you expenses is pretty small and get the coaching, training, deep discounts on frames parts... Maybe its worth having the gang of 14 elite riders.

If they don't bring in the added perks to the group as a whole maybe it isn't worth it. And let the cat1s be recruited to teams with elite riders.

Being a developmental teams isn't a bad thing at all. Besides, the higher you go up the food chain, fun becomes less important. It GETS WAY TOO SERIOUS. IMO.

food for thought.
wish you guys lots of luck in working this out amicably,

smiligcat

just one more thing...

It just occured to me that clubs that have an elite squad are generally very large. 385 membership is pretty big but it sounds bit on the small side for supporting an elite squad. Not the smallest club but it does sound to be on a smaller side of things. And does your club also have a recreational group as well?? or is it just strictly racing? compare your club to others with an elite squad and see where you stand.