What does everyone think about the timing chip resolution? I really was quite confused about the whole thing. I personally like the mandate of requiring chip timing use at events. However, I think they could have left it at that. What does everyone else think?

I just received a newsletter via email from USA Cycling with the following item:

•  USA Cycling is proud to announce a new affinity partnership with AMB Identification and Timing. AMB is the world's leader in timing and scoring and provides transponder-based race timing systems. AMB's timing systems continue to be the proven timing system of choice at the Tour de France, UCI World Cups, and many other cycling and sporting events in the U.S. and around the world. Racers will receive a 10% discount off ProChip transponder orders with a current USA Cycling license. For more information on the partnership, click here or visit www.amb-it.com.

I understand that for reasons specific to our area the UCA is looking at going with a Winning Time system but given the partnership between USAC and AMB will going in that direction hurt us in the long run?

Hopefully someone on the UCA board has more information and can work with USAC to understand the best course of action.

 Jeff Stenquist

Thanks Jeff for the update. This resolution has been brewing around he USA Cycling headquarters for a few months now. I wonder if UCA did there homework or if they have been sleeping with SportsBase so often they forgot.

I was all "down" with them "requiring" a chip timing solution but I disagree with them choosing a provider since each race director has special needs (no pun intended) and each timing provider can provide different services.

Is anyone else concerned with this outcome? If chip prices were a big concern then it seems that AMB/USAC have figured something out. 

Also, how many of you spend a 100 of gels during a season? One Chip (that will last MINIMUM 3 years) = 50-75 Gel packs.

 

bikeidaho:

 I appreciate you taking the time to get involved.  I would like to respond to a few issues.  First and most importantly, we are not requiring anyone to use any specific company.  The promoters can time a race with any chip system from any provider they want.  At the meeting where all of this was decided, all but on individual was in favor of chip timing.  There were over 60 people present.  All we are requiring is chip timing, nothing more.

 In order to keep costs down, we have agreed to supply the promoter with an option that is as low as we can make it at the same time allowing for the riders to spend as little as possible.  Again, the promoter does not have to use the system or companies that we have agreed to work with.  If someone wants to go with milliseconds or any other company, I am behind that 100%

We chose to create a relationship with Winning Time based on several factors.  This biggest are customer service and price.  Yes, USAC has endorsed AMB, but that is largely due to a financial arrangement that will give USAC some money in return.  An AMB chip will run $100.  It wil last about three years and then must be replaced.  A Winning Time chip can be shipped to your door for $40.95 and will last indefinitely because you will be able to change out the battery.  Incidentally, Winning Time will probably become a partner with USA Cycling as well.

 In summary, we are allowing and welcoming all timing systems that meet our needs including AMB and Milliseconds.  We have come up with an option for the promoters that will make it extremely inexpensive to follow the mandate that was passed at our annlual meeting by the membership to have chip timing.  In doing so, we are representing the riders, promoters and officials as is our responsibility.

 We will be sending out much more information as we get things rolling.  Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.

Ferg