The point that confuses me is the Australian attitude that it is just a practise day. New Zealand (NZ) takes on this event year after year with the conviction of winning. Isn't that what competition is all about? (the activity of doing something with the goal of outperforming others or winning something) If a development rider is sent without a strong support team how much development are they going to gain? If NZ sends Jake Whittaker as their expert and we send our No. 10 or 12, are we setting our rider a task just simply too far out of their league, setting them up for disappointment? The questions that need asking are - Will our rider learn from this experience, will the event as a whole progress?
Funding is political and results provide funding. If the Australian results improve which is a very attainable goal with our best riders, the funding will also improve making the event even bigger and better for everyone.
My solution: Expert - Colin, Youth - Kyle, Masters - Kevin (purely NSW motivated of course
) and let's see the Kiwi's beat us! Seriously though, a suggestion could be to send our three best riders and one to three development riders as a team. This way the three best riders are using the team event in preparation for the TDN (working in the team environment with the TDN team manager) and the three development riders are gaining knowledge and experience from the team environment and the country's best riders. This not only gains an increased chance of success but could gain more funding. More funding could lead to:
Bringing out European riders for more and more training clinics, to benefit all the riders from the introductory level right through to expert. International air fares have never been cheaper. Think back to the effect the Supertrial had on our standard in Australia. These can be sponsored and funded by riders attending. Development riders could be added to the TDN campaign. I believe from reports on this site that Lewis Nolan was in Europe right up to the week before the TDN this year and Tim Coleman the previous year. Aren't these our development riders? These riders can join the team and travel to the TDN and be involved? They have already shown the desire to compete with the best and bring this knowledge and experience back to Australia.
Perhaps more riders could be included in the Trans Tasman event instead of just 3? Expand the event to include an "Oceanic Champion" as well as the "Oceanic Team Champions". Maybe add a junior and youth class, and of course - THE WOMEN! Glenmaggie is already a feature event. Why not raise the bar and put it up there with the Aussie Titles? Let's show Australia and New Zealand what a great sport this is and the friendly rivalry that is present.
These comments are how I can see the event being a bigger and better experience for everyone and in no way criticise the running of the event either past or present. I simply see this event as a great opportunity for all riders, for further public exposure that has a flow-on effect in many ways for any sport. Sorry about the length – I always have too much to say! What do others think?