this whole talent search thing... again...

so I gave this USA cycling talent search a little more thought... I don't think doing the whole racermate test at all these schools is a real bad idea. I do think it will peak some interest in cycling, with something on that scale you're bound to find some real interest. Although, I think the idea of training these 12 kids specifically for the olympics is a little unrealistic. When you construct a team based solely on genetic ability with riders at such a young age, you run the risk of them losing interest as they mature and develop more responsibilty... I've seen many talented cyclists come and go, if you don't really have the heart to make it through the tough times, what's to keep you from packing it in? USA cycling should, behind the scenes, make a nationwide junior/U23 team that would take care of the current juniors and U23's (along with giving the juniors a place to go after the age of 18). Then USA cycling can take the best performers from their talent search and offer them a spot on this team... If some of them decide cycling's not for them then USA cycling still has all these other riders throughout the country... It doesn't really seem that difficult, I mean those guys get paid to think that stuff up... we'll see what happens, maybe it will be a good thing...