http://www.fox25boston.com/...7-marathon/511897829
I know a wheelchair racer [he's competed in both marathons & triathlons] and he is pissed
Runners should be as ticked off too. What happens when some organization wants a cycling division in the marathon? From Bobby Hall to Tatyana Mcfadden, a lot of work was done to build our division into an elite athletic event. Now, with these guys and the chain drive and gears, it's just going to become a pity parade. As for myself, I will never give respect to someone who says he/she won Boston, of any marathon, on a handcycle.
The handcycle is, like a bike, chain driven with multi gears. Why they don't really need to work the hills. Or even train for them. They just change gears and make life easier for themselves.
It's a different sport. Even in triathlons we need to get off our handbike and into our racing chair for the run portion.
The average spectator doesn't know the difference between a pushrim racing chair and a handcycle. I find myself explaining the difference all the time. Also, As of right now, they aren't being required to qualify. Where's the fairness in that? In that case, I can break out my handcycle on Monday morning and jump in and complete the course. With no training. It's only 26.2 miles. Not that difficult with chains and gears to get me up the hills.
Any wheelchair racers here? What's the feeling about this?
"What's your claim?" - Ben Gravy
"Your best work is the work you're excited about" - Rick Rubin
I know a wheelchair racer [he's competed in both marathons & triathlons] and he is pissed
Quote:
I can't believe the BAA caved on this. This is wrong in so many ways. Handcycling belongs with cycling events. Not Road Races and marathons. Runners should be as ticked off too. What happens when some organization wants a cycling division in the marathon? From Bobby Hall to Tatyana Mcfadden, a lot of work was done to build our division into an elite athletic event. Now, with these guys and the chain drive and gears, it's just going to become a pity parade. As for myself, I will never give respect to someone who says he/she won Boston, of any marathon, on a handcycle.
The handcycle is, like a bike, chain driven with multi gears. Why they don't really need to work the hills. Or even train for them. They just change gears and make life easier for themselves.
It's a different sport. Even in triathlons we need to get off our handbike and into our racing chair for the run portion.
The average spectator doesn't know the difference between a pushrim racing chair and a handcycle. I find myself explaining the difference all the time. Also, As of right now, they aren't being required to qualify. Where's the fairness in that? In that case, I can break out my handcycle on Monday morning and jump in and complete the course. With no training. It's only 26.2 miles. Not that difficult with chains and gears to get me up the hills.
Any wheelchair racers here? What's the feeling about this?
"What's your claim?" - Ben Gravy
"Your best work is the work you're excited about" - Rick Rubin