Top Down or Bottom Up?

[font=Arial]Without a feeder system, there may be no elites to assist. Better support at the provincial level is a good start. I mentioned this in Eddies’ Newfoundland thread. Good talent has come out of all the provinces, but only a few provinces are consistently strong. The new COO at the CCA mentioned stronger ties between the CCA and the other associations (contracts), so this may be a good step. Naturally, the provinces would send off their best for the next level, that is, developing their elites.[/font]

I agree and then wonder if the next step is really the deveopment of strong clubs ... the Provincial Associations mirror its relationship with CAA in relationship with Clubs.

I also wonder if it is really Clubs that you go after for development or go to were the kids are - the schools and (this is were CAA takes the lead in terms of developing marketing plans) go after getting cycling programs embedded into the school system.

Another aspect is a long term plan to engrain certain key messages into the publics mind - over time the intent is to create an affinity to the sport.

My final thought has to do with the coaches - I've often said that I want the best teacher, the most inspiring teacher working in the primary grades - and should the same be said about cycling or any sport for that matter. Just don't get anyone who will show up to start a group of kids off on cycling but get your best motivatores there.

Okay - I have a race tomorrow I have to get ready for. bye for now.

Lister Farrar could give you a far better response on this topic than me .

In regards to the clubs though, that will be a tough one. Some (typically small) clubs tend to follow a thin mandate. An example would be a bunch of guys who put together a club just to ride with each other or people who put together a club just to get discount rates on clothing, etc.

Fortunately there are other clubs that have good leadership, administration, a coach and, of course, motivation. How do you get more of these? I was fortunate to start my racing career in one of these. I have been a member of clubs in my other examples.

A good race structure would be a good next step. Good solid provicial series'. For the next level, a good race series (every province) across Canada (again, mentioned in the Newfoundland thread) would certianly help. It would have motivated me to train harder.