<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (chopperman @ Aug 4 2009, 01:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>well not in this case it didn't. he has a busted ankle. A lot of riders have clauses written into there contracts about such exploits i believe.
Roger, from what I have heard the majority of riders are not permitted to ride road bikes on the road during seasons (same actually applies to many other athletic/sport people as well), But does not exclude any activity seen to benefit their training and as such dirt track, flat track, MX etc practice is considered acceptable because of the benefits involved.
To say that it is a dangerous pursuit (relatively speaking) is correct but the risk remains that to exclude the ability to train during the off times will potentially result in diminished performance on return - a bit of risk vs reward. In this case it didn't work out and if riders are to be banned from such pursuits one should also look at the scooters etc in the paddock as whilst speeds are low the risk is ever present there as well.
It is a tough call as to whether they should be permitted or not but given the nature of the sport I would think one needs to maintain their ability to access the 'thrill' in their off time.
Garry
Roger, from what I have heard the majority of riders are not permitted to ride road bikes on the road during seasons (same actually applies to many other athletic/sport people as well), But does not exclude any activity seen to benefit their training and as such dirt track, flat track, MX etc practice is considered acceptable because of the benefits involved.
To say that it is a dangerous pursuit (relatively speaking) is correct but the risk remains that to exclude the ability to train during the off times will potentially result in diminished performance on return - a bit of risk vs reward. In this case it didn't work out and if riders are to be banned from such pursuits one should also look at the scooters etc in the paddock as whilst speeds are low the risk is ever present there as well.
It is a tough call as to whether they should be permitted or not but given the nature of the sport I would think one needs to maintain their ability to access the 'thrill' in their off time.
Garry
