World Cup selection controversy

By Michael Slavin

Over the past few weeks "Selection" has been the cause of some controversy. It is likely to remain so in the weeks to come as the prestige Western European Rolex World Cup shows get underway.

For Western European riders, the prime goal at this time of year is selection for as many as possible of the 10 qualifying shows leading to the rich final next April. For their sponsors, owners and backers the shows are crucial for corporate participation, entertaining and networking.

No wonder then that up and coming riders such as German-based Denis Lynch have been complaining that they may not get a fair chance of selection. At each of the qualifying events the number allowed into the main competition is limited to 40. At some shows wild cards are allowed into a preliminary event out of which they must make the cut into the 40 for the qualifier itself.

The rules for selection are set out by world computer rankings. Riders in the top ten get automatic invitations to all of the Western European League qualifiers. Any country of more than 3.5 million inhabitants can nominate one other rider. Any country with a rider in the top 10 and a rider within the top 45 can nominate a replacement for its top 10 rider if that rider decides to skip a qualifier.

In the cut-off computer list of 3 August we had Jessica Kurten in as number four but our next highest placed rider was Cameron Hanley, who was just outside the fold in 48th place. Conor Swail's recent form had him climb to 44th place by the end of August but this was too late to count under the rules. So, other then Jessica Kurten, Ireland has just one other place automatically available at each round. Usually, this place is filled by naming the next rider on the rankings who wishes to participate. And this is where the tricky part comes in.

Denis Lynch said he did not get enough opportunity during the outdoor season to gain points on the computer list. This in effect rules him out of possible selection for the big indoor shows.

As the computer list stood at the cut-off date of 3 August, here is how the top five Irish riders fared: 4th Jessica Kurten, 48th Cameron Hanley, 66th Conor Swail, 86th Cian O'Connor and 91st Billy Twomey.

It would appear that the bulk of slots at the 10 qualifying rounds will go to those riders. As for the rest, they will be depending on getting personal invitations as wild cards.