"The 33"-Road Bike Racing - Why does USA Cycling have 5 spots on National Championship podiums?

I need a history lesson.

Why does USA Cycling place the top 5 on the podium in Jr, Masters, and Elite National Championship events as opposed 3? Don't get me wrong, I have been a 4th place finisher in a National Championship and I do really appreciate the recognition and medal, but I still wonder why.

I assume that it wasn't always this way. When did it start, and more importantly, why?

(Random photo as an illustration)

http://metlifecyclingteam.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/rr_podium-617x500.jpg

I was wondering the same thing myself.

in case two people fail the doping control, you still have all the rightful podium finishers ;)

because everyone's a winner

in case two people fail the doping control, you still have all the rightful podium finishers ;)

:lol: Bravo!

I wonder, how do you delineate between fourth and fifth?

in case two people fail the doping control, you still have all the rightful podium finishers ;)

Ouch!

By the same token, why even have a podium with anyone but the winner??

Nobody remembers who got 3rd, it's all about 1st.

because everyone's a winner

And has been since 1978


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-GkwIRbLw8

By the same token, why even have a podium with anyone but the winner??

Nobody remembers who got 3rd, it's all about 1st.

They never ask how...they just ask who!

Soooo...on a related note:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7246/7672834978_f0c4afa9bd_c_d.jpg

Today "Baby Puke", Paul Malenke, and I won 5th place in the 35+ Team Sprint at Masters Nationals.

The racing was pretty fast and close. 1-3 were separated by less than 1". 1-5 were separated by 2".

Congrats.

So what color is that? Bronze? Does it go Gold, Silver, Bronze, Bronze, Bronze or something?

Congrats.

Thanks!


So what color is that? Bronze? Does it go Gold, Silver, Bronze, Bronze, Bronze or something?

It goes: Gold, Silver, Bronze, Glass, then Wood.

congrats!

Thanks!

It goes: Gold, Silver, Bronze, Glass, then Wood.

Overheard from 5th-place finisher: "I GOT WOOD!!!":thumb:

congrats!

Thank you.

Good job. Very competitive meet this year. Some of the times were crazy fast.

Good job. Very competitive meet this year. Some of the times were crazy fast.

Thanks.

Tell me about it! 11.5" only qualified me 10th in sprints!

in case two people fail the doping control, you still have all the rightful podium finishers ;)

That was my first thought too.

Congrats, Carleton. Nice work.

Good job. Very competitive meet this year. Some of the times were crazy fast.
RX, were you at the races this past weekend?

Congrats, Carleton. Nice work.

+1, congrats!

Congrats, Carleton. Nice work.


+1, congrats!

Thanks!

I had new PB's all the way around:
- Max - 30" power
- Max speed from a standing start
- Team Sprint drop off speed (speed at which I dropped off my teammates during the lead-out)
- Took 1" off of my previous standing 333M lap

Why does USA Cycling place the top 5 on the podium in Jr, Masters, and Elite National Championship events as opposed 3? Don't get me wrong, I have been a 4th place finisher in a National Championship and I do really appreciate the recognition and medal, but I still wonder why.

I have no idea, and this is sort of OT, but I am FREAKING THE F OUT about how awesome your new avatar is. I can't explain it, it's just....