Originally Posted by
EventServices
USAC currently requires numbers.
But what we're REALLY after is this:
Random spectator along the course can punch in any bib number into an phone or iPad app and find out who the rider is. The announcer (that no one listens to, ever) can do the same thing.
Riders can create their own publicity profile that the spectator sees including prior results, stats, photos, and such superfluous things as "I ride in honor of my friend who has cancer." Or "Team party after the race at XX Brew Pub! Join us."
Or other meaningful message (that we would sell the gsteinb for $5 plus shipping and handling).
Can't do that with chips.
I suppose you could create a hand held scanner device. Let me know how that goes.
With chips you get instant results though. To use your phone example a spectator could not just look for numbers, but see the race in real time if its passing a timer (ie a crit or circuit course). Your example assumes a number is published to the name somewhere, which around here it isn't. A chip you just go on sportstats/mylaps and you get results immediately.