News for August 2

Kermesse News

Nijmegen, NL - National Stayers Championship

 1. Ronald Rol (Alkmaar) following Mooy (derny)
 2. Edwin Vraudunt (Spijkenisse)/Siemon (derny)	at  2 laps
 3. Patrick De Boer (Rotterdam)/Jonker (derny)	at  6 laps
 4. Rasch (Uitgeest)/Fack (derny)		at 11 laps
 5. Steenbeek (Delft)/Dekker (derny)		at 12 laps


Oostvorne, NL, Profs

 1. Den Bakker	       80 km 2.20.11
 2. Talen (Bel)
 3. Boogerd
 4. Voskamp 			0.10

Trouble in American Camp at Atlanta

Six-time world cycling champion Rebecca Twigg has quit the Olympics, ripping the United States coaching staff and blaming them for a disappointing showing from the host nation's cyclists. Twigg, the reigning world champion in individual pursuit, said she has found the Olympic experience unbearable and returned home to Colorado, skipping out on a scheduled start in Saturday's time trial.

"Nobody cared," complained Twigg. "I have no motivation. How can I ride?"

Twigg also complained of being pressured to ride SuperBike II, the high-priced American creation which brought high US medal hopes, and having no infield access to her personal coach Eddie Borysewicz, who guided the 1984 US Olympians to nine medals, four golds.

USA Cycling said its policy banned personal coaches. "I think they need to listen to the riders' needs," Twigg said before departing. "This isn't a communist country. Communism doesn't work. Every rider is different."

Twigg struggled on the US SuperBike and ditched it for her older bicycle after qualifying rounds. Carmichael blamed her not making the medal round in the pursuit on a late start to training. "They have got to come up with some excuses," Twigg said.

The US coaching staff is appealing to the International Olympic Committee to allow alternate Jeanne Golay to replace Twigg in the time trial.

US riders have been stunned by Twigg's departure. "It's a shock," said US time trial rider Linda Brenneman. "It's disappointing to watch her throw the opportunity away. Everyone is blown away."