All will agree that we have been way behind with introducing electronic chip timing in races here in Sweden. So when SCF posts that it is finally time, perhaps we should celebrate. But 1000kr??? The AMB chip used by Denmark's DCU only costs 750DKK. And I paid only 100DKK for the Lapio chip to race in the Danish CX-Cup. So why should it cost 1000kr for a chip here? Someone is winning on this deal and we deserve to see the numbers. With that price it feels like we cyclists are also paying to finance the system.
But more importantly let's now look at the cost for a motionär to try out licenced cycling in a race:
Club membership: 500kr
Club clothes: At least 1500kr
SCF licence: 700kr
SCF chip: 1000kr
That brings us to a total of 3700kr before you even pay any start fees. And that should kill any desire to give the sport a try, especially when there are other sports that are cheaper.
If my calculations are wrong then make a comment below. We have a right to know where all this money is going.
750DKK is about 914SEK today(Forex)
SvaraRaderaYou can look at things in many different ways. I pay almost the same amount (ca 3500SEK)a year, for my daugthers soccer and floorball including, club fees, club dresses etc. Why is cycling supposed to be cheap in a HappyMTB correct way. Try out some tennis, hockey, motorsport or GYM membership to compare with. Even running and chess can be expensive depending what you want with it. Btw, are we going to buy the chip or is it at disposision fee?
Hej Mattias!
SvaraRaderaI know, 750DKK is almost the same. But this Lapio chip for 100DKK is what makes me wonder. Långloppscupen seems to have fixed it well with their disposable chip. In Norway they have a chip you borrow. I have no idea if we are expected to buy it or rent it. That surprise we get later.
Of course other sports are more expensive. But why should a långloppscupen motionär cyclist be able to skip the licence entirely and still race? My problem is that I see no value in having the licence if you can race the same race for cheaper without one. I think that is what these HappyMTB cyclists are most annoyed about.
Chris
If high costs and beeing sensitive about bad weather and general injustice are major concerns, cycling might just not be the perfect sport for you ;-)
SvaraRaderaI am trying to take the view of all those motionär cyclists that SCF and clubs want to recruit. It should be easy for them to get started. Now it isn't.
SvaraRaderaIn terms of your other comment, cycling is not what bring in the cash. So it can't take priority over my job and my health. And since I only do Långloppscupen-style races and a few CX I am far from a 'real cyclist' anyway. So fine. I don't care.