Well, that was a mixed reaction. Nothing short of what I have expected though to be honest. I actually wasn't going to make a big deal of my departure, but since I have been thrust into this position, I will take my opportunity to set the record straight.
Firstly, In the defence of myself and my new team, I would like to respond to a few specific comments. With regards racing, what Paul has listed was merely an outline of what Trisportnews.com, not TSN, riders were looking at doing this season. In fact they have completed in a large number of other races also. And like you pointed out Tony, there were no Trisportnews.com riders in the Revolutions 5 day. But John Saddler did indeed take a stage victory and a 6th place on GC away from the Jaunts in June. Additionally some might fail to see that at least half the Trisportnews.com team are soley triathletes, some of which compete at an international level. Im sure they can teach me a thing or two.
Also, like Marco pointed out, I am not the first ACC rider to move, and I probably won't be the last. Trisportnews.com probably do more per member to promote races etc. than many other clubs. I know David Palmer was already planning our efforts for next season the last time I spoke with him. Though I don't think there is anyone in the world that can rival Marco in terms of recruiting new cyclists!
On the subject of free inner tubes and servicing, actually I get neither. But I do get some far more favourable deals on many items. The amount of cash I have saved on my new bike for example would probably make your eyes water.
That is not even my real reason to leave now. I have chosen to leave because there are 5/6 of us at Trisportnews.com that are planning to target certain races as a team. Something which hopefully will pay off for all of us. For example, I will probably go to the Jaunts 5 day and do little else but work my ass off to keep John high up the GC, hopefully as high as he can get. Like wise there are other team goals that I look forward to attaining. This kind of organisation and ethic is not something I have witnessed at Addiscombe over the past year or so. Though im sure now somebody puts their neck on the line and points it out that there will be changes. But I said the same last year when I called to have a 'road captain'. Nothing happened, which I suspect was because Toks was wearing baby blue at the time. And so through the season I and many others have turned up here and there and done OK in races that as a team we could have murdered. But being with Trisportnews.com next year should be a good place for me to achieve what I want out of my sport next season.
I hope to learn a lot from the experience of people like John Saddler and all the other guys/girls which have buckets of experience in their disciplines. I also see Trisportnews.com as a tighter group of individuals and see more of a team spirit, which I look forward to being a part of. Racing is not everything, we also plan to tackle de Ronde in April as a team. Which im very much looking forward too, belgian beer for 4 days, fantastic! And there are other rides/adventures in the pipeline.
But I also want it to be understood that I'm not deserting Addiscombe as I have been made to feel like. I have still elected to be a 2nd claim member, and as such will be around just as much as I always have been. The fact that I might be wearing a different jersey doesn't really justify some of the comments that have been made on here. I'm still willing to help out at races when inevitably the promoters of Addiscombe struggle to get commitment from the actual membership (all 250+ of them right?). I would still like to continue the way in which I have acted as an ACC'er, ie ill still lead the 'slow' training group on Saturday, and ill still be the same cocky student that you all enjoy taking the piss out of. Although obviously I now cease to be
the sprinter in the club. A role which I pass onto Steve, my old rival!
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all at Addiscombe who over the years have guided me in whatever shape or form. And especially thank those who make it possible for us to race. And to single out Joyce for being so Agreeable. I sincerely hope not to get one of the 'looks' Toks mentioned earlier the next time I see her
Of course I won't rule out the possibility of a return at some point (if you'd have me back that is.) Though right now I am completely comfortable with my decision.
I mean lets face it, I was talking to guys at Norwood Paragon at times during the season also. So be glad im
only going to Trisportnews.com!
Lastly I wish a great season to all at Addiscombe next year, in whatever discipline you pursue. See you there...
Adam