In reply to Natalie Berry - UKC:
I realise funding is an, if not the, issue. But it raises the question if we can't afford to send the team to comps what's the point of having a team in the first place? There's money and considerable time and effort put into the team even if it never competes. All that just seems like a waste, money and time down the drain. Or is the team there as some kind of status symbol for the BMC? Maybe they'd just feel too shoddy if they didn't get a team together at all.
And if the team members know they're unlikely to even take part in the comps then what motivation is there to train hard in the specific way needed for competition routes on plastic?
I know someone who was coached and trained for the speed climbing comps one year. He trained really hard and looked really good on the local wall. But he was never entered into any competitions. I don't think he's part of it any more and I'm not surprised. All that training with no pay off at the end. How could anyone stay motivated for that?
Finally I can't see how the non participation can do anything to attract sponsors. It's not a lot of help for Berghaus, who supply team jackets, if the team are never seen at any events.