CAN SHE DO IT?

The abstract to Austin’s marketing thesis reads: “The business model of Cyclingsa has come under pressure during the past decade, with a financial model not being sustainable to meet the expectations of development and performance, as there is a decline in membership, and its relevance as a governing body is being questioned.

“The federation has isolated itself as an autocratic administrative body with no partners, and has been unsuccessful in implementing changes to become a strong non-profit sporting organisation.”

If the draft document Austin and her executive drew up to lobby government for reasonable time to exercise through lockdown is anything to go by, the depth of understanding and forward thinking will surely have impressed the jaundiced civil servants whose desk it crossed, as it did us.

For the first time in years, if not decades, being in the presence of a CSA official has not felt like being in the headmaster’s office.

I think we’re in good hands – businessminded hands; and if Austin is given the support and latitude to do what is needed, we will be a much happier sport in five years’ time.