SHAUMS TAKES A LOOK AT HIS SITUATION
Professional racers are usually busy training for the next season. They dial in their bikes, and then focus on racing. Not Shaums March. About a week ago, the Schwinn-Toyota factory pro downhill (and one-time NORBA National champion) was abruptly fired from his team. Shaums spoke to us to find out more.
Mike C. Shaums: What happened to Schwinn?
Shaums M. Schwinn did not want me to be on the team! I don’t know. I guess I wasn?t fit anymore. Their program did not fit with my style and what I was doing. Last year, they also wanted me to leave the team. I received notices, but I was able to get back on the team at the end of the year. They decided to take me out of the team this year, I think.
MC: What do you think about your contract?
SM: Contracts have always had loopholes, and they used one. It basically stated that Schwinn could say that I wasn’t up to their standards, and it was their sole discretion whether to let me go. It was their decision and there was no way to fight it. ?
MC: What was the Sea Otter experience like this year? Did that be the end for Schwinn and you?
SM: I had not been on a bicycle since November, so Sea Otter gave me bikes that didn’t work. They were difficult to put together and I raced them downhill. Schwinn was not happy. They were not happy when I said that I was not ready to ride. They gave me medical notes but said that it didn’t look right for me.
MC: You have been out of action due to an injury.
SM: It was Schwinn’s fault. Schwinn hurt me, and then they removed me from the hospital because I’m now injured. I injured my shoulder last year at the National. I had to have full reconstructive surgery, including tendons and ligaments as well as three new pins.
MC: How many of the seasons were you absent?
SM: I missed all of the European World Cups, and I was weak at all but two NORBA Nationals. My shoulder strengthened and Schwinn gave me a new bicycle. Schwinn didn’t acknowledge our (riders) problems with the bikes. They were saying that it was us. Finally, we had measurements and other support so they changed our bikes. We started to do better.
MC: What do you have in store for the season?
SM: This is still up in the air. Prospects are Iron Horse with a brand new Shaums March bike. Ill also be riding for Red Bull as well as a few other small sponsors. There are a few other things I am involved in.
MC: Was this a huge disappointment mentally? Or will you be determined to prove yourself now that you are a better person?
SM: Schwinn’s abandonment of me caused me mental pain for around a day. People who don’t like me are my worst fear. It’s not that Schwinn doesn’t like me. It was a corporate decision. I will continue living my life. Schwinn was holding my back from doing the things that I wanted to do for the sport, so I’m really excited. Schwinn wanted me 100 percent racer, but Shaums March wants more. I’m excited because I have the ability to do more. It will be fun and everyone will get involved in what I have planned next year.
SCHWINNS REPLY
After our interview with Shaums, we spoke to Schwinn and they decided to take the high road in this situation. They only said that Schwinn and Shaums March were disappointed. They wished him luck in his search for a new team, and wanted to support him in any way they could. Shaums claims that the bikes were defective are untrue. They said that the bikes went through the usual ups and downs of testing new shocks, tires, and other things. Schwinns defended claims that they have long-term commitments with riders such as Elke Brutsart, Dave Cullinan and retired Tim Gould.
