Recent scandals over the treatment of Indonesian talent Walter Susilo have led to disaster at his former team. For newer readers, Susilo signed for United Healthcare in January last year. He was at the time the only Indonesian cyclist to reach that level in cycling, the country, and even the world held high hopes for the young man. He impressed a great deal early doors, and showed himself as a competent all rounder, specialising in the TT discipline. The man had always had it tough, as a young boy he lost his home and friends in the Boxing Day Tsunami. He fled to Australia and on to Newcastle. Walter and his close family survived, but it left a deep psychological star.
It was in Newcastle, a deep contrast from the tropical island of Sulawesi where he grew up, that he took up cycling, and was eventually found by the rest of the world. It looked as if his life was taking an upward turn, but in fact he was about to turn the corner into another one of the darkest moments of his life. Diagnosed with a rare disease, he battled to stay alive, but was saved by the medical staff at the local hospital. He was sent home to recover in Sulawesi with his family, which still owned their land there. The donations themselves were enough to start a new life, but he wanted to go back to the sport he loved.
Then the controversy began. His old team, the rather aptly named United Healthcare, were now being shown as the pantomime villains in this new, and odd case. Not only did they refuse to foot the bill for his medical treatment, they also teared up his contract. Under huge international pressure, United Healthcare were forced to offer him a new contract, but it was too little too late. Susilo had already left, and was considering his options,
The unprofessional and inhumane treatment of Walter has led to a great deal of unhappiness inside camp. After the 2012 season finished a great deal of riders left the team. Close friend Ricardo Acosta was distraught, he left after a disappointing season, clearly stunned by his friends treatment. He was later quoted as saying, "What I've seen has sickened me, I'm not sure I even want to race." Understandably he hasn't given many press interviews.
Soon to be neo-pro, Brazilian Bruno Ramires da Costa cancelled his contract in a burst of anger, possibly destroying any future career in the process. He claimed, "I'd rather not have a career than work with these fiends". Neither him or Acosta have found jobs yet.
It isn't just the newbies who didn't want to stay. Australian TTist Ben Day, was a friend of Susilo, and hastily moved to Drapac. Another team mate and friend was Robert Förster, who's gone to NetApp Endura. The final man to depart was an odd one. Susilo and Marc de Maar were rivals at the team, but appear to have reconciled, as he moved to Team de Rijke. He is now famously quoted as having said, "It doesn't matter what I or anyone felt about Walter, what matters is that this is imoral, and cowardly, and I will not stand for it".
We still don't know where Acosta, da Costa and Susilo will go, but there is still time for them to gain contracts for next year, and after Susilo's treatment they have suddenly found themselves in the public eye, whether for a good reason or not, and their signatures would probably double a teams revenue in marketing and sponsorship alone, until then, we must wait and see.
Edited by The Hobbit on 14-02-2014 17:32
Despite the current plight of the nation's star, Indonesian cycling is looking better than ever now. The Tour of Indonesia was a great success, attracting big names and big audiences. With the nation well and truly gripped, a Tour of Sulawesi was even planned, but it has been shelved. The Tour will return this year, with an even harder route, hopefully it will see a home talent crowned.
Our newspaper has secured a rare interview with the man who made this all happen, the eccentric and influential businessman known only as Mr. Hobbit. He was in a good mood, and was returning from a trip to visit his friend and helper Walter Susilo in his recovery:
What is the current situation of Indonesian cycling?
There are at least 10 Indonesian cyclists looking for a call up to a team at continental level next year. There is a Tour for the second time, and an inaugural national championship in February. We have a specially made and truly wonderful jersey, which will be used by the National Champion Isn't this a bit of a waste considering Susilo is currently unemployed?
Susilo has found a team really? How do you know?
Because I've just asked him you silly man... Can you tell us which one?
No... Anyway, it's not just about Susilo, as I've said, we have many other talents coming through the ranks.
This news will come as a relief to all fans of Walter, but knowing Mr Hobbit it may all be a trick, we'll have to wait and see. In the mean time, I'm sure there will be lots of speculation. We still don't know whether his friends Ramires Da Costa and Acosta will find team too, maybe even the same one, there is much we still need to find out...
Edited by The Hobbit on 29-01-2014 20:56
Today we have received the breaking news that a brand new cycling team has indeed been formed for the 2013 season. This squad will enter at the continental level, so you won't be seeing them at the tour any time soon. However the rumours are they have secured quite a selection of talent, as you will later see.
As you can see, this will be the first major Indonesian team on the international level. They are very strong and are of course sponsored by the major Indonesian Corporation, Astra International. We do not yet know what exactly this has to do with rich and eccentric Indonesian businessman Mr Hobbit, but it is almost guaranteed that he is the one pulling the strings.
You may have seen a snapshot of the team before, well here is the full version. The most notable names on the list are the three men we have seen in previous reports: Walter Susilo, Bruno Ramires da Costa and even Ricardo Acosta are all here. The acquisition of all three signatures will be a huge boon for the entire squad. Joining them are some young talents from around the world, not to mention the best and brightest stars of Indonesia. Joining them is an old hand, Tonton Susanto, who was into cycling years before Walter turned pro.
Here we get another look at the beautiful jersey. Designed by a Mr Blaster, and a few of the sponsors wishes for the coming year.
And the rest of their goals are seen here. Some are challenging, but others can be achieved easily.
Luis Leon Sanchez wrote:
Congrats on the 1000th post Hobbit
Oh thanks, hadn't noticed, but
Travis will be the first one featured, in the New Zealand Championships.
Also, people commenting on one of my stories, this is unheard of!!!! I guess community participation helps.
Hello again! This is me again, not some journalist guy. After all, it is my space. Well, you know most of the story by now. I'll keep this short so as not to bore you all.
My recovery's been going great, and I'll be ready for the start of the new season, maybe not early January, but I'll be around for February. You probably don't know the full story of what's happened, but hey, neither do I!
Mr Hobbit cam to me and said he was setting up a cycling team, and basically asked if I wanted to ride/coach. I said okay to the first part, but coach, I'm still one of the youngest guys in the peleton. He told me not to worry, I still had more experience than all the others.
To be fair, I like the idea, makes me feel like Kenny Dalglish, well not really, but meh. Thankfully I'm not the DS or anything, just a TT and hills coach. I looked at the squad list, the first 4 names, well 3 of them, were good news, so was the bottom one. The rest, well, I have no idea who they are!
I look forward to a great season. Just so you know. I have a busy start to the season, culminating in the Nat Champs and Tour of Indonesia. Then a break before i hit form for the late season. Unfortunately this year such a small squad has meant I have to be away from Ricardo a lot, but it's still a great opportunity, as an absolute leader.
With a team this strong, I am sure I will be writing this from the pro conti level next year. Till then, bye.
