Bruno-Roy disqualified from US master's 'cross title

Cyclo-cross rider Maureen Bruno-Roy won the women's 30-34 race at the US Cyclo-cross championships in Kansas City in December, but has been disqualified because she was ineligible to race, USA Cycling announced Thursday. Bruno-Roy was ineligible under rule 1H4 and 1A29 of the 2007 USA Cycling Rulebook, which state that elite riders may not enter master's races. Bruno-Roy was classified as elite after she placed 26th at the Koksijde World Cup in Belgium.

Following the revision to the results, Josie Jacques-Maynes was declared the national champion, moving Sally Annis into second and Kristi Berg into third.

"It is unfortunate that Ms. Roy's ineligibility was not brought to our attention until after the event," said Steve Johnson, CEO of USA Cycling. "This situation highlights the importance of every athlete being aware of the published rules and regulations that dictate a fair racing environment for all of our members. On behalf of USA Cycling, I'd like to congratulate Ms. Jacques-Maynes on her national title and wish both athletes the best of luck in future events."

Bruno-Roy said that she was not aware of her ineligibility, and apologised to her sponsors and competitors. "Neither the race officials at Nationals nor I were aware that I was ineligible at the time of the event. I would like to share in the responsibility for the oversight of this rule with the USA Cycling officials at Nationals as this decision is being made six weeks after the event."