By Bryan Jew , VeloNews Senior Writer
A week after filing a formal complaint with USA Cycling, NetZero riders have begun to see some of the back pay and expenses owed to them from the second half of the season, with the remainder promised to them by the beginning of next week.
According to NetZero team rider Mike Tillman, “A percentage of what was owed was deposited into my account this week,” and he had been told by team manager Marty Church that the balance would be paid by next week.
Another rider, Michael Johnson, was also told by Church that “all of us will have our money by next week,” as was Jamie Paolinetti.
The complaint to USA Cycling, dated October 8, included the names of four riders: Tillman, Johnson, Paolinetti and Graeme Miller, although Miller never returned a signed copy of the letter to USA Cycling and team director Jim Fryer told VeloNews that Miller had been paid in full. Miller could not be reached for comment.
On Wednesday Church repeated what he had told VeloNews on Tuesday, that — as he had told the riders — the riders would be paid by next week. Church also wanted to make clear that, “I’m not declaring bankruptcy,” referring to a statement made by Paolinetti — and initially reported by Velonews — that Church had told riders that he was going to do so.
“I’m not bankrupt, and the riders will get their money,” he said.