Lifespan of the Tour of California
#1
Rabbinic Authority
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Silver Spring, MD (MABRA/MAC)
Posts: 650
Bikes: Cannondale Cyclocross, Specialized Langster, Giant TCR-C2 Composite
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Lifespan of the Tour of California
While I'm excited about the Tour of California, and I've always loved the sight of big European teams racing on American soil alongside our own domestic teams, a dark thought still lurks in the shadows: looking back on races like the Coors Classic and the Tour de Trump/Tour de Pont, how many years will this race be around before a similar fate possibly occurs?
#3
Mostly Harmless
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Sittin' on a bench at the railway station, one toke over the line.
Posts: 905
Bikes: Giant OCR1, Giant ATX760, Raleigh Retroglide Seven
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by CyLowe97
Where can I buy some Amgen?
#4
more ape than man
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: nyc
Posts: 8,091
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
1 Post
for people not living in california it's really hard to follow the race. the website absolutely sucks and the media doesn't really cover it. no wonder these races don't stay around long. hopefully this is differnent, but i'm not so sure.
#5
Unique Vintage Steel
Originally Posted by timmhaan
for people not living in california it's really hard to follow the race. the website absolutely sucks and the media doesn't really cover it. no wonder these races don't stay around long. hopefully this is differnent, but i'm not so sure.
#6
Mostly Harmless
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Sittin' on a bench at the railway station, one toke over the line.
Posts: 905
Bikes: Giant OCR1, Giant ATX760, Raleigh Retroglide Seven
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The coverage does suck. The best coverage I know of is on ESPN2 at 1 AM.
#8
He drop me
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Central PA
Posts: 11,664
Bikes: '03 Marin Mill Valley, '02 Eddy Merckx Corsa 0.1, '12 Giant Defy Advance, '20 Giant Revolt 1, '20 Giant Defy Advanced Pro 1, some random 6KU fixie
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 138 Post(s)
Liked 12 Times
in
9 Posts
Originally Posted by PenguinDeD
dunno, but the turnout at the prologue looked pretty big! Hopefully the ratings will justify better coverage for next year.
__________________
The views expressed by this poster do not reflect the views of BikeForums.net.
The views expressed by this poster do not reflect the views of BikeForums.net.
#9
more ape than man
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: nyc
Posts: 8,091
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
1 Post
that's what i hope too. i'm just really disappointed that the live video feed isn't working. i was really looking forward to that. oh well. maybe later in the race they'll get it working.
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Southern California
Posts: 1,377
Bikes: Colnago Altain, Klein Pulse II, Stumpjumper FSR, GT Zaskar LE, Pedalforce RS2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by timmhaan
for people not living in california it's really hard to follow the race. the website absolutely sucks and the media doesn't really cover it. no wonder these races don't stay around long. hopefully this is differnent, but i'm not so sure.
What I also found helpful is major landmarks along each route and approximate times of the peloton to be at that point. That is helpful for spectators who are trying to take time off from work to see the stage.
I don't subscribe to cable TV so I don't see ESPN2. So I get updates from Velonews.com and cyclingnews.com. I'll hope to be out along the course for the last two stages in Southern California. The estimated times provided on the website will help me be at the right place at the right time.
__________________
98 Colnago Altain
08 Pedalforce RS2
00 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR
06 NYCbikes Single Speed (John Deere Special)
98 Colnago Altain
08 Pedalforce RS2
00 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR
06 NYCbikes Single Speed (John Deere Special)
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Moraga, CA
Posts: 1,701
Bikes: 2008 Cervelo RS, 2011 Scott CR1 Elite, 2014 Volagi Liscio
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
What I found strange is who they decided to cover with the cameraman/motorcyclist. I only saw one or two of these guys, so they were limited, but why cover a no name?
#12
so whatcha' want?
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posts: 1,709
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Phillip Anschutz's company puts a lot of money into the tour and had committed to five years of promotion. I think the lifespan will be at least that long if not longer. The point being the promotion of the race is to promote California tourism, so hopefully it will work. I'm glad they are using cycling as the venue for such ... it's a boon to overall cycling in the states.
https://www.bizjournals.com/sacrament...11/story8.html
https://www.bizjournals.com/sacrament...11/story8.html
#13
pan y agua
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Jacksonville
Posts: 31,303
Bikes: Willier Zero 7; Merlin Extralight; Calfee Dragonfly tandem, Calfee Adventure tandem; Cervelo P2; Motebecane Ti Fly 29er; Motebecanne Phantom Cross; Schwinn Paramount Track bike
Mentioned: 17 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1447 Post(s)
Liked 727 Times
in
372 Posts
The 5 year committment gives hope this can grow into something that sponsors will want to support. Of course the Tour Dupont made it past 5 years, and looked like it was here to stay.
#14
Spinning like a gerbel
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Silicon Valley
Posts: 7,960
Bikes: Seven
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
2 Posts
What I thought really sucked was the marketing of this event. Sure, all us Californians who are cycling enthusiasts were all over this. But what about those who live in California, who are not into cycling? This would have been a golden opportunity to promote the sport, but I saw little to no advertising for this on local television.
Next year, put some money to market this thing!!!!
Next year, put some money to market this thing!!!!
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 517
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Its not getting enough coverage in the media full stop.
news papers havent given it much coverage ( la times etc )
Nor has tv does sports center show highlights ?
It needs to get some hype...yaknow.
news papers havent given it much coverage ( la times etc )
Nor has tv does sports center show highlights ?
It needs to get some hype...yaknow.
#16
Sick ... again
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 1,577
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by dolophonic
Its not getting enough coverage in the media full stop.
news papers havent given it much coverage ( la times etc )
Nor has tv does sports center show highlights ?
It needs to get some hype...yaknow.
news papers havent given it much coverage ( la times etc )
Nor has tv does sports center show highlights ?
It needs to get some hype...yaknow.
#17
Ink-Stained Wretch
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Holyoke, MA
Posts: 1,731
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Guys, you need to understand how behind the ball these guys were. Courses weren't finalized until a month before the start of the race, sponsors were still missing-it didn't look pretty. That they've swung it this well has been impressive, especially with any kind of TV coverage. I'm willing to bet their 'media group' is two or three rather overworked people, and if the LA papers are anything like the East Cost compatriots, they'll ask to be sent the info and then do nothing with it. It's a pain.
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,170
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 43 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Originally Posted by pinky
and if the LA papers are anything like the East Cost compatriots, they'll ask to be sent the info and then do nothing with it.
#19
semifreddo amartuerer
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Northern CA
Posts: 4,599
Bikes: several
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
I was disappointed with the local media coverage leading up to the start of the Tour. There was very little announcement/warning in any of the papers or TV news until Saturday. To some extent I think the Olympics are trumping coverage.
I can say though that "on the ground", the sponsors are promoting the hell out of themselves, as they should. There's no way you could get anywhere near the start or finish and not get blasted with Amgen propaganda. I really hope they keep it going, because it is very cool to see these guys riding on "our" roads. I hope the rest of the world gets some sense of why we consider this paradise, as well as gain some appreciation of the sport of cycling.
I can say though that "on the ground", the sponsors are promoting the hell out of themselves, as they should. There's no way you could get anywhere near the start or finish and not get blasted with Amgen propaganda. I really hope they keep it going, because it is very cool to see these guys riding on "our" roads. I hope the rest of the world gets some sense of why we consider this paradise, as well as gain some appreciation of the sport of cycling.
#20
Out of Commission
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: SoCal
Posts: 2,272
Bikes: Felt FC, S-Works Roubaix, Epic Comp, Cyfac Proxidium
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
It may not be perfect, but it's a start. At least it's drawing lot of spectators. Hopefully it's something to build on and improve each year. I actually think the ESPN 2 coverage is pretty good, all things considered.
__________________
If you don't have anything nice to say about anybody, then come sit next to me.
If you don't have anything nice to say about anybody, then come sit next to me.
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Athens, GA
Posts: 172
Bikes: Lemond Reno, Giant CFM 2, Lotus, Haro (for the trainer)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Perhaps someday the Tour of California can grow to be as good a race as the Tour of Georgia.
#22
Go hula
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 212
Bikes: McMahon Ti hardtail, Breezer Storm commuter
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by 'nother
I was disappointed with the local media coverage leading up to the start of the Tour. There was very little announcement/warning in any of the papers or TV news until Saturday. To some extent I think the Olympics are trumping coverage.
I can say though that "on the ground", the sponsors are promoting the hell out of themselves, as they should. There's no way you could get anywhere near the start or finish and not get blasted with Amgen propaganda. I really hope they keep it going, because it is very cool to see these guys riding on "our" roads. I hope the rest of the world gets some sense of why we consider this paradise, as well as gain some appreciation of the sport of cycling.
I can say though that "on the ground", the sponsors are promoting the hell out of themselves, as they should. There's no way you could get anywhere near the start or finish and not get blasted with Amgen propaganda. I really hope they keep it going, because it is very cool to see these guys riding on "our" roads. I hope the rest of the world gets some sense of why we consider this paradise, as well as gain some appreciation of the sport of cycling.
I saw coverage in the San Jose Mercury News probably two weeks ago, and then starting Saturday they were all over the tour, with a special section dedicated to just the tour. It was hard to miss.
Yes, it was very cool to see these guys racing on the very road I commute on every day on my bike. I live just two blocks off Piedmont Road (where the race came by twice) and was able to watch the hillclimb as well as their second lap down Piedmont.
I was very pleased with the behind-the-scenes happenings where the race volunteers and police officers were, for the most part, curteous to everyone. I was also worried that the race spectators would leave trash and debris along the sides of the roads but no problems with that. Everyone packed up what they brought and left. That was a relief as there is a lot of NIMBY-ism that goes on these days.