Professional Cycling For the Fans - Idea to make TdF(or any other classics) more exciting

You may not enjoy the flat stages, but you're not really a cycling fan.

I don't argue with that. But then again, I don't know what is a real cycling fan is. ;)

And I make no effort be one.

There are less posts in the flat stages because of lack of impact on the overall lead,


Good point, I think you hit the nail on the head.

I don't argue with that. But then again, I don't know what is a real cycling fan is. ;)

And I make no effort be one.


That much is obvious....

I think it's on the way not very far in the future.

As long as the price is right, there will be many cyclists willing to make a deal.

I'm game....what's it worth to see my point of view.

No...... KirkeIsWaiting....

I didn't mean just any cyclist......

Don't fix it if it isn't broken.

Indeed. It has built up such a tradition and all, and held itself together through consistancy in the event. Seems so pure, really. "First one to the finish line 100 miles away is the winner" sort of thing. Such a contrast to how many sports in the USA have been butchered at the pro level to milk every possible dollar at the expense of sport integrity. (not that pro cycling is perfect by any means...)

I still can't imagine it being any different. I wonder what the viewership will be like next year when Lance is gone.

I still can't imagine it being any different. I wonder what the viewership will be like next year when Lance is gone.
Unfortunately, LA leaving is not nearly as big a problem as the Pro Tour is. Patrice Clerc made a statement the other day at Chambord about the fact that the UCI, while in the guise of discussing the future with organizers of the Grand Tours, was actually still holding to their position without negotiating: be in or be out.

The Grand Tours are only in this year because the organizers agreed to a one year entry in which they were run in the same way, and UCI did not impose their values on them. Since then, no progress has been made toward resolution for future years. If the Pro Tour continues to fail to negotiate in good faith regarding these three historic races (according to Clerc), there are not too many outcomes possible. And none of them looks good to me. I can see only these:

1. The Pro Tour teams will race in them outside of the general Pro Tour structure

2. The UCI will forbid that, and Continental teams will race, along with others perhaps

3. The UCI will forbid that, and only smaller teams will race

4. ??? - I don't even want to think about it

One can make valid arguments about changing with the times, but when it comes to the oldest major race in the sport, and the only two others of that ilk which also share a long history, it seems to me that the UCI needs to become a little more flexible.

It is a little like Ecclestone and F1. Make it a huge money pot for elitists, but destroy most of the history and culture along the way. Oh, and get very, very rich in the process.

Unfortunately, LA leaving is not nearly as big a problem as the Pro Tour is. Patrice Clerc made a statement the other day at Chambord about the fact that the UCI, while in the guise of discussing the future with organizers of the Grand Tours, was actually still holding to their position without negotiating: be in or be out.

The Grand Tours are only in this year because the organizers agreed to a one year entry in which they were run in the same way, and UCI did not impose their values on them. Since then, no progress has been made toward resolution for future years. If the Pro Tour continues to fail to negotiate in good faith regarding these three historic races (according to Clerc), there are not too many outcomes possible. And none of them looks good to me. I can see only these:

1. The Pro Tour teams will race in them outside of the general Pro Tour structure

2. The UCI will forbid that, and Continental teams will race, along with others perhaps

3. The UCI will forbid that, and only smaller teams will race

4. ??? - I don't even want to think about it

One can make valid arguments about changing with the times, but when it comes to the oldest major race in the sport, and the only two others of that ilk which also share a long history, it seems to me that the UCI needs to become a little more flexible.

It is a little like Ecclestone and F1. Make it a huge money pot for elitists, but destroy most of the history and culture along the way. Oh, and get very, very rich in the process.

Well, this is new. What are the issues they can't agree on?

Any web sites that I can get more information?

You should start a new thread with a link to more detailed information. Many people might be interested to know more about this.

Well, this is new. What are the issues they can't agree on?
Well actually, it is not new at all. It started when the Pro Tour did.

There are various issues. What the Pro Tour wants to do to the regulations. Start money. But apparently most of all, the UCI wants to take over management from the people who have run them forever. For obvious reasons, the organizers do not exactly agree.

I would suggest looking at the UCI, ASO, Vuelta, and Giro sites. Cyclingnews also has had articles about this issue since it started.

Well actually, it is not new at all. It started when the Pro Tour did.

There are various issues. What the Pro Tour wants to do to the regulations. Start money. But apparently most of all, the UCI wants to take over management from the people who have run them forever. For obvious reasons, the organizers do not exactly agree.

I would suggest looking at the UCI, ASO, Vuelta, and Giro sites. Cyclingnews also has had articles about this issue since it started.

Well, I can't find that particular topic. I'll keep looking but if you can post a link, that would be a great help.

Well, I can't find that particular topic. I'll keep looking but if you can post a link, that would be a great help.
If you care, do the legwork!

ASO is Amaury Sports Organization, organizer and owner of the Tour de France (or just look up Tour de France). The Giro (d'Italia) and Vuelta (a Espana) are the other two. And, of course, the UCI. Google is a great tool.

Don't give all 100+ riders in the pelaton the same time! Break it up into segmnets.

Me, I love the last 40 km the most. The pelaton chasing the "escapies" down and the sprinters at the end is exciting. I have to admit that I really enjoy the dudes that go off on there own and for 100 miles they are 5-8 minutes ahead. By 8km to go all but one is getting swallowed up. He's the dude that will most likely end up back in 100th place when it's done but for that few miles he's got that "kiss my ass" attitude. You can't help but cheer them on.
The other day, even if Christophe Mengin hadn't wiped out, he probably would have been caught in the last few meters but, man did that dude have heart!? He refused to give in to the "pelaton". How many guys did you see pedalling down that hill in the rain? Taking a chance to go for it like that really takes alot of heart! He did pay for it though. But, man what a race!

If you care, do the legwork!

ASO is Amaury Sports Organization, organizer and owner of the Tour de France (or just look up Tour de France). The Giro (d'Italia) and Vuelta (a Espana) are the other two. And, of course, the UCI. Google is a great tool.

I googled all of them. I still didn't find any. If you have seen it, it's probably easier for you to find it again.

I tell ya what, if they would pay my way (like they do for the team anyway) and would just let me keep the bikes I'd do it for no $$ in a heart beat. I'd take all of my vacation to do the race too. I may come in last place, but I'd ride till I couldn't possibly ride any further.

allgoo19...here you go...go to Google.com type in "protour aso dispute" enjoy reading the MANY articles that come up.