Professional Cycling For the Fans - What would the affect if Lance wins

Does any one here think that if Lance wins the Tour that it might have a positive affect on biking in the US. I have noticed over the last week that there are more cyclists on the roads. Yes I know if people run out and buy some road bike that they will use them for only a few days. But do you think what they might learn in those few days might stick in the back of their minds. What I mean is if they go out and learn how bikers are treated on the road that they might remember that, and give bikers more respect/room.

(also please no details on the race I am a bit behind on watching it, I still have to watch the last 3 days they are on my DVR.)

after two or three in a row there should be some sort of affect

I think Lance has been great for cycling in the US. Before Lance beat cancer and came back to win the Tour, no one other than those who already followed the sport knew of him. Now his name/image/story is everywhere. Winning another tour will keep the lights on for a while. But unless another American follows in his footsteps, I suspect the media hype will taper off quickly.

What we need is a good tour here in America. Georgia is good. The Tour duPont used to be great (even came through my hometown and got lots of attention with non-cyclists).

Just my thoughts...

Winning another tour will keep the lights on for a while. But unless another American follows in his footsteps, I suspect the media hype will taper off quickly.

What we need is a good tour here in America. Georgia is good. The Tour duPont used to be great (even came through my hometown and got lots of attention with non-cyclists).

Just my thoughts...

There have been several stories about a Tour of California in the San Francisco sports pages - but they've been maddeningly short on details.

If something like that got started, along with the Tour of Georgia, there'd be something to build on (and the CA press probably would be much bigger than what the GA Tour gets).

Makoa, I think that is a good idea, but instead of just in one state, why not a multi-day race (like tdf) across the whole country ending in Philly (the birth place the US) Yes I know it is about 4600km, and at 133km a day it would be a 35 day race (11 days longer then the tdf)

Makoa, I think that is a good idea, but instead of just in one state, why not a multi-day race (like tdf) across the whole country ending in Philly (the birth place the US) Yes I know it is about 4600km, and at 133km a day it would be a 35 day race (11 days longer then the tdf)
There is already RAAM.

A stage race that goes across the country is not really plausible, but it's fun to think about.

Hey to those in the know. Is the Tour de Toona anything of a deal on the US race circuit? Obviously in my area 40 milse form Altoona I have heard of it and it has been going on for several years but do people outside of this area know of it? How does it rate compared to the Tour of Georgia (obviously not on that level) and the Sea Otter Classic etc.

If the Tour of California becomes successful, maybe they'll bring back the Tour de Trump *wishful thinking*

I think Lance has been great for cycling in the US. Before Lance beat cancer and came back to win the Tour, no one other than those who already followed the sport knew of him. Now his name/image/story is everywhere. Winning another tour will keep the lights on for a while. But unless another American follows in his footsteps, I suspect the media hype will taper off quickly.

What we need is a good tour here in America. Georgia is good. The Tour duPont used to be great (even came through my hometown and got lots of attention with non-cyclists).

Just my thoughts...

There used to be the Red Zinger and later it became the Coors Classic...

http://www.velonews.com/news/fea/7960.0.html

Not sure if it is still an event.

There is already RAAM.

A stage race that goes across the country is not really plausible, but it's fun to think about.

Why not plausible?

How about a "Tour de Route 66" and follow the old road as much as possible? Then beyond the cycling following, you get a nostalgia thing going too... folks will watch just to see the small towns and remember the old days.

If they were to do a US tour I think it would be better to do a north south thing alternating east coast and west coast routes. Should be plenty of climbing either way.

It would be nice to see it give some new zest to cycling so the mainstream pays attention more.

But my cynical side says that Lance Armstrong is just the latest fad sports hero. A new one comes every few years....Michael Jordan, Bo Jackson, Derek Jeter, Tiger Woods, etc...

It would be nice to see it give some new zest to cycling so the mainstream pays attention more.

But my cynical side says that Lance Armstrong is just the latest fad sports hero. A new one comes every few years....Michael Jordan, Bo Jackson, Derek Jeter, Tiger Woods, etc...

True, but on the positive side, it does give cycling some exposure. Just as Tiger did to Golf. It puts Cycling in the news.

KingTermite, that is kind of my point do you think that with that fad to come, even if it is short lived, maybe people will pay a bit of attion to road cyclists, and maybe it would be the time to implant into the collective mind of the general population how to react wene they see a cyclest on the road (maybe form a habbit or two while they are driving to respect cyclists), and maybe those thoughts could stick in the back of their minds so that years after they might not be the greatest to cyclists BUT when they see a cyclist on the road they might give them some room, even if they don't really think about it, or realize they did it (that is the beautiy of habbats they don't break easly, that could be some good long term benifites if Lance does win again)

Does any one here think that if Lance wins the Tour that it might have a positive affect on biking in the US. I have noticed over the last week that there are more cyclists on the roads. Yes I know if people run out and buy some road bike that they will use them for only a few days. But do you think what they might learn in those few days might stick in the back of their minds. What I mean is if they go out and learn how bikers are treated on the road that they might remember that, and give bikers more respect/room.

(also please no details on the race I am a bit behind on watching it, I still have to watch the last 3 days they are on my DVR.)

Nope. Not more than usual. I mean, he already won 6 times, and I don't think a seventh will substantially raise cycling interest in the USA. I think USA Cycling has a better chance of raising the public awareness of cycling by using Lance's victory (should he win) as advertising to get to more people and increase cycling interest.

Koffee

Nope. Not more than usual. I mean, he already won 6 times, and I don't think a seventh will substantially raise cycling interest in the USA. I think USA Cycling has a better chance of raising the public awareness of cycling by using Lance's victory (should he win) as advertising to get to more people and increase cycling interest.

Koffee

Probably this is most accurate... now if perhaps Lance would take up as a cause the issue of cycling in general, if he has more time in "retirement." I think his focus will however be "cancer."

Nope. Not more than usual. I mean, he already won 6 times, and I don't think a seventh will substantially raise cycling interest in the USA. I think USA Cycling has a better chance of raising the public awareness of cycling by using Lance's victory (should he win) as advertising to get to more people and increase cycling interest.

Agreed. Creating and increasing interest in local racing would go a lot further than just a single American "hero". That said, U.S. soccer and women's basketball don't hold people's attention all that much more than Le Tour, so it seems unlikely that even building up an interest in local cycling events would have much of an effect.

Although I agree that without a Lance type dominant US rider, interest will wane, I think that the exposure has been great and will put cycling, if not into the mainstream, then at least put the TdF on the map for sports fans.

It has really surprised me how many people with no cycling background or interest have been discussing the Tour this year. And not about Lance, but rather about how interesting the sport is, how amazing it is what they do, etc. Even when the World Cup came to the U.S. in 1994, not many people came away saying how interesting soccer was, or that they loved the games. Most people I know were attracted to the event, to the passion, etc., but not the sport itself. This seems to be different for the TdF from what I've observed.

And if there ever is another US based event, please please please don't let them call it "Tour de ----", we're Americans, it's "Tour of Rt. 66, or California, or whatever. Just sounds contrived.

I got into biking (and eventually road cycling) after I saw the Sunday Tour de France coverages last year. Would they be broadcasting the TdF if it were Ullrich who won 6 in a row? Probably not, but I didn't watch the TdF 10 years ago so I don't know if it was publically broadcasted.

I think if companies really went to eat, cycling could get bigger. For example, in advertising LA could easily be used (6 or 7 wins) as well as other aspects of cycling:
such as highlighting cyclist's legs, an appeal to body image or
a sloagan like, eat 3000 calories a day and still need extra notches on your belt
Things focused at what America likes and relate it to cycling. I think that may be more powerful than another tour win. Didn't cycling in the US go through a lower period inbetween Lemond & Armstrong (too young to know ;)). As much as an idol in the sport helps cycling here, I think different things should be adressed to really see a wider and longer lasting cultural acceptance of the sport. That said, I got into biking after seeing Armstrong's 2003 victory...

I think if companies really went to eat, cycling could get bigger. For example, in advertising LA could easily be used (6 or 7 wins) as well as other aspects of cycling:
such as highlighting cyclist's legs, an appeal to body image or
a sloagan like, eat 3000 calories a day and still need extra notches on your belt
Things focused at what America likes and relate it to cycling. I think that may be more powerful than another tour win. Didn't cycling in the US go through a lower period inbetween Lemond & Armstrong (too young to know ;)). As much as an idol in the sport helps cycling here, I think different things should be adressed to really see a wider and longer lasting cultural acceptance of the sport. That said, I got into biking after seeing Armstrong's 2003 victory...

When my business acquaintances in conversation would find out I biked regularly (~300 miles/month), that's exactly how I always explained it: "I ride enough to have one "free dinner" a week, b/c I burn at least that many calories riding every week, and I lost 20 lbs the first 2-3 months that I did so".

when I explained to my coworkers that I rode 300/week they simply stopped talking to me

Makoa, I think that is a good idea, but instead of just in one state, why not a multi-day race (like tdf) across the whole country ending in Philly (the birth place the US) Yes I know it is about 4600km, and at 133km a day it would be a 35 day race (11 days longer then the tdf)

I just can't imagine it being worthwhile having such a high-level race going through several states that really don't have anything worthwile to offer in terms of cycling terrain- flat and straight day after day doesn't do it for any kind of pro. But I think someone's suggestion about a coastal Stage race would be much more plausible, the only problem being the transfer from one coast to the other- no fans would be able to drive it in a reasonable time, so it'd really be a segmented race for the fans unless they flew.

Although I agree that without a Lance type dominant US rider, interest will wane, I think that the exposure has been great and will put cycling, if not into the mainstream, then at least put the TdF on the map for sports fans.

It has really surprised me how many people with no cycling background or interest have been discussing the Tour this year. And not about Lance, but rather about how interesting the sport is, how amazing it is what they do, etc. Even when the World Cup came to the U.S. in 1994, not many people came away saying how interesting soccer was, or that they loved the games. Most people I know were attracted to the event, to the passion, etc., but not the sport itself. This seems to be different for the TdF from what I've observed.

And if there ever is another US based event, please please please don't let them call it "Tour de ----", we're Americans, it's "Tour of Rt. 66, or California, or whatever. Just sounds contrived.


How about "Tour duh Root 66..." :D

i hope it makes bikes and equipment cheaper so it makes it easier for people who cant afford equipment can race.then hopefully one of these kids will be like the new "lance" who represents the USA.

when I explained to my coworkers that I rode 300/week they simply stopped talking to me

Man, that's better motivation than losing weight :D

One other point: I would hope that world class races in the United States would be titled Tour "of" ______ rahter than Tour "De" ________ :)

There are certain American mentalities that just won't change. One of the more frustrating ones is that the general American public doesn't embrace sports that are historically "European". There are millions of people in the U.S. that play soccer and cycle, but even though they are both slowly growing, they won't cross over into major sports status any time soon. America just has one giant thick head.

There have been several stories about a Tour of California in the San Francisco sports pages - but they've been maddeningly short on details.

If something like that got started, along with the Tour of Georgia, there'd be something to build on (and the CA press probably would be much bigger than what the GA Tour gets).

I'm quite amazed that we don't have a premier race here in the states. A CA state race would be remarkable because of the available routes and vast geographical options, not to mention the vastly improved TV production over what we see from France. What makes the TdF so special is it's history, plus being so central in Europe to so many other countries and their teams and followers. A huge Euro summertime festival. To create that "vibe" (I live in CA, I can say vibe) here in CA, or anywhere in the US, would be remarkable. Then again, the sight of bikers tossing their bottles and refuse to the side of the road might be too much for the enviro-extremists that live in CA. They'd have to change the race rules, like having a hybrid fuel garbage truck riding back and forth so riders can toss their stuff in there. Points lost and time taken away for missing the bin or being caught tossing on the road.

History: I got into biking during the 70's boom years, 1972 to be specific, influenced by Peugeot riding neighbors. I got into the habit of riding 20 miles a day for fun and exercise, leading up to local club tours and camping trips, plus centurion and beyond rides (longest I've gone in one day is 140 miles). Stopped riding in my 20's, but then picked it back up after moving to Los Angeles in 1988 at age 30 where my exclusive transportation for 3 years was a bike. I now live in a region where road biking is not that much fun, and I no longer commute on bike, but I do get fired up around the TdF time and make the effort to ride. This weekend - Malibu.

when I explained to my coworkers that I rode 300/week they simply stopped talking to me


anyone who rides a bike 300/week is obviously a commie trying to subvert their SUVs.

I still remeber the tour "The Hell of the West" Started in Hawaii, caught planes to California, then caught another plane to finish up in Colorado.

I am really looking forward to next generation of US cyclists that were inspired by Lances rides.