Lack of Racing Coverage in USA, and the obvious conclusion?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 7,481
Bikes: Too many to list!
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
Lack of Racing Coverage in USA, and the obvious conclusion?
After reading posts that speak of the obvious lack of racing coverage in the US, I wondered why it is this way. Then it came to me - there is almost NO interest in watching racing, as almost nobody rides in the US. If people rode, there would be interest. If there were interest, there would be coverage.
Consider this - there is more interest on the weekends in watching a taped fishing program, than watching a grand tour stage live. That about sums up the level of interest, and the relative number of cyclists in the US.
It's sad to think that there are so many who will never know the absolute joy of riding. To be honest, I don't think it will ever change in the United States. The cycling culture is past dead, and it's not coming back in my lifetime.
Taped fishing beats out live coverage of the Giro? Ugh.
Consider this - there is more interest on the weekends in watching a taped fishing program, than watching a grand tour stage live. That about sums up the level of interest, and the relative number of cyclists in the US.
It's sad to think that there are so many who will never know the absolute joy of riding. To be honest, I don't think it will ever change in the United States. The cycling culture is past dead, and it's not coming back in my lifetime.
Taped fishing beats out live coverage of the Giro? Ugh.
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: New York
Posts: 151
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally posted by bac
After reading posts that speak of the obvious lack of racing coverage in the US, I wondered why it is this way. Then it came to me - there is almost NO interest in watching racing, as almost nobody rides in the US. If people rode, there would be interest. If there were interest, there would be coverage.
Consider this - there is more interest on the weekends in watching a taped fishing program, than watching a grand tour stage live. That about sums up the level of interest, and the relative number of cyclists in the US.
It's sad to think that there are so many who will never know the absolute joy of riding. To be honest, I don't think it will ever change in the United States. The cycling culture is past dead, and it's not coming back in my lifetime.
Taped fishing beats out live coverage of the Giro? Ugh.
After reading posts that speak of the obvious lack of racing coverage in the US, I wondered why it is this way. Then it came to me - there is almost NO interest in watching racing, as almost nobody rides in the US. If people rode, there would be interest. If there were interest, there would be coverage.
Consider this - there is more interest on the weekends in watching a taped fishing program, than watching a grand tour stage live. That about sums up the level of interest, and the relative number of cyclists in the US.
It's sad to think that there are so many who will never know the absolute joy of riding. To be honest, I don't think it will ever change in the United States. The cycling culture is past dead, and it's not coming back in my lifetime.
Taped fishing beats out live coverage of the Giro? Ugh.
I was actually going start ranting how I have over 300+ TV channels and none of them ever show the Tour de France.
OLN shows it, but I dont have OLN!!!!!!!!
#3
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 7,481
Bikes: Too many to list!
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
Originally posted by smelly
You read my mind, seriously!
I was actually going start ranting how I have over 300+ TV channels and none of them ever show the Tour de France.
OLN shows it, but I dont have OLN!!!!!!!!
You read my mind, seriously!
I was actually going start ranting how I have over 300+ TV channels and none of them ever show the Tour de France.
OLN shows it, but I dont have OLN!!!!!!!!
I ended up buying digital cable in addition to my satelite just for OLN - all the other channels are redundant. So when the Giro is looked over in favor of a taped fishing show - I scratch my head regarding my $55/month OLN expense.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: England
Posts: 12,948
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 19 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
7 Posts
I have always wondered what US Postal get out of their sponsorship. The fans in Europe who follow cycling on TV have their own perfectly good postal systems.
#5
hors category
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,231
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
Originally posted by bac
I scratch my head regarding my $55/month OLN expense.
I scratch my head regarding my $55/month OLN expense.
I justify the Satellite TV expense by noting that it's about the same as the digital cable service that was offered to us, only suffers signal outages in the worst torrential downpours (not all that often) and gives me access to SpeedTV; something that disappeared from our previous cable service a long time ago.
So, at least for us, dumping cable has been a positive experience.
#6
A Heart Needs a Home
Join Date: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,387
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally posted by MichaelW
I have always wondered what US Postal get out of their sponsorship. The fans in Europe who follow cycling on TV have their own perfectly good postal systems.
I have always wondered what US Postal get out of their sponsorship. The fans in Europe who follow cycling on TV have their own perfectly good postal systems.
In the UK have you ever seen an advertisement for any delivery services from USPS?
RichC
__________________
Training: 2002 Fuji Roubaix Pro (105 triple)
Commuting/Daytripping: 2001 Airborne Carpe Diem (Ultegra/XTR, touring wheels)
Commuting/Touring: 2000 Novara Randonee (Sora/Tiagra/LX, fenders, lights)
Training: 2002 Fuji Roubaix Pro (105 triple)
Commuting/Daytripping: 2001 Airborne Carpe Diem (Ultegra/XTR, touring wheels)
Commuting/Touring: 2000 Novara Randonee (Sora/Tiagra/LX, fenders, lights)
#7
Spawn of Satan
I do not get cable. I have rabbit ears and get 4 channels. Every weekend golf and NASCAR rule the airwaves.
Not hard to see why we have an obesity problem in this country!!!
Not hard to see why we have an obesity problem in this country!!!
#8
hors category
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,231
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
Originally posted by bac
After reading posts that speak of the obvious lack of racing coverage in the US, I wondered why it is this way.
After reading posts that speak of the obvious lack of racing coverage in the US, I wondered why it is this way.
All that aside, there is some interesting history with regard to the US and bicycle racing. Since others have done a nice job of writing concise summaries I'll provide links to those instead of paraphrasing...
6 Day Racing Events
https://coachcarl.com/uscycling.html
Track Cycling
https://www.austinvelodrome.org/page12.html
Barney Oldfield & The Growth of Auto Racing
https://www.cartrackers.com/Buyers_Gu...2411101.1.html
So, in short, the bicycle racing was replaced by motorsports. There was a minor renaissance for US road & track cycling in the 70's that was eventually consumed by interest in BMX and Mountain biking. However, as gloomy as it may seem, US road and track cycling is regaining its popularity. It will by no means happen over night, but perhaps we'll at least be able to enjoy watching it's growth instead of it's demise over the next decade.
The bottom line is, America is very different from the rest of the world and Europe in particular, where cycling IS the second most popular sport next to soccer -- something else most American's "don't get" -- and a variety of other motorsports offerings that are alien to most folks in the US. Thankfully, we do have OLN to bring us international and US cycling and Speed TV which does an admirable job of funding it's existence with NASCAR-based ad revenue so that they can bring US audiences things like the Dakkar Rally, FIA World Rally Champsionship racing, F1 Racing, the TransAm and Endurance races along with motorcycle racing in all of its various forms.
For those who are interested, Dave Despain has had two home-run commentaries over the past two weeks that tie in nicely with this theme, i.e., why don't American's "get it" and the rise and fall of different types of racing's popularity, i.e., how did something like NASCAR become so popular...
"My Take" On The Differences Between Europe And America
https://www.speedtv.com/commentary/6400/
"My Take" On The Impact Of Television On Racing
https://www.speedtv.com/commentary/6484/
Last edited by livngood; 05-27-03 at 11:41 AM.
#9
DEADBEEF
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Catching his breath alongside a road near Seattle, WA USA
Posts: 12,234
Bikes: 1999 K2 OzM, 2001 Aegis Aro Svelte
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
4 Posts
Originally posted by livngood
The next day I put the Direct TV dish on the roof of the house and that afternoon we had the tour. Cancelled the cable and haven't regretted it since.
The next day I put the Direct TV dish on the roof of the house and that afternoon we had the tour. Cancelled the cable and haven't regretted it since.
__________________
1999 K2 OzM 2001 Aegis Aro Svelte
"Be liberal in what you accept, and conservative in what you send." -- Jon Postel, RFC1122
1999 K2 OzM 2001 Aegis Aro Svelte
"Be liberal in what you accept, and conservative in what you send." -- Jon Postel, RFC1122
#10
0^0
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Rolla, MO
Posts: 4,056
Bikes: Redline Monocog,Surly Crosscheck, Lemond Reno
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Well, the only people interested in watching racing are pretty much cyclists..And we are either the ones racing, or to busy riding to watch races...Unless it the biggies like the Giro, Paris-Roubiax, Tour De France....
__________________
Booyah!!
Booyah!!
#11
DEADBEEF
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Catching his breath alongside a road near Seattle, WA USA
Posts: 12,234
Bikes: 1999 K2 OzM, 2001 Aegis Aro Svelte
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
4 Posts
Originally posted by fubar5
Well, the only people interested in watching racing are pretty much cyclists.
Well, the only people interested in watching racing are pretty much cyclists.
__________________
1999 K2 OzM 2001 Aegis Aro Svelte
"Be liberal in what you accept, and conservative in what you send." -- Jon Postel, RFC1122
1999 K2 OzM 2001 Aegis Aro Svelte
"Be liberal in what you accept, and conservative in what you send." -- Jon Postel, RFC1122
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Baltimore
Posts: 65
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally posted by bac
After reading posts that speak of the obvious lack of racing coverage in the US, I wondered why it is this way. Then it came to me - there is almost NO interest in watching racing, as almost nobody rides in the US. If people rode, there would be interest. If there were interest, there would be coverage.
Consider this - there is more interest on the weekends in watching a taped fishing program, than watching a grand tour stage live. That about sums up the level of interest, and the relative number of cyclists in the US.
It's sad to think that there are so many who will never know the absolute joy of riding. To be honest, I don't think it will ever change in the United States. The cycling culture is past dead, and it's not coming back in my lifetime.
Taped fishing beats out live coverage of the Giro? Ugh.
After reading posts that speak of the obvious lack of racing coverage in the US, I wondered why it is this way. Then it came to me - there is almost NO interest in watching racing, as almost nobody rides in the US. If people rode, there would be interest. If there were interest, there would be coverage.
Consider this - there is more interest on the weekends in watching a taped fishing program, than watching a grand tour stage live. That about sums up the level of interest, and the relative number of cyclists in the US.
It's sad to think that there are so many who will never know the absolute joy of riding. To be honest, I don't think it will ever change in the United States. The cycling culture is past dead, and it's not coming back in my lifetime.
Taped fishing beats out live coverage of the Giro? Ugh.
Cycling on the other hand is exercise...look around, the vast majority of Americans are out of shape and sweat just seeing a picture of someone riding a bike.
Many people won't experience the joy of cycling but whether it's on tv or not isn't going to change that fact. More people ride their couch watching sports on TV than participating in them.
Personally I find watching sports on TV boring as hell.... I want to do it not watch it.
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: New York
Posts: 151
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I think this is a perfect example of how cyclist are stereotyped as liberals. These big CONSERVATIVE businesses do not like liberals, and think cycling is some how liberal. They would much rather show nascar's burning loads of fual on a mindless circle track, than show cycling.
Also, I don't feel its an issue of popularity, there are so many cyclist in my area, the sport has gained so much popularity. On most bike rides I sometimes have to fight and argue against other cyclist for that narrow strip of road next to the right lane.
Also, I don't feel its an issue of popularity, there are so many cyclist in my area, the sport has gained so much popularity. On most bike rides I sometimes have to fight and argue against other cyclist for that narrow strip of road next to the right lane.
#16
Livin' the dream
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Now in ABQ!!
Posts: 106
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally posted by smelly
I think this is a perfect example of how cyclist are stereotyped as liberals. These big CONSERVATIVE businesses do not like liberals, and think cycling is some how liberal. They would much rather show nascar's burning loads of fual on a mindless circle track, than show cycling.
Also, I don't feel its an issue of popularity, there are so many cyclist in my area, the sport has gained so much popularity. On most bike rides I sometimes have to fight and argue against other cyclist for that narrow strip of road next to the right lane.
I think this is a perfect example of how cyclist are stereotyped as liberals. These big CONSERVATIVE businesses do not like liberals, and think cycling is some how liberal. They would much rather show nascar's burning loads of fual on a mindless circle track, than show cycling.
Also, I don't feel its an issue of popularity, there are so many cyclist in my area, the sport has gained so much popularity. On most bike rides I sometimes have to fight and argue against other cyclist for that narrow strip of road next to the right lane.
It has nothing to do with politics. I think it's safe to say that most businessmen would be happy to broadcast a "liberal" sport if there was more money to be made than to show some other sport (whether they deemed it "conservative" or "liberal").
#17
Go Boilermakers!!!!!!!!!!
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Avon, Ohio
Posts: 272
Bikes: Cannondale R3000, Paramount Series 5, Trek 990, Cannondale M400, Schwinn World Sport (Cyclo cross)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
If I were you I would go nuts on your cable companies. All I do (Other than ride) is watch OLN. They have live coverage of the Giro, Spring Classics, Tour de France, Tour of Spain etc. Blitz them with calls and emails etc. The major networks don't cover crap any more. They are so caught up on "Reality" shows they don't even know about the real world anymore. It would be nice if they showed the reality that people actually do get off their butts and don't gossip all day. I'll step down from my soapbox. I still remember when the Wide World of Sports had coverage of the tour.
#18
Every lane is a bike lane
Originally posted by ohsfan
I agree with livngood; it's all about how much revenue can be gained from the targeted audience/group. More money can be made from a fishing audience than a cycling one.
I agree with livngood; it's all about how much revenue can be gained from the targeted audience/group. More money can be made from a fishing audience than a cycling one.
It's far easier for them to understand the idea of someone trying to belt a little red (or white) ball as hard as they can while 12 other people stand around watching.
__________________
I am clinically insane. I am proud of it.
That is all.
I am clinically insane. I am proud of it.
That is all.
#19
DEADBEEF
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Catching his breath alongside a road near Seattle, WA USA
Posts: 12,234
Bikes: 1999 K2 OzM, 2001 Aegis Aro Svelte
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
4 Posts
Originally posted by Chris L
It's far easier for them to understand the idea of someone trying to belt a little red (or white) ball as hard as they can while 12 other people stand around watching.
It's far easier for them to understand the idea of someone trying to belt a little red (or white) ball as hard as they can while 12 other people stand around watching.
__________________
1999 K2 OzM 2001 Aegis Aro Svelte
"Be liberal in what you accept, and conservative in what you send." -- Jon Postel, RFC1122
1999 K2 OzM 2001 Aegis Aro Svelte
"Be liberal in what you accept, and conservative in what you send." -- Jon Postel, RFC1122
#20
Every lane is a bike lane
I'm also wondering to what extent the perception of cycling not being an "American" sport is to blame. We get the "UnAustralian" rubbish out here when it comes to sports like cycling and soccer. Of course, this fails to consider the fact that cricket and the two rugby codes (which people watch fanatically) were both invented in England. And that "Australian Rules" football was originally based on the Irish game of Gaelic Football.
Sometimes I wonder whether people really deserve to know what they're missing out on.
Sometimes I wonder whether people really deserve to know what they're missing out on.
__________________
I am clinically insane. I am proud of it.
That is all.
I am clinically insane. I am proud of it.
That is all.
#21
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 10
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
sadly but its the truth about the lack of interest,,,,,i just purchased my first road bike and its funny how every one i know questions it. They always ask me why didnt i get a mountain bike , tell me about the "down sides" to a road bikes,,,over all not a positive understanding of the sport.
But i have to say forums like this help out alot . This site has increased my interest amazingly about a sport i really new nothing about a few months ago.
Also with all the companies producing such great looking bikes and other products , the exposure they do get will hopefully cause more interest. you can imagine the the awe i was in once i started visting web sites like TREK etc... . i was sold right a way
any way ......they ( joe public ) dont know all the fun they are missing
But i have to say forums like this help out alot . This site has increased my interest amazingly about a sport i really new nothing about a few months ago.
Also with all the companies producing such great looking bikes and other products , the exposure they do get will hopefully cause more interest. you can imagine the the awe i was in once i started visting web sites like TREK etc... . i was sold right a way
any way ......they ( joe public ) dont know all the fun they are missing
#22
BikeForums Founder
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: Utah.
Posts: 4,249
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
ERGGGG! Remember last year, when one of the network channels decided to show the last day of le tour? I took off work to watch OLN and totally missed the last day on A(N)BCBS.
Other then that, OLN's coverage is great IMHO, I wish it would be covered on ESPN if not a major network for more eyes to see.
Other then that, OLN's coverage is great IMHO, I wish it would be covered on ESPN if not a major network for more eyes to see.
#23
DEADBEEF
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Catching his breath alongside a road near Seattle, WA USA
Posts: 12,234
Bikes: 1999 K2 OzM, 2001 Aegis Aro Svelte
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
4 Posts
Originally posted by Joe Gardner
Other then that, OLN's coverage is great IMHO, I wish it would be covered on ESPN if not a major network for more eyes to see.
Other then that, OLN's coverage is great IMHO, I wish it would be covered on ESPN if not a major network for more eyes to see.
I am the opposite with sports like baseball and American football. I'll only watch it once a year (Superbowl party usually. Why? Because I like parties.) and even then I'm only mildly interested in the actual game.
On the other hand, most of my friends follow baseball and football religiously but only mildly pass interest to cycling after Lance wins the TdF. This type schedule is what US sports reporting caters towards.
__________________
1999 K2 OzM 2001 Aegis Aro Svelte
"Be liberal in what you accept, and conservative in what you send." -- Jon Postel, RFC1122
1999 K2 OzM 2001 Aegis Aro Svelte
"Be liberal in what you accept, and conservative in what you send." -- Jon Postel, RFC1122