Originally Posted by
Oostal
All the spring classics and the 3 grand tours are so well established that even if there would be more races in the US, only very few teams or good riders would take part. Even more so that the majority of the teams have European sponsors and are interested in prime time coverage in the local networks.
I personally find the early Arabian events rather pointless. The road was boring and there were almost no spectators. Short races in Florida or California early in the season might be better and the only possibility to squeeze something new into the tight schedule.
The Tour of California actually gets quite a few big names at it even though it is competing with the Giro for riders. It is shorter and easier, plus the riders seem to love the American hotels. And if it is a pro-tour event then the pro-tour teams have to send people.