Originally Posted by
smoore
Totally agree. However, shorter races mean fewer places to run advertisements and there is also the long European history and tradition that would have to be adjusted. I suspect that would be tough. But even during the height of Lance mania (before the rumors began) I was having a hard time watching every TDF race in it's entirety. Long is one thing, but long with no real action is hard.
response II. Euro's are changing. They like 90 min soccer games, rugby, even more basket ball and NFL. It is hard to leave work to camp and watch a bike race. They watch more CX. They enjoy MTB. Certainly the TdF will be around, but just like it went from a dirt road ride to a paved one, it may change again. The mistake, IMO is UCI calls too many things cycling. Hitting balls into a net using a bike, is not cycling. Nor is bike gymnastics. Shoot, I'd dump BMX, fat tire, MYB too. But I'm harsh.