Originally Posted by
Blue Jays
Why would anyone care or even seek to influence who participates in cycling? One doesn't watch a professional basketball game and think, "Gee, this game would be really swell if there were more Koreans represented on the court!" People don't care. We're there to watch offense, defense, turnovers, and dunks.
Well,
I think Cycling would be helped by more participation, not less. And the American sport of cycling loses out on a significant slice of the potential athlete pool because it is such a niche sport. The more kids who ride, the more fans of the sport The more fans of the sport, the more eyeballs and sponsors will flock to the sport, which in turn leads to more money.
The more money, the increase in the quality of and number of races. Plus, it would make America more competitive in the Pro Tour in general.
Plus - minorities in the inner city have a serious problem with obesity. Seems if you get more kids into sports they can do after high-school you are benefiting them long after their playing days are done. Seriously - football is a sport most kids play for 6 years. (7th grade through 12th grade.)