yes a viable alternative for US based users who wish to send packages both domestic and abroad. I cannot use UPS services from the Netherlands can I.
Yes, You can sort of. Anytime you drop a letter or package off with the Dutch post office that is going to the US, the US Post office delivers it.
Besides which, as I wasn't aware that a sponsor had to have a service for YOU to use in order to sponsor a team. If the US Post office thinks they are getting a good return by sponsoring a cycling team, then that is their option.
Despite teh ta fact that the event is broadcast globally, the main commercial interest is focussed on European based companies. Yes Cola Cola and others are also present and provide millions, their presence is focussed on this one event which is actually my point.
UPS main focus is extracting maximum benefit from exposure gained in the TdF hence the cycling team's focus is doing well in this event, to gain that exposure. They don;t feature much in other events because the American publc is largely unaware tat cycling actually takes place in europe from Late February through to October.
Therefore the person that claimed that UPS focusses on the TDF has credibility because in fact their main focus is the TdF for the benefit of their sponsors.
understand?
I understand what you are saying, but you've missed the mark in regards to the advertising benefits. Right now today and for the past couple of years the main marketing benefit to sposnoring this team has been the association with Lance Armstrong. Right now I'm sure that the US Postal service could care less about the Tour itself (just as long as Lance does well/wins). Lance's name is golden right now from an advertising standpoint, the Post office is quite stupid from getting away from it right now. Who cares if they run a bunch of races in Europe throughout the year, Lance has probably the most recognized name in all of sporting (he's at least in the top 5), and it's still a "good" name with a good story.
Andrew