2012 TD Bank Philadelphia International Championship

[The_Z_man]

I really don't like the changes they're making. If anything, do away with the Lemon Hill circuits, and add another main circuit. It allows someone to make a move on the wall, and it might have a chance to stick untill the finish. Otherwise, it's just a sprinter's race.

 

[MR_Sarcastic]

The changes were made because of the money involved. At $85-$100 a pop, I'm sure the ride will be Fredtastic.
Think of all that money being sucked into the pockets of the promoters.
Someone should have thought of this, years ago......We'll see more of this, in the future.
.
.
.

 

[Bala Verde]

3 June 2012

 

[Zigster]

I like the crowd scene at Lemon Hill a lot more than the wall although I think the race should actually finish on top of the wall. Lemon Hill is quite tame.

The "Fondo" concept is really ridiculous - these are public roads - although the local club riders seem eager to fork over whatever is asked. I obviously have no business sense.

 

[CQmanager]

The changes were made because of the money involved. At $85-$100 a pop, I'm sure the ride will be Fredtastic.
Think of all that money being sucked into the pockets of the promoters.
Someone should have thought of this, years ago......We'll see more of this, in the future.
.
.
.

Exactly, bunch of overweight freds paying high fees to ride their fancy bikes on the race course ... If I was in Philly, I would probably be one of them hehe

 

[The_Z_man]

I like the crowd scene at Lemon Hill a lot more than the wall although I think the race should actually finish on top of the wall. Lemon Hill is quite tame.

I preferred (I'm out of the area for the time being) the crowd in The Yunk, but to each his own. I was one of the few who not only got blasted, but actually watched the race as well.

My comments had nothing to do with spectating, just the racing. Finishing at the top of the wall would be pretty cool.

On a side note, in 2007 I saw Floyd Landis outside The Bayou (a bar in Manayunk). I was loaded and couldn't bring myself to say anything except "I thought you were framed." As it came out of my mouth, I knew it wasn't true, but I'm too nice of a guy.

 

[Bala Verde]

Is there a start list available?

 

[mikeNphilly]

http://procyclingtour.com/phila-startlist.htm?pab=1_3

Start List here...Uggh

The startlist has been getting less impressive as the years go by. Still will be a fun day, just seems like the major teams are no longer coming.

 

[woodie]

How many riders per team are there there must not be a limit on team riders

 

[The_Z_man]

How many riders per team are there there must not be a limit on team riders

It does say, "Teams and riders subject to change," so it might be a list that gets shortened.

Regardless, unless the teams really are subject to change, and some ProTeams are sticking around from Cali get added, it's a really weak field.

 

[TRDean]

I think Fred Rodriguez may be in for the win...

 

[DirtyWorks]

It does say, "Teams and riders subject to change," so it might be a list that gets shortened.

Regardless, unless the teams really are subject to change, and some ProTeams are sticking around from Cali get added, it's a really weak field.

Disagree.

Based on the UCI's classification of the event. 1.HC, they are doing okay. http://www.uciamericatour.com/templates/UCI/UCI1/layout.asp?MenuId=MjAzNA&LangId=1

My understanding is, Amgen/Anshutz(sp?????) pays those teams to show up in Cali. No budget for those teams means the next tier of racers. Add to that the travel logistics would be pretty awful so I don't think the Elite Men's teams would be interested anyway.

Their amateur timed-loop thing is sure to generate some money. So, maybe next year it will be enough budget to bring ProTour riders?


I agree the course doesn't generate much selection. That's a fundamental problem.

 

[Highlander]

The women's race appears to have a more impressive start list, highlighted by the defending world champion:

http://procyclingtour.com/phila-womensstartlist.htm?pab=1_3

 

[The_Z_man]

DirtyWorks,

I realize that the organizers of the race pay teams to show up. That's why they have a title sponsor. In years past, there have been a few ProTeams to show up each year, usually ones with US connected sponsors. CSC usually did, as did Liquigas (due to their bike sponsor Cannondale which used to be a PA company). This year it looks to be all Pro Continental or Continental teams.

P.S. I looked at the start list again, and they have updated it to say which riders are going to start and which are replacements.

 

[Highlander]

It does say, "Teams and riders subject to change," so it might be a list that gets shortened.

Regardless, unless the teams really are subject to change, and some ProTeams are sticking around from Cali get added, it's a really weak field.

I initially had the same feeling about the field, but then I remembered that the ProTour teams such as Liquigas and HTC have been responsible the last few years for dragging everything back and making sure that the race ended in a sprint. Without any super strong team at this year's race, I do think that there is a greater chance of a surprise winner.

At least I hope so as I'll be out watching it on Sunday.