General News Thread

[Buffalo Soldier]

Like it or not, but Pistolero actually made a good point, although not the one he wanted to make.
Italy and Spain are chosen far too often, while a lot of traditional and upcoming cycling countries get passed over every year.

As for Belgium: we have bids every year, but every year with boring courses or in trivial dull places.
Why not a WC in Liege, Brussels, Gent, Bastogne, Brakel, Oudenaarde, Eupen or Geraardsbergen?

What makes me think: is it a rule that cobbles sections or climbs are not allowed in WC's? It's also a big part of cycling, and should be included sometimes.

 

[El Pistolero]

Silly comment.

Of course if an Italian poster came on and said that he thinks Italy deserve the worlds in 2013 ahead of Norway, because they are overdue, we would treat them just the same, don't you worry Pisti

But there hasnt been an italian poster saying that so we havent commented. And yet you try to make it out as if we are just out to get Belgium.

Its as if a Christian asked an atheist - why aren't you picking on Judaism

The thing is, one in fourteen years is not a lot for the only country where cycling is the biggest sport. You can yap about it having to take place all around the world you want, but it's a European sport with growing potential in the USA and Australia(Australia had a WC recently and USA will get one as well). Why try to be something you're not?

 

[El Pistolero]

Like it or not, but Pistolero actually made a good point, although not the one he wanted to make.
Italy and Spain are chosen far too often, while a lot of traditional and upcoming cycling countries get passed over every year.

As for Belgium: we have bids every year, but every year with boring courses or in trivial dull places.
Why not a WC in Liege, Brussels, Gent, Bastogne, Brakel, Oudenaarde, Eupen or Geraardsbergen?

What makes me think: is it a rule that cobbles sections or climbs are not allowed in WC's? It's also a big part of cycling, and should be included sometimes.

You can make a pretty good course at Leuven.

 

[Buffalo Soldier]

A course like the nationals last year is a joke for a WC...
And that while there are so much beautiful courses possible in Belgium.

 

[maltiv]

The thing is, one in fourteen years is not a lot for the only country where cycling is the biggest sport. You can yap about it having to take place all around the world you want, but it's a European sport with growing potential in the USA and Australia(Australia had a WC recently and USA will get one as well). Why try to be something you're not?

Cycling in Norway is pretty big as well. If you've watched the TDF, we are the crazy guys alongside the rode who are waving our red, white and blue flags while wearing silly viking helmets

I mean a ridiculous race like Oslo GP (typical organized criterium) had something like 150 000 spectators, which is quite a lot for such a small country.

 

[El Pistolero]

Cycling in Norway is pretty big as well. If you've watched the TDF, we are the crazy guys alongside the rode who are waving our red, white and blue flags while wearing silly viking helmets

I mean a ridiculous race like Oslo GP (typical organized criterium) had something like 150 000 spectators, which is quite a lot for such a small country.

I'm nowhere stating that Norway doesn't deserve a WC, I'm merely hoping Belgium gets picked in 2016.

 

[roundabout]

Are there any news on a bid from Belgium?

 

[Zinoviev Letter]

I'd love to see a WC in Ireland some day. You could make a hilarious circuit based around Cork City. St Patrick's Hill, in the city centre, may be short, but it has a 23% gradient. 15 times up that should produce some entertainment.

It's hard to justify in terms of the number of pro cyclists Ireland produces, of course.

 

[nobilis]

It's official now. BigMat will cosponsor FdJ. They'll bring in 2 Million Euros. They'll be called FdJ - BigMat

http://www.cyclismactu.net/news-sponsor-fdj-devient-officiellement-fdj-bigmat-20788.html

 

[Fus087]

I'd love to see a WC in Ireland some day. You could make a hilarious circuit based around Cork City. St Patrick's Hill, in the city centre, may be short, but it has a 23% gradient. 15 times up that should produce some entertainment.

It's hard to justify in terms of the number of pro cyclists Ireland produces, of course.

Thankfully the powers that be wouldn't be opposed to a WC in Ireland.

In my opinion the WC should mostly be held in "sub-top" cycling nations that have established themselves in today's cycling, but don't have many top-level races - that way the cycling fans in these places can see the world's best on their own roads. Countries like Denmark (2011), Australia (2010), Austria (2006), Canada (2003)... You get my point. I would definitely welcome a WC in Norway, it fits in.
Also, every now and then the WC should go outside Europe. I'd love to see one in South Africa (and most of all, Cape Town), or Argentina. Or Malaysia maybe...
But also, the traditional cycling countries - Belgium, Italy, France, Spain, Switzerland, Netherlands etc. - shouldn't be neglected. As long as it isn't Verona 3 times in the space of 20 years.

 

[El Pistolero]

Are there any news on a bid from Belgium?

Yes, instead of a city host the country as a whole will bid for a WC in 2016. They're going to design a course that visits every province of Belgium.

 

[pastronef]

But also, the traditional cycling countries - Belgium, Italy, France, Spain, Switzerland, Netherlands etc. - shouldn't be neglected. As long as it isn't Verona 3 times in the space of 20 years.

Verona 2 and Treviso 1

 

[Timmy-loves-Rabo]

A course like the nationals last year is a joke for a WC...
And that while there are so much beautiful courses possible in Belgium.

there is pleanty good terrain in norway.

but i suppose this is exclusive to belgiuM?

 

[roundabout]

Yes, instead of a city host the country as a whole will bid for a WC in 2016. They're going to design a course that visits every province of Belgium.

I mean whether any Belgium city/town is planning to candidate.

Maybe there will be no bid which would make the Belgium v Norway for 2016 discussion moot.

 

[El Pistolero]

I mean whether any Belgium city/town is planning to candidate.

Maybe there will be no bid which would make the Belgium v Norway for 2016 discussion moot.

I just told you, Belgium is bidding.

 

[Eric8-A]

Soler ready to head back to Colombia

 

[JRanton]

It's official now. BigMat will cosponsor FdJ. They'll bring in 2 Million Euros. They'll be called FdJ - BigMat

http://www.cyclismactu.net/news-sponsor-fdj-devient-officiellement-fdj-bigmat-20788.html

I'd imagine that cash should ensure they stay in the world tour beyond 2012. They can go and buy some riders with points next year to make sure they're in the top 15 ranked teams for 2013.

 

[greenedge]

Expecting big things from Bardet. In Ain i thought he did well, till one day he collapsed.

http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/1...ne-in-the-World-can-do-Mark-Renshaws-job.aspx
Cav misses Renshaw. I think CJ could fill the role quite well, for Cav. We saw at the Vuelta he has great positioning and intuition. He also has a track background. However i would hate for CJ to just be leading out for Cav all the time especially since he has had his best season to date. The only time i would like to see him lead Cav out would be at the TDF ( he would be overjoyed just being there )where even Eddy would have to help.

 

[auscyclefan94]

Evans to begin season in Spain

Shall be intersting what he can do at such races.

 

[Buffalo Soldier]

there is pleanty good terrain in norway.

but i suppose this is exclusive to belgiuM?

What are you talking about? I'm not talking about Norway or any other country.

I'm simply complaining that the Belgian bids of the previous years were really dull compared with what the country has to offer.

I have no problems with a WC in Norway or the US. I do have problems with a WC in both Spain and Italy every couple of years.

And I want to repeat my question: is it an official rule that there are no cobbled sections in a WC? (as that is as much part of cycling as hills or sprints)

 

[craig1985]

2013 TDF to start in Corsica:

http://www.letour.com/2012/TDF/COURSE/us/actus.html#zone184919

 

[jens_attacks]

phil is mad because the tv's don't show him more often and because they choose to show the guys being dropped.lol what a legend
now seriously both vuelta and giro have to improve their broadcast a lot

http://www.cyclismactu.net/news-div...les-teles-espagnoles-et-italiennes-20798.html

 

[El Pistolero]

phil is mad because the tv's don't show him more often and because they choose to show the guys being dropped.lol what a legend
now seriously both vuelta and giro have to improve their broadcast a lot

http://www.cyclismactu.net/news-div...les-teles-espagnoles-et-italiennes-20798.html

That's not what he said. He said they focus too much on the local hero who's riding at the back(Igor Anton anyone?). He also never said anything about the Giro or Vuelta, but referred to Italy and Spain which can mean any Italian or Spanish race.

 

[jens_attacks]

That's not what he said.

lol

"they see me rollin with uci...they hatin...."

i don't know if it was discussed but phil also said that next year he will definitely be stronger than this season _o_
2012 will be awesome

 

[El Pistolero]

lol

"they see me rollin with uci...they hatin...."

i don't know if it was discussed but phil also said that next year he will definitely be stronger than this season _o_
2012 will be awesome

Yeah, I hope he finally wins the Ronde and the Worlds. If he wins those, he'll be a legend. But he's never in top shape at the Ronde because unlike Boonen and Cancellara he doesn't focus on just one thing (Hitch impersonation)