McQuaid: Cut Down the Giro and Vuelta, Embrace California

[Angliru]

Sorry in the US there is little interest in those races(Vuelta,Giro)

No coverage outside of cycling mags and computer cycling geeks. The Vuelta and Giro GTs are absolutly alien to our US culture. If you want to have the sport grow, the markets need to be expanded. Listen to McQuaid.

You are certainly not speaking for me or any of the cycling fans in the US that I know. I think you and McQuaid are foolish if you think that the only way the sport can grow is to sacrifice the most important races on the calender for races that have absolutely no pedigree. The big three are "grand tours" because of their 3 week duration. Shorten them and you lessen their importance and at the expense of events that may not last past the middle of this decade.

 

[Arnout]

I understand people in US want racing in US. Just organize it. When it's better than here in Europe, EU teams will come. But come on, forcing EU teams to focus on other continents for the sake of that continents (only to be replaced by them 2 years later ironically) is pathetic. If there is a market for cycling, it will evolve without any pathetic moves by the most stupid man on earth.


The bike companies are selling there product, Amgen gets advertising time and California gets publicised. Is that a bad thing?

No. It isn't (although I couldn't care less). But is that what you want? Advertizing of Amgen and bike companies should be regarded as priority one, even if we might have to cancel some other races for it? Please...

 

[Arnout]

You are certainly not speaking for me or any of the cycling fans in the US that I know. I think you and McQuaid are foolish if you think that the only way the sport can grow is to sacrifice the most important races on the calender for races that have absolutely no pedigree. The big three are "grand tours" because of their 3 week duration. Shorten them and you lessen their importance and at the expense of events that may not last past the middle of this decade.

What's more: the US cycling fans can't care less about the Vuelta. So do I about California. Doesn't mean that it should be cancelled. Just let it have its place and when the race will evolve into a watchable event instead of a time trial, I might join in.

I don't understand the whole killing of cycling in Europe to promote other places thing. It's like killing of the national football (soccer) leagues of France, Belgium and the Netherlands to increase the appeal of the Premier League. Or better stated, kill of the Premier League and the Primera Division because the Dutch League doesn't get enough attention. That's their reasoning. And it's flawed in each and every way.

Funny by the way, the US needs Europe to shut up artificially to be successful themselves. I thought that was not the way to go for the land of endless possibilities...

 

[El Pistolero]

Amgen should give cyclists a free basket of their products. Then they'll get some real stars showing up for some real racing instead of taking a holiday.

 

[flicker]

You are certainly not speaking for me or any of the cycling fans in the US that I know. I think you and McQuaid are foolish if you think that the only way the sport can grow is to sacrifice the most important races on the calender for races that have absolutely no pedigree. The big three are "grand tours" because of their 3 week duration. Shorten them and you lessen their importance and at the expense of events that may not last past the middle of this decade.

I agree with you except I have one little problem with the Vuelta and Giro. I really think they showcase their own riders and the officials look the other way when it comes to you know what with their own riders. Tour of California a GT not. A showcase yes. A classic no.

Yet you see these great European riders in the tour of California. I saw that Scandinavian TT man Lovquist at Stanford. Why are they in California?

 

[flicker]

Amgen should give cyclists a free basket of their products. Then they'll get some real stars showing up for some real racing instead of taking a holiday.

Almost all races are usually training races for most of these guys these days except for Contador and Vino.

 

[Libertine Seguros]

I understand people in US want racing in US. Just organize it. When it's better than here in Europe, EU teams will come. But come on, forcing EU teams to focus on other continents for the sake of that continents (only to be replaced by them 2 years later ironically) is pathetic. If there is a market for cycling, it will evolve without any pathetic moves by the most stupid man on earth.


The bike companies are selling there product, Amgen gets advertising time and California gets publicised. Is that a bad thing?

It isn't a bad thing, but trying to sell something that you cannot actually provide is. If California keeps trying to sell itself as the 4th GT, and fans tune in and see the dross they were served up in 2010, they'll not return. It's important to the sponsors with US interests to be there, but for the riders themselves it's a bit of a holiday between the spring classic season and the Tour; if they aren't targeting those two parts of the season then they're more likely to be at the Giro than Cali anyway.

Sell it as a growing race that attracts a good field, sure. But don't try to sell it as a GT.

Sell it as the most high-profile race in the US, that gives US fans their best chance to see the superstars of the sport. But don't try to sell it as a GT.

Sell it as North America's most prestigious stage race. But don't try to sell it as a GT.

You can grow a race organically - look at the Presidential Tour of Turkey and Montepaschi Strade Bianche for examples - and the Tour of California would do well to use these approaches - they already have the advantage of a better field. Give people something unique about American racing that would make it something different in the calendar, rather than trying to imitate the Tour day France, because at the end of the day the Tour de France has a lot of its character because it's in France... give us a race that shows what California has to offer. Properly.

Then we'll decide if the race is of interest to us, and riders will decide whether it's prestigious enough to fight for beyond US nationals and sponsors. And then, that's when the fans can turn on the Tour of California and see exciting racing that makes them think "I want to do this race". Because right now, all the people in the péloton, they grew up watching their heroes ride. And what were their heroes riding? The Grand Tours. The Monuments. The big classics and European stage races. Those people want to emulate their heroes. You need to have a set of heroes for young riders who treat the Tour of California not as a holiday, but as a genuine, top quality race to fight for. Then those kids will grow into professional bike riders for whom California is one of the most important races. And that is when you'll have one of the elite races. Not before.

 

[lanternrouge]

Oh FFS. Who gives a **** whether americans are interested in the Giro/Vuelta or want a GT?
Football (or soccer to the unwashed) is nothing in the USA but seems to thrive in the rest of the world okay. Maybe the USA had better stick to "world series" rounders?
If the rest of the world wants a piece of a european sport then fine but not at the expense of historic races in the heartland of cycling.

 

[Rocksteady]

I don't understand why Pat is wanting to shorten the Giro/ Vuelta. Having two good races at the same time is OK. I mean look at P-N and T-A. Two great early season races that overlap. I think its great because it gives more people a chance to shine. Why can't we have a Giro and a TOC at the same time?? Its not like there aren't big names coming to the TOC, and I'm sure some Major Pro Teams will come to the new Colorado race to. Should the UCI shun the TOC for being in May??? No. Should they punish the Giro?? Of course not. In my opinion, Two races is always better than one, for the riders and the sport.

 

[Angliru]

I agree with you except I have one little problem with the Vuelta and Giro. I really think they showcase their own riders and the officials look the other way when it comes to you know what with their own riders. Tour of California a GT not. A showcase yes. A classic no.

Yet you see these great European riders in the tour of California. I saw that Scandinavian TT man Lovquist at Stanford. Why are they in California?

...and the ToC doesn't showcase it's own? It is only natural that a nation's riders will be the focus of the home country the grand tour takes place. At the same time if you look at the winners in past years of Vuelta and Giro you will see riders from different countries taking the prize: Contador in 2008. Menchov in 2009 at the Giro and Vino, Nibali and Menchov in the Vuelta. Contrast that with Leipheimer's dominance up until last year's Rogers' win at ToC. As far looking the other way, wasn't the ToC guilty of not even testing riders for EPO in a recent year? I guess that doesn't fall under your definition of "looking the other way".

 

[soOpOSMthanks!]

Sorry in the US there is little interest in those races(Vuelta,Giro)

No coverage outside of cycling mags and computer cycling geeks. The Vuelta and Giro GTs are absolutly alien to our US culture. If you want to have the sport grow, the markets need to be expanded. Listen to McQuaid.

Are you kidding me? No coverage other than magazines and computers? Down here in SoCal we have coverage of the Giro and Vuelta via Universal sports. But not just that, they have coverage of MSR, Tour of the Basque Country, Paris-Nice, Tirreno-Addriatico, Worlds, and a few others I can't name right now. Now don't get me wrong, the coverage and quality is nowhere NEAR that of Europe's but to say there isn't coverage? Please. Apparently European racing isn't as unpopular over here as you make it sound to be; not all of us in the US are into the ToC, criteriums, whatever race Lance appears in, and whatever race first tier riders partake in to hand the second and third tier team to give a shelling. The Giro and Vuelta aren't as "absolutely alien" as you make it seem to be; lesser known, yes. But absolutely alien? Hell no. The various races that Universal broadcasts says enough that there IS an audience that wants to see European racing outside of magazine and computers.

 

[la.margna]

You want a spectacle, go to Contador, Ricco, Rebellin all top riders.

I listened when Voight or maybe Cadel criticized the Giro organizers after the insane ski ramp dirt road Giro TT in 08. They said to many transfers and no recovery+ brutal stages, now I understand why riders dope.

Ok, let's make not a clinic thread out of it, but it seems you really don't get why people dope and cheat. They do it to win, the difficulty or length of a course, stage or overall race doesn't matter at all.

 

[flicker]

Oh FFS. Who gives a **** whether americans are interested in the Giro/Vuelta or want a GT?
Football (or soccer to the unwashed) is nothing in the USA but seems to thrive in the rest of the world okay. Maybe the USA had better stick to "world series" rounders?
If the rest of the world wants a piece of a european sport then fine but not at the expense of historic races in the heartland of cycling.

Really for the Tour of California to be a sucessful GT it need only have an 8 day stage race in LasVegas. We already have a captive audience there, the riders would enjoy the sights, no doping would get out of Vegas, we have mock ups of Venice Paris and New York, how can you Euros bash our Haute coultre here in the states. It would be yet another monument for Armstrong, Boonen etc. to hang there hats on....

 

[soOpOSMthanks!]

how can you Euros bash our Haute coultre here in the states. It would be yet another monument for Armstrong, Boonen etc. to hang there hats on....

How can you cut away at Europe's long history of racing for criteriums and 2nd/3rd tier races? That is not globalization. Globalization is the US EXPANDING upon the jokes of races we have and creating new and exciting races (let's hope the newer US races being built up will do just that), not having some quack telling the world that Europe has to make sacrifices of its history and prestige. Also, US organizers need to stop trying to compete with Europe. Homie, our country isn't as hot as you think it is.

 

[flicker]

A better schedule for California would be to have it in October, beautiful weather here then. I believe that is a rest period for European riders so I guess that would not work either.

 

[flicker]

Are you kidding me? No coverage other than magazines and computers? Down here in SoCal we have coverage of the Giro and Vuelta via Universal sports. But not just that, they have coverage of MSR, Tour of the Basque Country, Paris-Nice, Tirreno-Addriatico, Worlds, and a few others I can't name right now. Now don't get me wrong, the coverage and quality is nowhere NEAR that of Europe's but to say there isn't coverage? Please. Apparently European racing isn't as unpopular over here as you make it sound to be; not all of us in the US are into the ToC, criteriums, whatever race Lance appears in, and whatever race first tier riders partake in to hand the second and third tier team to give a shelling. The Giro and Vuelta aren't as "absolutely alien" as you make it seem to be; lesser known, yes. But absolutely alien? Hell no. The various races that Universal broadcasts says enough that there IS an audience that wants to see European racing outside of magazine and computers.

When I see cycling as a top tier sport here competing with football and baseball I will agree with you. When I see cycling covered on NBC, CBS,ABC and the cable networks other than VERSUS and UNIVERSAL sports I will agree with you. Cycling is still a little off the wall kniche sport in my part of california. Group riding and amatuer cycling is pretty happening here though.

I consider anyone who makes less than the minimum wage racing in the US nothing more than a sponsored amatuer who rides there hearts out.

I agree with the Euros on all counts here except that the Giro is pretty unimportant here in the states. When Lance rode it it was on TV here. For me I have to pay to watch it on the computer.

 

[DirtyWorks]

Go. Please go, in the US. Have fun. Organize a brilliant race....
...
I understand people in US want racing in US. Just organize it. When it's better than here in Europe, EU teams will come....

Arnout, you are missing the point. It's not about 'good events' it's about the UCI expanding racing entirely under their control.

There are good race events in the U.S. already. The local politicians value them, the terrain is sufficient to provide a challenge, decent tourist infrastructure. Tour of Utah is an example. Maybe not the best, but good all around and was growing.

Instead, Pat's brother organizes an event in Colorado that will probably die like all the others U.S. UCI sponsored affairs. Pat's brother can be assured of extending the control of the family business.

Hein and Pat cannot let another independent promoter grow. It impairs their ability to enrich themselves.

 

[Dr. Maserati]

Arnout, you are missing the point. It's not about 'good events' it's about the UCI expanding racing entirely under their control.

There are good race events in the U.S. already. The local politicians value them, the terrain is sufficient to provide a challenge, decent tourist infrastructure. Tour of Utah is an example. Maybe not the best, but good all around and was growing.

Instead, Pat's brother organizes an event in Colorado that will probably die like all the others U.S. UCI sponsored affairs. Pat's brother can be assured of extending the control of the family business.

Hein and Pat cannot let another independent promoter grow. It impairs their ability to enrich themselves.

Ooops, careful.
Darach is involved with ShadeeTree Sports, who organized the now defunct Tour of Ireland. The info on trying to set up an American addition of the Tour de France has been on the website for a couple of years, but its obviously a goal.

The company behind the Quiznos Tour is Medalist Sport, who organized the Tour of Georgia.

 

[hfer07]

Well- the only good coming out of that commentary is that Pat isn't let anyone down who believes he's imbecile, useless, stupid, and must of all- corrupt--and this last one adjective of his, makes me think the reason why he's saying such statement:
*The prospects of money investment-If not negotiations already made behind closed doors with business partners from USA & Asia-are widening Pat's greed for full control of new races in those locations.
*He's looking to broaden Cycling where only He, his business partners & UCI can have full control of all aspects of the competitions, including TV broadcasting rights, sponsorships & team selections, since he cannot have it with the already established GT's organizers.

my opinion? let him try!!!--- so RCS(Angelo Zomegnan) ASO(Christian Prudhomme) & Unipublic can once for all unite against that f*ck*ng c*nt and bring him down.

 

[The Hitch]

If there will be a 4th GT it should be in Colombia imo.

Glad to see the idea is gaining traction. Sure there are some problems but i thought about it and it can be done. The only problem is planting the idea in the heads of the people that can make it happen. Unfortunatlely it might include some shady persons so since El Patron is dead i need a line on some succesors of his.

 

[icefire]

Sorry in the US there is little interest in those races(Vuelta,Giro)

No coverage outside of cycling mags and computer cycling geeks. The Vuelta and Giro GTs are absolutly alien to our US culture. If you want to have the sport grow, the markets need to be expanded. Listen to McQuaid.

If you want the markets to be expanded to places where cycling is alien, grow your own riders.

 

[The_Z_man]

I'm an American and I have WAY more interest in the Giro and Vuelta than the ToC. We get the Giro on Universal Sports now, and I think the Vuelta as well. So all of that "No coverage" stuff is bull.

Pat McQuaid can spew about this all he wants, but it won't get him anywhere. The owners of the races have the power, and he knows it. If he didn't say stupid stuff like this every once in a while, he'd be totally irrelevant.

If McQuaid wants to get paid, he should look at expanding races in China. That's where all the money is going anyhow.

 

[Arnout]

Glad to see the idea is gaining traction. Sure there are some problems but i thought about it and it can be done. The only problem is planting the idea in the heads of the people that can make it happen. Unfortunatlely it might include some shady persons so since El Patron is dead i need a line on some succesors of his.

It is already a 4th GT, only with South American riders. Why bring European riders there? The race is great as it is, it doesn't need improvement.

 

[armstrong4ever]

He is just saying what I've been saying all the time - Tour of California is the future.

"The Amgen Tour of California is one of the best races in the world for cycling fans" - CyclingNews

CyclingNews has just been announced as official media partner for ToC = less Giro coverage, more ToC Coverage

 

[Barrus]

He is just saying what I've been saying all the time - Tour of California is the future.

"The Amgen Tour of California is one of the best races in the world for cycling fans" - CyclingNews

CyclingNews has just been announced as official media partner for ToC = less Giro coverage, more ToC Coverage

That makes absolutely no sense, the giro is during the day, the ToC is in the middle of the night, in no way does their coverage clash