Pro Cycling Entry Draft

[memyselfandI]

As I listened this last Move-podcast of TdF stage 12, there was this seasoned American ex-cyclist..don't remember his name right now, but according to wikipedia he didn't win anything special on his younger years :lol:

But, what he moaned how he would change things, if he was elected for the head of the UCI (not in the future that can be seen, maybe) how cycling could get out of IOC to be fully pro sport like NFL, NHL, MLB etc. And it left me wondering is it possible to build some sort of system in cycling, like the Big 4 do? Divisions are already there: Europe, America, Oceania, Asia, Africa.

Most interesting system to think about: NHL model and it's Entry Draft mechanism. Of course this isn't simple as it's also question of the business model, but: selection order from season standings of the teams. The basic draft order that favours the teams with the weakest performance who presumably need the most improvement in their roster..man, how that would change the things and dynamics and competition in this sport, what?

 

[Koronin]

It wouldn't work and many WT teams either have development teams of their own or use existing amateur or continental teams as development teams. Then sign those riders whom they think are ready. Also many times only one or two teams are looking at a specific young rider. Also most riders who come up from lower levels are already on pro teams. You aren't offering contracts to 18 year old kids coming out of the Junior levels or 22 year old kids playing at the college level.

 

[rlntlssly]

As Koronin says, it wouldn't work. In the US, draft systems work because the sports system is incredibly regimented and organised, for all kinds of reasons. Central control is very important. That just isn't the case in cycling: it's chaotic, with no central control or administration. The teams, the races and the governing body are all unrelated.

Basically you'd need a franchise system to make a draft work. If it were desirable, which it probably isn't.

 

[memyselfandI]

Re:

As Koronin says, it wouldn't work. In the US, draft systems work because the sports system is incredibly regimented and organised, for all kinds of reasons. Central control is very important. That just isn't the case in cycling: it's chaotic, with no central control or administration. The teams, the races and the governing body are all unrelated.

Basically you'd need a franchise system to make a draft work. If it were desirable, which it probably isn't.

Yeah I know there should be massive structural/administrational change to make it happend, but I think it would make this sport really interesting and give growing potential on a business side of things, maybe more linear pathway to athletes careerwise too. But maybe everybody is just so happy with what there has been past say 100 yrs.

 

[hrotha]

Drafts are fun but evil.

 

[memyselfandI]

Now they're wondering how to spread talent and resources more evenly. Well..

 

[memyselfandI]

Well this kinda opened things quite a bit:

https://cyclingtips.com/2018/08/commentary-a-budget-cap-for-worldtour-teams-isnt-as-simple-as-it-sounds/

On comments some good analytics too.