Questions about the Euro criterium races now underway

[richwagmn]

Can someone explain the euro criteriums that are now being run?

http://www.dailypeloton.com/displayarticle.asp?pk=15336

Are these like US criteriums (short circuit races)?

Are they "real" races or more like exhibitions?

Do they get paid for the win are is it mostly appearance fees?

Are they "Pro Tour" events?

Thanks.

 

[ak-zaaf]

It's fake. All of it.

Organisers pay good money to get the big guns at the start (a dutch crit organisers mentioned something about contador being the cheapest tour winner in over 20 years, but still about 25000 euro's) and the public wnats to see them win.

The lesser riders get the first 80% of the race to show themselves and after that it's rigged. In some cases the winning order is on a list at the dressing room in other cases they pick 2 or 3 riders who must finish podium and let them sort it out.

It's mainly about getting drunk here in Holland.

 

[richwagmn]

It's fake. All of it.

Organisers pay good money to get the big guns at the start (a dutch crit organisers mentioned something about contador being the cheapest tour winner in over 20 years, but still about 25000 euro's) and the public wnats to see them win.

The lesser riders get the first 80% of the race to show themselves and after that it's rigged. In some cases the winning order is on a list at the dressing room in other cases they pick 2 or 3 riders who must finish podium and let them sort it out.

It's mainly about getting drunk here in Holland.

Thanks!

Sounds like fun though.

 

[Dr. Maserati]

Agree with everything 'ak-zaaf' posted!
Usually there is an entrance fee for the spectators - so obviously they want to see the 'stars' perform and not some Pro-Conti guy bagging the win.

All the riders get a starting fee. Obviously it is the recent 'stars' from the Tour that command the biggest fee's - usually a few local 'stars' and Pro-Conti riders are added to add to the numbers.
It is a very lucrative business for the top riders - who will go from one to the other all week.
The 'races' are outside of the Pro Tour.

Check this [url="http://www.sporza.be/cm/sporza/videozone/MG_Tour/MG_Tourtips/1.570175']video[/url] and look for "Cavendish is ook de rapste in Aalst"

 

[ridley]

At least a good way to spend the sonsor's money and get the big names to come out to play