Should Pro Cycling Teams Build Stronger, Franchise-Like Brands?

[Potomac]

Guys, it's a master's thesis. It doesn't need to be that deep. I think the question is interesting, and if the result is no, because x, y & z, then that's fine in my opinion. But I don't think it's as obvious and straight-forward as some seem to think.

I would hope a master's program would dismiss an online survey as being of dubious value.

 

[Unchained]

I would hope a master's program would dismiss an online survey as being of dubious value.

I posted a video of the world's most famous cyclist asking and answering the question, should pro cycling teams build stronger franchise like brands? Almost word for word. If you were doing something in higher education, why would your primary question be rhetorical? Even grade school level study would have immediate data from Israel Premier Tech, Lotto, Intermarche, 10+ English, American, Spanish conti teams that folded. 2,3 women's teams who have or soon will be closing up shop. And people like Astana who are searching sofa cushions and ash trays, piggy banks looking for ways to keep the lights on. Maybe part of any masters or doctorate degree involving cycling is how much do team buses bring on the used market?

Guys, it's a master's thesis. It doesn't need to be that deep. I think the question is interesting, and if the result is no, because x, y & z, then that's fine in my opinion. But I don't think it's as obvious and straight-forward as some seem to think.

And look who gave thumbs up to The Duke!

Nope: did it a second time: still not invited to submit an email address.

you need to think outside the box, the survey activated your device camera,and audio and pinged your IP, don't be surprised to wake up tonight to be in an argument with Suri and Alexa about your cycling preferences. Instead of you getting suspicious about not being asked for an email address, check out the kitchen window to see if a drone is hovering above your house.. Look for delivery and service vans on your street..
That's how it always happens in the movies. Think Jason Bourne only for bicycles.

 

[Low is rhe new high]

I have less problems with the for profit sponsored teams and name, ok we know they do it to ship more products I do not have to buy if I don’t want. I don’t even mind liquor or cigarettes sponsorship it’s an individual choice to buy.

It becomes more problematic when nations and different political entities use cycling as a platform to sanitize their agenda. [content deleted]

 

[Netserk]

I would hope a master's program would dismiss an online survey as being of dubious value.

Some master's programs are also of dubious value.

 

[CyclistAbi]

Would you prefer teams to have a more consistent identity (like football franchises), or do you think cycling's sponsor-based model works just fine?

In Europe we mostly have a club based system, football and i guess as seen in pro road peloton with teams, and not franchises like seen in the USA, for example the MLS.

 

[steffr222]

In Europe we mostly have a club based system, football and i guess as seen in pro road peloton with teams, and not franchises like seen in the USA, for example the MLS.

Well as she seems to be German she should have known that, especially because it is a hot topic in Germany (owners, 50 plus 1 and stuff).

Good luck with your thesis though. Really curious how that will end up in a master thesis..

Alles Beste.

 

[Armchair Cyclist]

At risk of doing @Carolin Schloßer 's work for her, and to consider what I find an interesting issue without the focus on a non-sponsor dependent team identity, I've started a thread with a poll.

 

[Unchained]

I have less problems with the for profit sponsored teams and name, ok we know they do it to ship more products I do not have to buy if I don’t want. I don’t even mind liquor or cigarettes sponsorship it’s an individual choice to buy.

It becomes more problematic when nations and different political entities use cycling as a platform to sanitize their agenda. [content deleted]

This is a good point of view in my opinion.
If you have watched lots of racing, but especially these post worlds races in Italy they are all political and nationally sponsored. Lots of races have a video bezel around the perimeter of the TV screen and have the names of regional or national government displayed all race.
Teams like Bahrain, UAE, Israel Premier Tech all had a monetized interest for national recognition and tourism.
Almost all the major TV broadcasts have direct national and political components to the writing and production.
In the US we have for years had to sit through Bob Roll carefully reading the script, the helicopters all have script prompts telling them landmarks like churches, castles, notable bodies of water, lakes, rivers,ect. Often museums, government buildings, important cultural stuff like universities or stadiums, etc.
Point the camera at this
Put graphic on screen
Bob read the blurb on the script
All of that is scripted, Bob will read what it is, year it was built, cultural references and the prepared graphics appear on the screen to tell you the church name or whatever. All of that is done from politics, the people in charge of depts of tourism want to showcase their region, want to promote themselves.. Bike racing is a big picture postcard, a multiple hours, multiple day vacation, tourism advertisement..
Without government money none of this stuff would exist. They close down roads, city centers, deploy tons of police, ambulance, EMTs, mobilize tons of volunteers.. Most races are sold to the directly participating public as it's positive public relations and it shows off our beautiful region.. Lures people for business, tourism, retirement, to move there.
Top 3 tourist destinations in Europe.
France
Spain
Italy
Is it because they have grand tours and a ton of bike races.?. Likely not, but the countries are calculated that they put up with all hassle and it's worth it.
Bike races are added value.

 

[Armchair Cyclist]

OK, they've kept the Rockets bit, but the weakness of a "permanent name" versus the offer of sponsorship money was revealed pretty quickly.

 

[Carolin Schloßer]

Hi!

I'm currently conducting research for my Master's thesis on fan preferences in professional road cycling and how a consistent team identity (same team name, logo, colors) might influence team identification and fan engagement.

As we all know, pro cycling teams often change names and identities as sponsors come and go. I'm curious to hear your thoughts:

Would you prefer teams to have a more consistent identity (like football franchises), or do you think cycling's sponsor-based model works just fine?

I've created a short survey to explore this topic further — it only takes a few minutes, and your input would be incredibly valuable:


Survey - Professional Road Cycling - Fans


Thank you so much for your time and for helping me better understand what makes cycling fans tick!

Carolin

Quick update:
The survey is still open!
I’ve already received some great responses – thank you to everyone who has taken part so far 🙏
To ensure that the results are meaningful and representative, I’m still looking for a few more participants.
If you haven’t taken part yet, you can still do so.

 

[Netserk]

To ensure that the results are meaningful and representative, I’m still looking for a few more participants.

The results are not going to be representative. Few more or not.