Publicus said:
Yes, but he's started to actively use it. My guess is his sponsors (read Specialized) are asking him to do more.
I imagine that's a big part of it. I'm a regular on his website, and I noticed some time ago that they want to open an online store. At about the same time, CNN International posted a story where they listed a fan site as his official one, which doesn't show up in English language Google searches. I've got a couple of business degrees and unfortunately, way too much free time, so I spent some time writing up suggestions. After the business jibber jabber, I said that cycling fans love to know about training, and bikes, and to see photos of training and life. It's good to see the workouts going in to make the racing believable. I really encouraged them to let athletes outside of Spain get to know him better so they don't believe lies against him.
I'm not claiming credit, as there are a lot of good minds on his team, plus the new sponsors. But four different people from Pinto and Madrid showed up on my stats counter, and the press agent e-mailed a thank you for the effort.
But the good news is they keep putting more and more info out there - there's a you tube channel, and the twitter, and more press releases coming out of the main site. When he goes to practice on the cobbles in February, we can probably count on photos. It all makes the time between races more fun.
I imagine it's been mentioned elsewhere already, but Alberto just gave an interview to the same guy who gave the details of the TT wheel. It shows a bit tougher stance - read the sub-heading too. Cheers.
http://www.marca.com/2010/01/28/ciclismo/1264702758.html