This is a "Mass Media" sport now...

[BotanyBay]

This is a "Mass Media" sport today... Tens of millions of people now follow this sport. Television networks have to submit bids to be able to cover the tour, but 25 years ago (if you spoke English) you were lucky to be able to see it. Our sport's top stars now earn millions and fly in private jets. If this were ESPN.com and people were critical of Bill Belichick (New England Patriots), would threads be getting shut down? No. He'd be fair game. He is a public figure (as is someone else we all know).

I find it almost unfathomable that when a few cycling fans start chatting about doping, and they focus their attention on a retired cyclist who is now a ProTour team owner/operator, their opinion gets shut down.

Not to worry, I'm sure this thread will be closed down. I've not mentioned a name, nor have I leveled an accusation at anyone here in this post. But I guess that some people who supposedly wear the "anti-doping" jersey are fully protected from being called to the carpet on occasion. How truly sad.

 

[fatandfast]

This is a "Mass Media" sport today... Tens of millions of people now follow this sport. Television networks have to submit bids to be able to cover the tour, but 25 years ago (if you spoke English) you were lucky to be able to see it. Our sport's top stars now earn millions and fly in private jets. If this were ESPN.com and people were critical of Bill Belichick (New England Patriots), would threads be getting shut down? No. He'd be fair game. He is a public figure (as is someone else we all know).

I find it almost unfathomable that when a few cycling fans start chatting about doping, and they focus their attention on a retired cyclist who is now a ProTour team owner/operator, their opinion gets shut down.

Not to worry, I'm sure this thread will be closed down. I've not mentioned a name, nor have I leveled an accusation at anyone here in this post. But I guess that some people who supposedly wear the "anti-doping" jersey are fully protected from being called to the carpet on occasion. How truly sad.

This is simply not true. Viewership is up for sure..but people are also watching Little People Big World in record numbers. Bike racing is about to implode as Sir Armstrong exits. Players like in every other sport come and go so quickly that a favorite is hard to find and to follow is next to impossible. I hope a Cadel or other English speaker jumps to the front..so we have something to watch.NBC created 3 networks to comply with a requirement to show the Olympics the content is struggling..nobody will fold these channels before 2012 is over.. but if and when a cost effective model shows it's ugly head..almost nobody will want the feed for the Giro,Vuelta..and most certainly none of the awesome classics that US TV watchers have been treated to..if the cost stays reasonable it will be on..if anybody tries to jack the network it will be pay per view as it was before. Ads from Road ID and Specialized are not going to pay the bills. Gatorade and Nike(TV) are going to dump cycling when Lance leaves..probably the day he announces his retirement..Nissan and AB woin't spill cash on cycling either

 

[brianf7]

Bill Mitchel who founded Cycling news is a Proffesor of Economics at NSW Uni in Newcastle.
he had forsight when starting this web sight it was a simple single news story page in 1995 when it all started only because not many had the internet.
Bill would update all the Euro news befor going training in the morning and update as the day went on.

He was first with all Euro News but couldnt get Australian news untill he went out and got it himself.
Its clear he knew what was happening and what the future heldv in Cycling news so he got in first.

Its now proven to be a well worth venture that we can get anything on cycling at the flick of the mouse.

 

[BotanyBay]

Bill Mitchel who founded Cycling news is a Proffesor of Economics at NSW Uni in Newcastle.
he had forsight when starting this web sight it was a simple single news story page in 1995 when it all started only because not many had the internet.
Bill would update all the Euro news befor going training in the morning and update as the day went on.

He was first with all Euro News but couldnt get Australian news untill he went out and got it himself.
Its clear he knew what was happening and what the future heldv in Cycling news so he got in first.

Its now proven to be a well worth venture that we can get anything on cycling at the flick of the mouse.

Appreciated. This is a great site. Much better than Velonews in America. So why does JV enjoy a special protective shield that Armstrong and Contador do not?