Who, apart from Ryu, wagers their hard-earned on cycling?

[Descender]

5€ on Horner to win the TdF @141-1

 

[cabbagetom]

I generally make small profits on match-ups, especially in TT's

Does anyone know any UK online betting sites that offer match-ups? I've looked before but couldn't seem to find any...

 

[The Hitch]

Why should this thread be any different?

. .

Lol great posts

 

[FabulousCandelabra]

I would love to but I think it's impossible if you live in the US. Is there any way for us folk in the states to bet on races?

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

. .

in all honousty, most cycling journalists suck major donkey balls. so it's not that hard to be more knowledgeable. I bet at least half of this forum knows more about cycling than cycling journalists

 

[FabulousCandelabra]

I just saw on oddschecker you can bet on a rider placing in the top 6 at TdF, they have Evans at 41/100 to make it into the top six.. uhmm, isn't that just free money?? The odds of him doing worse than 6th are terrible, why can't USA people bet on cycling grrrrrr!

 

[Waterloo Sunrise]

in all honousty, most cycling journalists suck major donkey balls. so it's not that hard to be more knowledgeable. I bet at least half of this forum knows more about cycling than cycling journalists

I don't disagree, but Ryo is usually a little too keen to claim omniscience, and the other quote seasoned the point nicely.

 

[Waterloo Sunrise]

I just saw on oddschecker you can bet on a rider placing in the top 6 at TdF, they have Evans at 41/100 to make it into the top six.. uhmm, isn't that just free money?? The odds of him doing worse than 6th are terrible, why can't USA people bet on cycling grrrrrr!

You're better on them reaching the end safely - have a look at last years tour to see how safe that is.

Think the market is pricing that one relatively fairly at the moment.

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

I don't disagree, but Ryo is usually a little too keen to claim omniscience, and the other quote seasoned the point nicely.

Meh, I'm not too bothered with it. You got to take things with a pinch of salt. Ryo is not to be taken too seriously. Take it lightly and have loads of fun. But maybe it's difference since I know the guy for almost 10 years now

 

[will10]

I just saw on oddschecker you can bet on a rider placing in the top 6 at TdF, they have Evans at 41/100 to make it into the top six.. uhmm, isn't that just free money?? The odds of him doing worse than 6th are terrible, why can't USA people bet on cycling grrrrrr!

You would've said the same on Evans finishing top 6 in 09 and 10, but he didn't.

 

[The Hitch]

in all honousty, most cycling journalists suck major donkey balls. so it's not that hard to be more knowledgeable. I bet at least half of this forum knows more about cycling than cycling journalists

Definitely agree with that.

 

[Anonymous]

I agree though, there is definitely value in cycling but I wondered if it was just Paddy Power who limit big bets? Are other bookies similar?

PS. I may be completely wrong here but I think Andy S is just targetting a stage here hence the timegap today.

I'm not sure about Paddy Power as I normally bet cash with them in my local office and I've known the manager for years and he never limits my bets.

As an aside, I hit a rich vein of luck at last years TdF backing Cav for his 5 stage wins.

Unbelievably, Boyles Sport were often top-priced, and in the early stages they were quoting odds-against. This was akin to finding money in the street and I was on him for all 5 stage wins (with the same firm). I also backed him for the WC's with 118 Bet, who were refunding all new account holders to a maximum of £50 on a losing 1st bet. It was basically a free bet at 9/1. Woohoo, he duly obliged.

Alas, the £11 e/w on Cobo was the final bet I had with Boyles Sports as they subsequently closed my account.

One thing that I've cottoned-on to is the fact that certain races are now easier to predict, probably down to the use of race radios. It's relatively easy to highlight the stages in Grand Tours where a break will succeed - when a sprint finish is a shoo-in - and when an elite group will pull clear on a mountain-top finish. Just being patient and not chasing is the key.

I'm going to swerve tomorrows stage in the Dauphine as this might be one when a breakaway rider who's no threat makes it to the line ahead of the pack.

 

[jens_attacks]

Definitely agree with that.

the cycling bookies also love this forum i've heard

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

Definitely agree with that.

Hmm, might even add something to this.

People might say to me "that's easy to say from you sitting in a chair reading some articles".
But believe me, I've worked with cycling journalists. I've spoken intensively with some of the 'best' Dutch and Belgian cycling journalists there are at the six days, who also do the TDF and many other big races.

Everytime we got into a discussion about cycling they clearly let me know they were astounded by how much i know. Most of the cases more than them. Some of them even asked my email adres for future reference. But this was just about riders they didn't know, results they didn't know, many of thhem pct level even. Most of the dutch journo's are very TDF minded. They know a lot about Rabobank/Vacansoleil and Dutch cycling, but are very limited otherwise. I'm certain of this. Same with Cyclingnews journalists and their anglo-saxon bias.
In fact, the most knowledgeable cycling journalists I talked with is the Belgians. I was always glad when they came to visit because you could talk cycling with them for hours and at least they had an idea what I was talking about. They simply knew, they followed. Not unlike the dutch guys (even 'top' reports as Kerckhoffs, Hans ruggenberg etc are clueless)...
And that, while most of the things I talked about are general knowledge on these boards. Even the singaporian guy who doesn't follow cycling that long like dwlssonic knows a lot more

 

[cycladianpirate]

The overround on cycling betting is bad.

It's a thin market, so it only makes sense to take the time and trouble to make a book if there are good margins to be had.

A certain bookmaker's offerings on the Dauphine - and this was the night before the race started and not a genuine ante-post, (yep, I took the trouble to calculate it) had an overround of 175%!

Might not apply to Le Tour, of course, but outside of that, no thanks.

As a counter-example, the Betfair overround on the Derby hit a low of 98.2% at one point - yep, you could bet on every single horse and still make money!!

 

[Arnout]

Hmm, might even add something to this.

People might say to me "that's easy to say from you sitting in a chair reading some articles".
But believe me, I've worked with cycling journalists. I've spoken intensively with some of the 'best' Dutch and Belgian cycling journalists there are at the six days, who also do the TDF and many other big races.

Everytime we got into a discussion about cycling they clearly let me know they were astounded by how much i know. Most of the cases more than them. Some of them even asked my email adres for future reference. But this was just about riders they didn't know, results they didn't know, many of thhem pct level even. Most of the dutch journo's are very TDF minded. They know a lot about Rabobank/Vacansoleil and Dutch cycling, but are very limited otherwise. I'm certain of this. Same with Cyclingnews journalists and their anglo-saxon bias.
In fact, the most knowledgeable cycling journalists I talked with is the Belgians. I was always glad when they came to visit because you could talk cycling with them for hours and at least they had an idea what I was talking about. They simply knew, they followed. Not unlike the dutch guys (even 'top' reports as Kerckhoffs, Hans ruggenberg etc are clueless)...
And that, while most of the things I talked about are general knowledge on these boards. Even the singaporian guy who doesn't follow cycling that long like dwlssonic knows a lot more

That's exactly what annoys me about Dutch cycling coverage. While it gets a fair bit of attention, it is so ridiculously patriotic and only focused on Rabobank (the cycling papers cheer for LL Sanchez even), even Vacansoleil is still treated as second rate (especially by NOS).

They don't report on cycling, they report on some Dutchmen doing a random thing that happens to be cycling. That's annoying the **** out of me.

As you say, at least the Belgians also give attention to other guys, even though they are also very centric to their riders. But not as the Dutch. If there is an epic stage with lots of battles and a beautiful win by a non-Dutch, non-Dutch team rider and for example Clement finishes 8th, the title of the report will always be. "Stef Clement finishes 8th in the Tour of..." and only in the second paragraph you will be able to read about the winner.

It's disrespect to the sport, I hate it.

 

[Anonymous]

The overround on cycling betting is bad.

It's a thin market, so it only makes sense to take the time and trouble to make a book if there are good margins to be had.

A certain bookmaker's offerings on the Dauphine - and this was the night before the race started and not a genuine ante-post, (yep, I took the trouble to calculate it) had an overround of 175%!

Might not apply to Le Tour, of course, but outside of that, no thanks.

As a counter-example, the Betfair overround on the Derby hit a low of 98.2% at one point - yep, you could bet on every single horse and still make money!!

As a matter of interest, did said bookmaker quote prices for all the riders? I'd hazard a guess that the 175% over-round is simply for the cyclists that they quoted in their market. If you factor in another 1% for each unquoted rider, (assuming they'll lay a top price of 100/1 if an enquiry comes in) then the over-round will easily be + 200%. Pretty galling I know, but as you say, it's a weak market.

What I think happens is that bookies will place an automatic 'liability' stop on on-line bets, and it would seem that circa £1000 is what Bet365 have installed for this Dauphine as I couldn't get more than £12.50 each-way on an 80/1 shot.

One thing to remember about Betfair is the fact you've got to factor 5% commission into the equation. Not that I grudge them it as it's a great service, but trying to nick the odd arb isn't easy for folks to equate.

 

[cycladianpirate]

As a matter of interest, did said bookmaker quote prices for all the riders? I'd hazard a guess that the 175% over-round is simply for the cyclists that they quoted in their market. If you factor in another 1% for each unquoted rider, (assuming they'll lay a top price of 100/1 if an enquiry comes in) then the over-round will easily be + 200%. Pretty galling I know, but as you say, it's a weak market.

What I think happens is that bookies will place an automatic 'liability' stop on on-line bets, and it would seem that circa £1000 is what Bet365 have installed for this Dauphine as I couldn't get more than £12.50 each-way on an 80/1 shot.

One thing to remember about Betfair is the fact you've got to factor 5% commission into the equation. Not that I grudge them it as it's a great service, but trying to nick the odd arb isn't easy for folks to equate.

I agree that the overround I quoted was a conservative number. The point I (badly) made was - if you only have one bet to make in your life - would it be on the horses or on cycling?

Who bets in that sort of market (cycling)?? - it's like having 16 zeros on a roulette table...

I certainly don't worry about Betfair's commission - they provide a service pure and simple (and a service to bookies to boot) and are entitled to their commission.

But you sound like a bloke who knows the score. Of course no bookie is going to offer you more than a grand's exposure on a race like the Dauphine. Where are they going to lay it off - Betfair???

 

[Anonymous]

I agree that the overround I quoted was a conservative number. The point I (badly) made was - if you only have one bet to make in your life - would it be on the horses or on cycling?

Who bets in that sort of market (cycling)?? - it's like having 16 zeros on a roulette table...

I certainly don't worry about Betfair's commission - they provide a service pure and simple (and a service to bookies to boot) and are entitled to their commission.

But you sound like a bloke who knows the score. Of course no bookie is going to offer you more than a grand's exposure on a race like the Dauphine. Where are they going to lay it off - Betfair???

As someone who's been raised into a gambling family, I'm shrewd enough to know when the odds are stacked. With regards cycling, I normally ignore the over-round, as in all honesty, you can normally put the pen through 90% of the riders before a pedal has been turned, certainly in the outright market. Stages are a different story.

I actually make a tidy wee profit from gambling, although I only gamble on 3 sports on a semi-regular basis; those being cycling, non-league (UK) football (I attend matches and think I have an edge over the books) and greyhound racing (I own a dog and I'm privy to some solid info from the kennels).

I also have a small punt on darts (just for an interest) as I really enjoy the game as a TV spectacle.

Odds now available for tomorrows stage: http://www.oddschecker.com/other-sports/cycling/criterium-du-dauphine/criterium-du-dauphine-stage-2/winner

I'll probably leave this one alone and just cheer on Menchov.

 

[cycladianpirate]

As someone who's been raised into a gambling family, I'm shrewd enough to know when the odds are stacked. With regards cycling, I normally ignore the over-round, as in all honesty, you can normally put the pen through 90% of the riders before a pedal has been turned, certainly in the outright market. Stages are a different story.

I actually make a tidy wee profit from gambling, although I only gamble on 3 sports on a semi-regular basis; those being cycling, non-league (UK) football (I attend matches and think I have an edge over the books) and greyhound racing (I own a dog and I'm privy to some solid info from the kennels).

I also have a small punt on darts (just for an interest) as I really enjoy the game as a TV spectacle.

Odds now available for tomorrows stage: http://www.oddschecker.com/other-sports/cycling/criterium-du-dauphine/criterium-du-dauphine-stage-2/winner

I'll probably leave this one alone and just cheer on Menchov.

Fair enough - and I agree with you about Darts (if you haven't already, get yourself to the Lakeside (best sporting arena I've ever visited)) - just wish they could have one World Championship.

 

[Anonymous]

EDIT: Just staked £15 e/w on David Moncoutie at 66/1 hoping that he'll go for the mountain points and be allowed to stay away.

 

[ferryman]

I like a flutter now and again on cycling. Conventional stuff on Paddy Power which is pretty good. Lost a bundle on Schleck in 2011 TDF (backed him over 6 months ante post with small winnings over the period). But probably still up overall but nothing serious either way. Got money on Wiggins for both the Dauphine and TDF.

Cavendish at the 2011 Worlds was a nice one also for the account

 

[search]

But you sound like a bloke who knows the score. Of course no bookie is going to offer you more than a grand's exposure on a race like the Dauphine. Where are they going to lay it off - Betfair???

that's why it's not so easy to make more than pocket money with cycling. Mostly you have to wait for the markets to settle and the limits to rise and finding value on a more or less settled market is way more difficult than on starting prices.

but today's stage for example was good for the bookies, I don't even think they offered odds for Evans to win before the stage

 

[WindLessBreeze]

Don't tell the IRS

Anyone like to bet on cycling?
I haven't since that German/Austrian won a TT? 3-4 yrs ago and subsequently got pinged for performance enhancers. I laid him and lost big. Haven't touched cycling since but getting my enthusiasm for a wager again, mark

Once upon a time, I made a confortable living betting on base-ball, basket-ball, soccer, and CYCLING. But now a days, most players are just wise guys wannabes; I'm all for Sport! Win some/Lose some. Otherwise, just get a gig....a ShutUpSport! OKOKOK

 

[El Pistolero]

That's exactly what annoys me about Dutch cycling coverage. While it gets a fair bit of attention, it is so ridiculously patriotic and only focused on Rabobank (the cycling papers cheer for LL Sanchez even), even Vacansoleil is still treated as second rate (especially by NOS).

They don't report on cycling, they report on some Dutchmen doing a random thing that happens to be cycling. That's annoying the **** out of me.

As you say, at least the Belgians also give attention to other guys, even though they are also very centric to their riders. But not as the Dutch. If there is an epic stage with lots of battles and a beautiful win by a non-Dutch, non-Dutch team rider and for example Clement finishes 8th, the title of the report will always be. "Stef Clement finishes 8th in the Tour of..." and only in the second paragraph you will be able to read about the winner.

It's disrespect to the sport, I hate it.

Try and read Belgian articles about a sport that isn't cycling.