Take one down pass it around
Wow, how about this weather? I was scheduled for just a one hour ride today but I wanted to keep going and going. Instead I strolled over the bridge to Shelby Bottoms and found my way over to the Portland Brew Coffee Shop on the East Side. I rode into two friends, had a mocha, stopped off to watch the skateboarders and bmxers at Two Rivers, and then finished it all off at a meat-and-three. Ahhh, great evening on the bike.
This week remember we are starting the NashvilleCyclist.com Criterium Race Series back up. There are races every Wednesday night for the next eight weeks beginning on July 2nd. Check out the race flyer on www.NashvilleCyclist.com for details.
Moving on to more interesting thoughts.....
The law is on your side
I have yet to read the book myself, but I suspect that Bicycling & The Law by Bob Mionske is a book that every cyclist would benefit from. If you've followed Velonews much then you've read his regular columns regarding legal issues and bicycling. If you've read those columns then you know he breaks the law down meticulously. I spoke to Bob several times a few years ago when I was severely injured in an accident involving a motor vehicle. He was very helpful and graciously gave of his time on the phone before referring me to someone local. Not only did he know the law but he was also great on the strategy side of how to win if you're caught in a legal or settlement issue.
Will pro cycling split into two leagues?
In theory this is good if both fall under the same umbrella, but nobody is in control of it all as it is now. ASO, UCI, AIGCP, IPCT, MPCC, blah blah blah. Everyone is protecting turf and going after sponsorship and television rights without regard to how a selfish decision affects the sport as a whole.
I propose the UCA, the Universal Cycling Association. There could be two to four divisions split based upon geographic regions where races are held, not where teams are based. Yes, this may mean some races disappear while the best survive. The almighty dollar, wait, Euro prevails! Start at the top and begin forming a downward foundation of development programs, ie minor league system, that would formally feed into the top level team. Also, imagine a team going into an event and having to do a qualifying team time-trial much like NASCAR. Say 25 teams show up for a 50km TTT but only the top 20 teams get to continue on. There are many ways to structure a true professional league, but right now they are light years away. If they ever do then the sport has the potential to be as big or bigger than soccer across the planet. Currently I think sponsors are getting a poor return on investment while branding opportunities leave hundreds of millions on the table.
Why do I say that?
Seeking Profits (and Respect) in Ownership
We get to race against these guys quite often, and it's exciting to see Tennesseans like Steve Carpenter (far left in photo on link) helping to mold the future of cycling. Barkley's investing only $50,000, but they are wise in seeing the future found in the young kids on the Hincapie/Barkley racing team. At this level of investment a sponsor's risk of embarrassment is very low considering the ages of the riders is between 15 and 23. Kids at this age and level aren't polluted with the ideas and pressure of getting caught up in the doping culture. A whole new generation of riders is out there waiting for their shot, a clean shot at becoming a professional cyclist. More and more sponsors will wise up to this alternative and the momentum will shift. One quote from a Barkley VP says it all, "There are about 43 million people in America who ride bikes. We’re on their side, not on the side of the handful of people involved in performance-enhancing drugs.” Companies like Barkley get it, and above all know how to connect with their target market.
Sponsorship and Marketing Deals Offer Break in Clouds
It's happening at the highest levels too. Bob Stapleton of Team High Road even called his latest sponsorship deal with Columbia Sportswear "unexpected", which should tell you a wave of change is happening. Add that to the ASO signing a new marketing agreement and Garmin joins Slipstream as a title sponsor and it's got to make you feel a little better about the sport. Funny how cycling gets splashed in all the news when it involves dope, but positive sponsorship news is only found in the usual cycling media outlets.
CAS delivers final blow to Landis legal challenge
Yet, with the positive momentum we get news today that finally Floyd Landis received word on his appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Landis' case was denied by a 3-0 vote. It seems like yesterday he was on his way to losing the 2006 Tour before coming back to win the Tour. Though, it has actually been almost two years since that nightmare began.
Remember my options back in January of 2007? In my Costly Defense post I proposed four options to Floyd's situation. Sadly, he chose option number one. We found out that option 3 really doesn't exist, just like I said.
As if we haven't been through enough already Floyd's comment to today's ruling was, "I am looking into my legal options and deciding on the best way to proceed." Listen, obviously Floyd you just don't get it and I'm wondering if you ever will. For our own sanity and for the sake of not taking up another negative cycling story in the press would you please move on? What's it going to take? Seriously, what? You have lost at every turn and have been unable to convince a majority of the right people at the right time that you did not dope.
Is there anyone around him talking any real sense into him? It would have been great if he'd have won a few battles along the way, but he's got a winless record in his defense of the charges. Are there nothing but "yes" men and women surrounding him, you know, in the world that apparently revolves around Floyd Landis? Guess what Floyd, sometimes in life we really do lose and have no other choice than to live, learn and move on.
As I typed that it has me thinking about Tyler Hamilton. He tried a similar approach that wasn't as aggressive as Floyd's was, but now look at his cycling career after the ban. It's hideous. Everybody loved Tyler prior to his suspension. Now the best he can do is ride poorly on a team, Rock Racing, that's best known for its dark side and "second chance" approach to signing riders. Is it any wonder that Floyd has been linked to Rock Racing as well? It doesn't appear as though Floyd has learned a single thing and is destined to follow Tyler's footsteps. Good luck with that one. One day I hope to write a positive blog about Floyd's comeback, but seriously.....unless he starts making better decisions.....ahhh, I'm done with it.
Tour 2008 clear favourites: Evans, Valverde and Cunego
Forget about Floyd and Contador. The 2008 Tour de France begins Saturday with Stage 1 with a 197km road race, but it's unlikely a sprinter will take the stage as it finishes up a slight hill. It's been since 1967 that the Tour hasn't started with a time-trial prologue, so this should be interesting to see whose suitcase of courage is loaded enough to take yellow on the first day. Now this is worth talking about!
Tour de France 101 - Helpful tips for new Tour fans
I'm sure not everybody who reads this blog knows all there is to know about bike racing or the Tour de France. If not, this is a good place to start.
"A Fun Ride Designed a Spoof of the Tour France"
There's only one other tour worth paying attention to in July. The Tour de Donut began in 1989 and has grown into a ride that attracts over 500 riders. It's a 30 mile ride in Staunton, IL that takes place on July 12th. The twist; there are official donut eating stops every 10 miles along the way, and for every donut you eat you get five minutes taken off your official finishing time! Times get adjusted for the number you eat and prizes are awarded. I think we've got a new TBAR category for 2009!
Watch the trailer for Tour de Donut: Gluttons for Punishment
"Ride fast. Eat as many donuts as you can without throwing up, and then get going on your bike again to the finish line."
"This is disgusting. Disgustingly beautiful."
This week remember we are starting the NashvilleCyclist.com Criterium Race Series back up. There are races every Wednesday night for the next eight weeks beginning on July 2nd. Check out the race flyer on www.NashvilleCyclist.com for details.
Moving on to more interesting thoughts.....
The law is on your side
I have yet to read the book myself, but I suspect that Bicycling & The Law by Bob Mionske is a book that every cyclist would benefit from. If you've followed Velonews much then you've read his regular columns regarding legal issues and bicycling. If you've read those columns then you know he breaks the law down meticulously. I spoke to Bob several times a few years ago when I was severely injured in an accident involving a motor vehicle. He was very helpful and graciously gave of his time on the phone before referring me to someone local. Not only did he know the law but he was also great on the strategy side of how to win if you're caught in a legal or settlement issue.
Will pro cycling split into two leagues?
In theory this is good if both fall under the same umbrella, but nobody is in control of it all as it is now. ASO, UCI, AIGCP, IPCT, MPCC, blah blah blah. Everyone is protecting turf and going after sponsorship and television rights without regard to how a selfish decision affects the sport as a whole.
I propose the UCA, the Universal Cycling Association. There could be two to four divisions split based upon geographic regions where races are held, not where teams are based. Yes, this may mean some races disappear while the best survive. The almighty dollar, wait, Euro prevails! Start at the top and begin forming a downward foundation of development programs, ie minor league system, that would formally feed into the top level team. Also, imagine a team going into an event and having to do a qualifying team time-trial much like NASCAR. Say 25 teams show up for a 50km TTT but only the top 20 teams get to continue on. There are many ways to structure a true professional league, but right now they are light years away. If they ever do then the sport has the potential to be as big or bigger than soccer across the planet. Currently I think sponsors are getting a poor return on investment while branding opportunities leave hundreds of millions on the table.
Why do I say that?
Seeking Profits (and Respect) in Ownership
We get to race against these guys quite often, and it's exciting to see Tennesseans like Steve Carpenter (far left in photo on link) helping to mold the future of cycling. Barkley's investing only $50,000, but they are wise in seeing the future found in the young kids on the Hincapie/Barkley racing team. At this level of investment a sponsor's risk of embarrassment is very low considering the ages of the riders is between 15 and 23. Kids at this age and level aren't polluted with the ideas and pressure of getting caught up in the doping culture. A whole new generation of riders is out there waiting for their shot, a clean shot at becoming a professional cyclist. More and more sponsors will wise up to this alternative and the momentum will shift. One quote from a Barkley VP says it all, "There are about 43 million people in America who ride bikes. We’re on their side, not on the side of the handful of people involved in performance-enhancing drugs.” Companies like Barkley get it, and above all know how to connect with their target market.
Sponsorship and Marketing Deals Offer Break in Clouds
It's happening at the highest levels too. Bob Stapleton of Team High Road even called his latest sponsorship deal with Columbia Sportswear "unexpected", which should tell you a wave of change is happening. Add that to the ASO signing a new marketing agreement and Garmin joins Slipstream as a title sponsor and it's got to make you feel a little better about the sport. Funny how cycling gets splashed in all the news when it involves dope, but positive sponsorship news is only found in the usual cycling media outlets.
CAS delivers final blow to Landis legal challenge
Yet, with the positive momentum we get news today that finally Floyd Landis received word on his appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Landis' case was denied by a 3-0 vote. It seems like yesterday he was on his way to losing the 2006 Tour before coming back to win the Tour. Though, it has actually been almost two years since that nightmare began.
Remember my options back in January of 2007? In my Costly Defense post I proposed four options to Floyd's situation. Sadly, he chose option number one. We found out that option 3 really doesn't exist, just like I said.
As if we haven't been through enough already Floyd's comment to today's ruling was, "I am looking into my legal options and deciding on the best way to proceed." Listen, obviously Floyd you just don't get it and I'm wondering if you ever will. For our own sanity and for the sake of not taking up another negative cycling story in the press would you please move on? What's it going to take? Seriously, what? You have lost at every turn and have been unable to convince a majority of the right people at the right time that you did not dope.
Is there anyone around him talking any real sense into him? It would have been great if he'd have won a few battles along the way, but he's got a winless record in his defense of the charges. Are there nothing but "yes" men and women surrounding him, you know, in the world that apparently revolves around Floyd Landis? Guess what Floyd, sometimes in life we really do lose and have no other choice than to live, learn and move on.
As I typed that it has me thinking about Tyler Hamilton. He tried a similar approach that wasn't as aggressive as Floyd's was, but now look at his cycling career after the ban. It's hideous. Everybody loved Tyler prior to his suspension. Now the best he can do is ride poorly on a team, Rock Racing, that's best known for its dark side and "second chance" approach to signing riders. Is it any wonder that Floyd has been linked to Rock Racing as well? It doesn't appear as though Floyd has learned a single thing and is destined to follow Tyler's footsteps. Good luck with that one. One day I hope to write a positive blog about Floyd's comeback, but seriously.....unless he starts making better decisions.....ahhh, I'm done with it.
Tour 2008 clear favourites: Evans, Valverde and Cunego
Forget about Floyd and Contador. The 2008 Tour de France begins Saturday with Stage 1 with a 197km road race, but it's unlikely a sprinter will take the stage as it finishes up a slight hill. It's been since 1967 that the Tour hasn't started with a time-trial prologue, so this should be interesting to see whose suitcase of courage is loaded enough to take yellow on the first day. Now this is worth talking about!
Tour de France 101 - Helpful tips for new Tour fans
I'm sure not everybody who reads this blog knows all there is to know about bike racing or the Tour de France. If not, this is a good place to start.
"A Fun Ride Designed a Spoof of the Tour France"
There's only one other tour worth paying attention to in July. The Tour de Donut began in 1989 and has grown into a ride that attracts over 500 riders. It's a 30 mile ride in Staunton, IL that takes place on July 12th. The twist; there are official donut eating stops every 10 miles along the way, and for every donut you eat you get five minutes taken off your official finishing time! Times get adjusted for the number you eat and prizes are awarded. I think we've got a new TBAR category for 2009!
Watch the trailer for Tour de Donut: Gluttons for Punishment
"Ride fast. Eat as many donuts as you can without throwing up, and then get going on your bike again to the finish line."
"This is disgusting. Disgustingly beautiful."
posted by NashvilleCyclist.com at 6/30/2008 11:33:00 PM
1 Comments:
Maybe Landis truly believe he is innocent and he doesn't want to give up his fight. Yes all evidence points to the fact that he is guilty but there have been times in criminal history when people were wrongly convicted based on evidence. I bet it would be devastating to know you are innocent when everyone around you believes you are guilty. The only thing you could do is fight.
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