Velochimp: Astrochimp on Cycling

Cyclelicio.us has an entry on the feasability of having a Tour of US. Looking at some of the major US races which are about 1 week long, would it be feasable to combine these to to one three week race?

Tour of California - 8 stages
Tour de Georgia - 6 stages
Tour de Toona - 7 stages

It looks like there would be many hinderances to setting up a Tour of US. The main would be geography.

I would be against such an idea as I think the regional one week race aspect has better potential. If more areas begin to setup their own stage races, then that would help cycling in the US in several ways:

1) No reliance on a single race as the focus of all cycling means less problems when a sponsor pulls out or event gets cancelled. The cancelling of the Tour Du Pont in 1996 left a void that was not filled until the Tour De Georgia started up.

2) More one week stage races will keep cycling in the public eye and closer to the spectator. Let’s face it, cycling has a hard time getting on TV. The Tour of California is on ESPN2 at 1am. That shows no respect to cycling at all. Only insomniacs are goint tostumble upon the Tour of California. What the US needs is more racing nearby. Who cares if the race is not on TV if you can see it for yourself? Having more races just helps the cause of cycling in general than seeing a single event on TV. True, Armstrong’s performance at the Tour has helped get lots of folks on two wheels, but that is based on a once in a generation type of individual. We need to sustain cycling interest when there is no figure that transcends sport.

3) Setting up a series of races throughout the year will help the domestic cycling scene. More large races will help develop talent and help the entire US Pro Peloton in general. Sponsorship for teams will be easier to get because there will be more opportunities for exposure.

Just a few ideas to think about. Maybe someone in New York State might want to show off the various terrain and great roads we have to offer by sponsoring a Tour of New York?