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Find out more about James: James, a journalist since 1976, is co-author of Tour de France For Dummies. He owns several websites, contributes to many print and online publications and is also the Monterey Peninsula Examiner. A long-distance runner for nearly 30 years, Raia also rides his bike -- to nearby coffeehouses. E-mail: james@byjamesraia.com. |
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EuroPeloton.com only asked for three wishes for the 2009 cycling season:
1. George Hincapie to cap his long career by winning Paris-Roubaix; 2. Someone other than Alberto Contador to win the Tour de France; 3. A competitive team representing the United States at the World Championship road race.
EuroPeloton.com has its reasons, they’re all good, and it’s made me consider a few other wishes for pro cycling in 2009:
1. The end of attendance statistics associated with bicycle racing. Unless there are ticket stubs or a turnstile count, estimating crowds in a single-day event or a stage race is nothing more than a guess. Law enforcement agencies use a grid system to estimate crowds at public events, but I’ve never known a bicycle race to use the grid counting method. As such, why bother? If a bike is witnessed by spectators sitting on rooftops and lined up 10 rows deep, great. If there’s a sparse crowd, that’s fine, too. Hey, race organizers: Please don’t make up crowd totals.
2. A well-organized, financially sound, well-promoted American women’s stage race. I haven’t been around any women’s stage events better than the Coors Classic and Ore-Ida Challenge. I may be sentimental for the good ol’ days, but what’s so wrong about that?
3. Speaking of women riders, Tina Pic and Kristen Armstrong receiving more media attention.
4. Race officials understanding the needs of the media. Why does it take hours to get official race results? Every other sport I’ve ever covered — the NBA to the PGA Tour to MotoGP — has understood the importance of prompt, accurate results distributed into the proper hands. Even a top-10 provisional result sheet would suffice if there’s an extenuating circumstance requiring more time. I’m convinced race officials sometimes have a meal and cocktails first and then compile results.
5. Race announcers limiting their caffeine consumption. It’s a tough gig speaking for hours without stopping, but sometimes silence works better than high-volume babble.
6. A moratorium on the use of the word “grueling.”
7. Dick Pound, now a university chancellor, staying there.
8. Greg LeMond and Lance Armstrong making happy again.
9. The often-discussed pro men’s stage race across the United States becoming a reality.
10. No one ever again asking me, “Why do they all get the same time?”
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