http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=354 Always select Genuine Rant™ Brand. Everything else is just words. Tue, 07 Sep 2010 21:27:08 -0400 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=354#comment-11514 Rant Tue, 14 Aug 2007 01:37:05 +0000 http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=354#comment-11514 jbsmp, Bit of a mystery as to why the really called it a day, isn't it? What do you bet that this was the "other business obligation" that Armstrong had to deal with, precluding his ride at Leadville? Lance probably would have been swarmed with people demanding to know "Why?" if he'd shown up. Will and Morgan, Good idea to chew over (from either point of view): How to reorganized the sport and with what business model. That's an idea that I'm going to keep in mind and come back to in the near future. - Rant
Bit of a mystery as to why the really called it a day, isn’t it? What do you bet that this was the “other business obligation” that Armstrong had to deal with, precluding his ride at Leadville? Lance probably would have been swarmed with people demanding to know “Why?” if he’d shown up.

Will and Morgan,

Good idea to chew over (from either point of view): How to reorganized the sport and with what business model. That’s an idea that I’m going to keep in mind and come back to in the near future.

- Rant]]> http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=354#comment-11503 Morgan Hunter Mon, 13 Aug 2007 15:07:50 +0000 http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=354#comment-11503 Hey Will, I'm all for the riders forming a union - but I am a bit doubtful that American football, European football, or Basketball or Ice hockey, is any "cleaner" than cycling. - I think it is a good idea to get rid of the present bodies who are supposed to do the work of looking after the interests of the riders, the sport. But do you think that other sports have a better system then cycling? - It seems to me that the only thing that pro-football, basketball and ice hockey have is that their are able to blanket their doping problems better then cycling. Each has a much tighter control of everyone involved, so Bonds can juice, the media may be pushing to get him, but the USDA has actually little power to muscle in like they have in cycling... - There is also another issue - the present bodies who own the big tours. It is their baby. Isn't some of the problems that cycling is facing today - due to several present governing bodies trying to muscle in on these owners? If one looks at the Tour, it is a "product" that is put together by the owners. The owners have the right to "sell" their product for the most money they can get, no? -
I think it is a good idea to get rid of the present bodies who are supposed to do the work of looking after the interests of the riders, the sport. But do you think that other sports have a better system then cycling?
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It seems to me that the only thing that pro-football, basketball and ice hockey have is that their are able to blanket their doping problems better then cycling. Each has a much tighter control of everyone involved, so Bonds can juice, the media may be pushing to get him, but the USDA has actually little power to muscle in like they have in cycling…
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There is also another issue – the present bodies who own the big tours. It is their baby. Isn’t some of the problems that cycling is facing today – due to several present governing bodies trying to muscle in on these owners? If one looks at the Tour, it is a “product” that is put together by the owners. The owners have the right to “sell” their product for the most money they can get, no?]]> http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=354#comment-11501 Will Mon, 13 Aug 2007 14:31:50 +0000 http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=354#comment-11501 I think we need to start with a blank page. We need to look at other models such as auto racing, tennis, football (both US and otherwise), basketball, and other sports. How do they do things and how are they successful? - I'd like Rant to visualize and write about what cycling might be under each of these other models. - Imagine if a world professional cycling entity was sponsored by cycling companies (like many other sports) as well as television. This version of professional cycling might have a commissioner who looks after the health of the sport (business.) This version might encourage the athletes to form a union to look after their own interests. This version might approach countries around the world to set up races year round. This version might even have a rider draft each year to help equalize the teams. This version might handle their doping problems from within the organization like so many other sports do. - It might take Lance to overcome the current overlapping and competing structure. Lance as the first commissioner? -
I’d like Rant to visualize and write about what cycling might be under each of these other models.
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Imagine if a world professional cycling entity was sponsored by cycling companies (like many other sports) as well as television. This version of professional cycling might have a commissioner who looks after the health of the sport (business.) This version might encourage the athletes to form a union to look after their own interests. This version might approach countries around the world to set up races year round. This version might even have a rider draft each year to help equalize the teams. This version might handle their doping problems from within the organization like so many other sports do.
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It might take Lance to overcome the current overlapping and competing structure. Lance as the first commissioner?]]> http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=354#comment-11500 just bitch slap me please Mon, 13 Aug 2007 13:52:25 +0000 http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=354#comment-11500 Rant, One thing I did not understand about Tailwind backing out of the sport was the reason(s) why: what were they? They have been looking for a title sponsor since Disco said no mas, turning from the US to Europe to China of all places. Clearly the pickings were thin. But then, in quitting the biz, Armstrong said it was NOT about the inability of finding such a sponsor, he already had one 90% committed and could have sealed the deal. So what gives? Did they really fold when they finally had the money, or was the lack of the sponsor the real deal, and Armstrong is just lying about it? The whole thing reminded me of the doping cyclist denying, denying, denying until he gets definitely caught, and then fesses up. What was the point of Lance denying the obvious: they could not find someone with deep pockets? Who did he think he was fooling? One thing I did not understand about Tailwind backing out of the sport was the reason(s) why: what were they?
They have been looking for a title sponsor since Disco said no mas, turning from the US to Europe to China of all places. Clearly the pickings were thin.
But then, in quitting the biz, Armstrong said it was NOT about the inability of finding such a sponsor, he already had one 90% committed and could have sealed the deal.
So what gives? Did they really fold when they finally had the money, or was the lack of the sponsor the real deal, and Armstrong is just lying about it?
The whole thing reminded me of the doping cyclist denying, denying, denying until he gets definitely caught, and then fesses up. What was the point of Lance denying the obvious: they could not find someone with deep pockets? Who did he think he was fooling?]]> http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=354#comment-11498 Cycling Beat » Reacting to the End of Discovery Channel Mon, 13 Aug 2007 13:32:09 +0000 http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=354#comment-11498 [...] But if it’s a good ole fashioned Rant you’re after, the place to head is Rant Your Head Off who started out with the bemused tone of Tailwind Tailspin calling it a “strange turn of events”. This is then followed up with a very interesting quote from Lance Armstrong about the sponsership problem (part of the Sunday Short Takes post). (Incidentally, cograts to RYHO which is celebrating the first anniversary of the blog - onya!) [...] http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=354#comment-11495 Rant Mon, 13 Aug 2007 13:08:24 +0000 http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=354#comment-11495 Morgan, I can't say I know the full context of Armstrong's comment, but I believe that he's referring to something like Formula 1 and Bernie Eccelstone. I think he was just throwing an idea out there, saying, "We need to find a new way of doing things, a new way of organizing things, and a new way of working together to make the sport better. What we currently have isn't working." I don't know that he's "totally bummed" or not. I think he's making the point that all of the factions within cycling are at war with each other, and until they make peace, it's going to be hard for teams seeking new sponsors to offer the guarantees that a major sponsor new to the sport would want to hear. However cycling is organized in the future, the interested parties need to come together and work together to ensure its viability. That includes the teams, the governing bodies, the race organizers, the cyclists, the fans, anyone who has an interest in making the sport succeed. With all the acrimony right now, things don't look so good. But if all the groups who have an interest in cycling's success can get past all the "stuff" then maybe it will still have a bright future. Maybe Tailwind Sports will reconsider and get back into the fray. We can only hope. - Rant
I can’t say I know the full context of Armstrong’s comment, but I believe that he’s referring to something like Formula 1 and Bernie Eccelstone.

I think he was just throwing an idea out there, saying, “We need to find a new way of doing things, a new way of organizing things, and a new way of working together to make the sport better. What we currently have isn’t working.”

I don’t know that he’s “totally bummed” or not. I think he’s making the point that all of the factions within cycling are at war with each other, and until they make peace, it’s going to be hard for teams seeking new sponsors to offer the guarantees that a major sponsor new to the sport would want to hear.

However cycling is organized in the future, the interested parties need to come together and work together to ensure its viability. That includes the teams, the governing bodies, the race organizers, the cyclists, the fans, anyone who has an interest in making the sport succeed.

With all the acrimony right now, things don’t look so good. But if all the groups who have an interest in cycling’s success can get past all the “stuff” then maybe it will still have a bright future. Maybe Tailwind Sports will reconsider and get back into the fray. We can only hope.

- Rant]]> http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=354#comment-11494 Morgan Hunter Mon, 13 Aug 2007 12:54:17 +0000 http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=354#comment-11494 "Perhaps there is someone out there to come in and solve the problems and own the sport - that might not be a bad thing for cycling." I don't get this - Rant. - Does it mean that one person literally "owns" or has controlling interest in all the pro-races? If it does - I'm afraid that I would have to disagree. The Tour De France is a fantastic race that was shaped by all the French personalities that worked, I would think, very hard to keep it a living thing. People need competition, or one could say - "obstacles" to grow and be inventive...If one person were to own Cycling - would cycling not become more "formated" as in McDonald's? I like that McDonald's parent company "sets" the standards - that is nice - but it is rather plastic - don't you think? - Maybe - Armstrong was just being "disillusioned" when he said that, perhaps he was feeling despair? I think that when such a situation as what is now going on keeps on for a long time - despair is the real enemy. When we exist in despair, we have lost contact with joy, all is rather blah and tasteless...it is a dangerous state for a human being or a group of people. We must always be on guard against it. - Or have I just completely misunderstood you and Lance...If you're slacking off pal - get out from under those cozy covers and plant your butt on the bike and start feeling life flowing through you buddy. Don't let the bastards wear you down...you hear - all of you out there...remember NETWORK: "I've had enough and I ain't taking it anymore!" - WE HAVE A VOICE - more importantly - WE HAVE MINDS - no one and no thing, no situation, no institution should gain the power over you to DEFINE WHO YOU are. That includes you too Lance! - Or perhaps - we are just realizing how hard it must be for Floyd, eh? Floyd must feel this feeling too - and maybe for a whole lot longer then us. It has been happening to him directly, and the "reality" of this load comes thumping all over us a year after. - Get mad at all the bastards who are just leeches making a living off of the talents of good people. Get mad at journalists who are so shallow that they propagate mistrust and partisanship to sell bloody cheap rags called "newspapers"! Get mad at self righteous people who tell other people how to live but can't do it themselves! Get mad at bastards who would sacrifice anything or anybody - just to get what they want! - It is alright to be angry and frustrated because we have heard nothing from the "arbitrators" - we are frustrated and angry, because we know that it is NOT A FAIR SET UP! - And while I'm at it - IF LANCE is "totally bummed" by the hopelessness of this situation in Cycling - then I AM PISSED RIGHTEOUSLY AT HIM! Even though I have enjoyed his riding from 99 on! He is a super rider - he is a hero to millions - HE HAS A RESPONSIBILITY to carry that load. So I am pissed that my HERO, Lance Armstrong - all American boy - is being beaten down by this whole cycling situation. - The thing is - I don't hate him - I am pissed at him - I am just mad as hell...but I am not hating him because he is only human, as we all are! Even heroes are human beings first - maybe he is unbeatable when he rides that bike - but I cannot expect the guy to be ALWAYS a hero - he's just human...like the rest of us....And to finish off - I or the rest of us out here - cannot lose heart - because Lance may be feeling despair - Lance was not the reason I love biking - BIKING is the reason I love biking...and that my dear people is a real good thing to remember - when we are feeling despair... -
Does it mean that one person literally “owns” or has controlling interest in all the pro-races? If it does – I’m afraid that I would have to disagree. The Tour De France is a fantastic race that was shaped by all the French personalities that worked, I would think, very hard to keep it a living thing. People need competition, or one could say – “obstacles” to grow and be inventive…If one person were to own Cycling – would cycling not become more “formated” as in McDonald’s? I like that McDonald’s parent company “sets” the standards – that is nice – but it is rather plastic – don’t you think?
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Maybe – Armstrong was just being “disillusioned” when he said that, perhaps he was feeling despair? I think that when such a situation as what is now going on keeps on for a long time – despair is the real enemy. When we exist in despair, we have lost contact with joy, all is rather blah and tasteless…it is a dangerous state for a human being or a group of people. We must always be on guard against it.
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Or have I just completely misunderstood you and Lance…If you’re slacking off pal – get out from under those cozy covers and plant your butt on the bike and start feeling life flowing through you buddy. Don’t let the bastards wear you down…you hear – all of you out there…remember NETWORK: “I’ve had enough and I ain’t taking it anymore!”
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WE HAVE A VOICE – more importantly – WE HAVE MINDS – no one and no thing, no situation, no institution should gain the power over you to DEFINE WHO YOU are. That includes you too Lance!
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Or perhaps – we are just realizing how hard it must be for Floyd, eh? Floyd must feel this feeling too – and maybe for a whole lot longer then us. It has been happening to him directly, and the “reality” of this load comes thumping all over us a year after.
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Get mad at all the bastards who are just leeches making a living off of the talents of good people.
Get mad at journalists who are so shallow that they propagate mistrust and partisanship to sell bloody cheap rags called “newspapers”!
Get mad at self righteous people who tell other people how to live but can’t do it themselves!
Get mad at bastards who would sacrifice anything or anybody – just to get what they want!
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It is alright to be angry and frustrated because we have heard nothing from the “arbitrators” – we are frustrated and angry, because we know that it is NOT A FAIR SET UP!
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And while I’m at it – IF LANCE is “totally bummed” by the hopelessness of this situation in Cycling – then I AM PISSED RIGHTEOUSLY AT HIM! Even though I have enjoyed his riding from 99 on! He is a super rider – he is a hero to millions – HE HAS A RESPONSIBILITY to carry that load. So I am pissed that my HERO, Lance Armstrong – all American boy – is being beaten down by this whole cycling situation.
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The thing is – I don’t hate him – I am pissed at him – I am just mad as hell…but I am not hating him because he is only human, as we all are! Even heroes are human beings first – maybe he is unbeatable when he rides that bike – but I cannot expect the guy to be ALWAYS a hero – he’s just human…like the rest of us….And to finish off – I or the rest of us out here – cannot lose heart – because Lance may be feeling despair – Lance was not the reason I love biking – BIKING is the reason I love biking…and that my dear people is a real good thing to remember – when we are feeling despair…]]> http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=354#comment-11484 Morgan Hunter Mon, 13 Aug 2007 01:16:36 +0000 http://rant-your-head-off.com/WordPress/?p=354#comment-11484 Yeah Rant - there are some things worth repeating: - Floyd Landis-2006 Tour de France winner. Floyd Landis-2006 Tour de France winner. Floyd Landis-2006 Tour de France winner. Floyd Landis-2006 Tour de France winner. Floyd Landis-2006 Tour de France winner. Floyd Landis-2006 Tour de France winner. Floyd Landis-2006 Tour de France winner. Floyd Landis-2006 Tour de France winner. Floyd Landis-2006 Tour de France winner. Floyd Landis-2006 Tour de France winner. Floyd Landis-2006 Tour de France winner. Floyd Landis-2006 Tour de France winner. - Strangely - I feel so much better now. Wait a minute, I think, yes, It's coming back, Floyd Landis-2006 Tour de France winner. Floyd Landis-2006 Tour de France winner. Floyd Landis-2006 Tour de France winner. Floyd Landis-2006 Tour de France winner. Floyd Landis-2006 Tour de France winner. Floyd Landis-2006 Tour de France winner. Floyd Landis-2006 Tour de France winner. Floyd Landis-2006 Tour de France winner. Floyd Landis-2006 Tour de France winner. Floyd Landis-2006 Tour de France winner. Floyd Landis-2006 Tour de France winner. Floyd Landis-2006 Tour de France winner! -
Floyd Landis-2006 Tour de France winner. Floyd Landis-2006 Tour de France winner. Floyd Landis-2006 Tour de France winner. Floyd Landis-2006 Tour de France winner. Floyd Landis-2006 Tour de France winner. Floyd Landis-2006 Tour de France winner.
Floyd Landis-2006 Tour de France winner. Floyd Landis-2006 Tour de France winner. Floyd Landis-2006 Tour de France winner. Floyd Landis-2006 Tour de France winner. Floyd Landis-2006 Tour de France winner. Floyd Landis-2006 Tour de France winner.
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Strangely – I feel so much better now. Wait a minute, I think, yes, It’s coming back,
Floyd Landis-2006 Tour de France winner. Floyd Landis-2006 Tour de France winner. Floyd Landis-2006 Tour de France winner. Floyd Landis-2006 Tour de France winner. Floyd Landis-2006 Tour de France winner. Floyd Landis-2006 Tour de France winner.
Floyd Landis-2006 Tour de France winner. Floyd Landis-2006 Tour de France winner. Floyd Landis-2006 Tour de France winner. Floyd Landis-2006 Tour de France winner. Floyd Landis-2006 Tour de France winner. Floyd Landis-2006 Tour de France winner!]]>