Same reason there are professional runners. Its a sport that attracts a fan base with a high disposable income who are willing to spend $$$ on bicycles and gear. I've been to local pro races with just regional level pros and there can be 10,000 people at the race.....in Dallas. In Europe there will be 100,000 + at the big Classic (1 day) races that are happening this month and next. The the grand tours attract countless numbers of people. I have been to a Tour de France stage and it was nuts....a real carnival atmosphere.

2 ...

Report Post

Posted by CAD703X

Liberty Island

Member since Jul 2008

78792 posts

Posted on 3/20/17 at 2:08 pm to Zappas Stache

Zappa don't feed the troll

0 ...

Report Post

Posted by KG6

Member since Aug 2009

10920 posts

Posted on 3/20/17 at 2:35 pm to Zappas Stache

quote:
Its a sport that attracts a fan base with a high disposable income who are willing to spend $$$ on bicycles and gear

Pretty much this. It's not really about the spectator. I don't even know if they charge to watch a race. It's about the fact that it's got to be one of the highest ranking sports of people with too much money who want to ride the same bike as the pros.

I'll admit that I have spent too much on my bikes. Definitely have more money in them than needed for my abilities. But I've been on rides with people who have wheels that cost more than my bike and they aren't really aren't some accomplished cyclist. And the reason they have those wheels.....because the pros ride them. A new set of Zipp NSW wheels is like $4k right now, and when everyone starts seeing pros with the new "saw tooth" wheels, then every guy with 4k to blow is going to be trying to get them. Triathlon is worse because equipment does really make a difference. There are age groupers riding more expensive machines than the pro racers.

1 ...

Report Post

O-T Lounge - Replies to Post

Return To Board

Page 1

Return To Board