[paganel]

I’m optimistic about the big tours’ “image” presence in the US because I think that the future of pro cycling is represented by Anglo countries, plus a few Colombians and some European sporting “freaks” like Pogacar. Ah, and some Benelux guys.

Italy is as good as dead when it comes to pro-Cycling, the same goes for Spain, and France... France is always on the edge of the precipice and of “we’ll never ever going to win La Grande Boucle again! Long live Hinault and Virenque!”, so I’m not so sure about them.

Long story short, the big cycling money is in the Anglo countries, I’m sure California-based clients alone purchase more professional bikes in a year compared to the whole of Europe. And that’s good for Californians.

[sidibe]

Spanish and French teams still haven't embraced the science like in England, central and northern European countries where the training is very monitored and using modern findings. Looking at Frances most popular recent riders in the Tour, Voeckler supposedly just used to basically just go on long rides to train and was drinking Coke during races a few years ago. You never see Alaphilippe looking at his wattage and going at a steady pace when the race picks up instead he'll always be attacking, dropping off or catching back up.

At some point they'll embrace the 21st century and have real contenders again

[foruhar]

As a side note, drinking Coca Cola on the Tour is almost a tradition at this point.