Discovery sponsorship going, going... - Page 3

I agree, especially with the last point. The evidence of the Americans' "passive interest" in cycling by virtue of the low 2006 Tour de France ratings, however, is also an indictment of the fans' interest elsewhere. US ratings were down 52 percent with the retirement of a 7-time American. German ratings, however, were also down 43 percent with the expulsion of one of Germany's most popular athletes, and despite the fact that France hasn't had a real GC contender in years, and the loss of the "big 3" in Armstrong/Basso/Ullrich could only boost the hopes of French riders, ratings in France were down nearly 10 percent as well.

As you said, interest in cycling at the GC level is star-driven. Armstrong, an American who dominated the premier GC event for 7 years, retired -- it stands to reason that the biggest loss of viewership would be from those who wanted to identify with him not only as an athlete, but as an American athlete. You think, everything else being equal, viewership in Germany would have fallen as much if Ullrich had been racing? I doubt it. Does that mean Germans are fickle cycling fans? No. It means that Germans, like sports fans everywhere, like to have an emotional investment in the sport they are watching. If a contender is one of their own, so much the better.

All mass-media marketed sports are 'personality driven'. The objective is to attrack non-athletes, non sporting minded viewers. Hence the WWE scripted personal drama. Nike Lance verus the French, Jan, WADA etc.... Kobe versus Shaq, Barry Bonds versus history and steroids, NFL & Tom Brady versus payton Manning and steroid exemptions, Tiger Woods versus Phil, Vjay, and a Nike winning streak.

It is completing rigged for ratings.

Nothing can be believed as real. Exhibition only entertainment, just like WWE.

So why do you bother with it then? I mean, apparently you follow cycling, but for what purpose? It can't possibly interest you knowing what you know.

Maybe it's because you race. I think you mentioned that someplace. So, if you race, you must also dope, correct?

__________________
"Bait in 08" --nns1400

I enjoy WWE entertainment---just like you do.

Millions or others do too. Nike sells into that market.

What?

Sorry, I thought you stated that you race bicycles.

What kinda Nike stuff do you own?

__________________
"Bait in 08" --nns1400

Commercial sport is largely fixed.

Hobby sport is partially fixed too.

It is still great exercise.

I sell 'Live Wrong' bracelets for Nike:
http://www.theonion.com/content/node/51324

Quote:
Originally Posted by Flyer's.Finale!
I enjoy WWE entertainment---just like you do.

Millions or others do too. Nike sells into that market.

What?



Nike vibrator!

__________________
If your traveling to the LakeTahoe, Apple Hill, Folsom area ? Then check out Charles Lee's site for some great information on rides, maps and events in this Northern California area. .
http://www.beautifulvista.com
Great wine !
http://www.chevalierwinery.com/

Nike sharps bucket! Swoosh goes the spent syringe.

The unit has Ullrich's face on it, Flyer is ....his biggest supporter.

My dog has been fixed.

__________________
Dope,when training and talent just aren't enough.

Your dog loses races on command, eh?

He retired from racing last year.

__________________
Dope,when training and talent just aren't enough.

Did he become a wholesale rep, Team Director or OLN fraud with a microphone?

No, but he does lick himself a lot and passes gas ...so close enough ,I guess.

__________________
Dope,when training and talent just aren't enough.

Wow, an IOC board member.

That Grand Cayman account should be overflowing with payola now.

Follow the money---that is how to read commercial Olympic sport.