Now we see something that might very well spell the end of the Tour de
France as the "greatest" cycling race in the world.
At one time the greatest motorcycle race was the Isle of Man. Eventually
motorcycles got so fast and dangerous that the IOM had to pull out of
professional cycling on that level.
The problem with the TdF is different however. Those who control the TdF
believe they're infallible. They are attacking not just the top
professional
teams but the UCI as well. This sort of ultimate ego is something new to
cycling and in a business underscored by huge egos it is unlikely to
stand.
One good Giro d'Italia could very well have some significant effects on
pro
cycling.
For one thing - given that the Giro has decided to design courses much
harder than they have in the past and because that race occurs before the
Tour, it could be possible to attract all of the highest talent, burn them
out and then leave nothing more than retreads for the TdF.
I wonder what's happening behind closed doors as I write this.....
