Lance on Oprah

[spazzdog]

Even if Lance doesn't go, Discovery may field a team for the Tour... they have to prepare for "life after Lance".

[MM_QFC!]

Yeah, I heard both he and Johan (Bruyneel) quoted as saying the final decision about Lance's plans to ride the TdF for this year, won't be made until early May. He said that his contract calls for him to ride the Tour again, but it can be this year or next. Guess we'll all have to wait...

Also, don't the new regulations (UCI?) mandate that teams have to race in all 3? So, whether Lance rides or not, Discovery has to field a team at the Giro, TdF and the Vuelta, as they are the "majors". They're also intending to contest at many of the Spring classics too, right?

And, isn't Lance also keeping quiet his decision on whether to make a run at the hour record too?

[jobob]

Oh, the Discovery team will absolutely send a team to the Tour, as Mary mentioned they have to as part of the new Pro Tour set up. I believe as part of the Pro Tour agreement they must participate in all 3 Grand Tours (TdF, Giro and Vuelta), and a variety of other events on the Pro Tour schedule - with or without Lance.

But the fact is, if Lance isn't competing in the Tour, odds are the coverage in the US would be significantly less than if he were competing, which is a shame. IMHO of course.

[Steph_in_TX]

At this point in time, OLN is showing they'll have daily coverage of the tour. They are also doing a new weekly show that will cover whatever races take place during that week. I can't recall when they start but most of the spring classics were listed so it won't be too long. I'd look on their website, but I'm being lazy.

[snapdragen]

OLN’s Comprehensive Same-Day Cycling Schedule Debuts March 6th

STAMFORD, CT (Feb 10, 2005) – OLN®, the home of professional cycling, introduces Cyclysm Sundays, a new, weekly show dedicated to the races, the athletes and the teams that cycling fans are watching throughout the season. Airing every Sunday at 5:00 PM ET, Cyclysm Sundays will feature same-day coverage of many of the major cycling races, including the Spring Classics, and will be hosted by the rotating team of cycling experts – Phil Liggett, Paul Sherwen and Bob Roll.

"Cycling is hugely important to OLN, and the Spring Classics are some of the most exciting races out there," said Gavin Harvey, President of the network. "By presenting cycling every Sunday, we're creating a basis for the entire season. Fans, even those who only recently caught the cycling bug, can turn to OLN to watch the season unfold and experience the building drama of this punishing sport."

In addition to race coverage, Cyclysm Sundays will feature a weekly update on Lance Armstrong and the Discovery Cycling Team; training tips from Chris Carmichael, personal coach to Armstrong; and coverage of the National Championship Series, a U.S.-based cycling series in which the top domestic cyclist is crowned at the end of each season. The format of Cyclysm Sundays will change somewhat in June, when the show focuses mainly on previewing the Tour de France.

“We’re excited about this new format,” said John Carter, Vice President of Production and Executive Producer. “It’s going to be a fantastic showcase for Lance's team as they take on the heaviest schedule ever for these great classic races.”

The race schedule for Cyclysm Sundays follows (same-day unless indicated; subject to change):



March 6th Paris-Nice (France)

March 13th Paris-Nice (France)

March 20th Milan San Remo (Italy)/Tirreno-Adriatico (Italy)

March 27th Criterium International (France)

April 3rd Tour of Flanders (Belgium)

April 10th Paris-Robaix (France)/Redlands* (USA)

April 17th Amstel Gold Race (Netherlands)

April 24th Liege-Bastogne-Liege (Belgium)/Sea Otter* (USA)

May 1st Tour de Georgia (USA)

May 8th Giro d’Italia (Italy)**

May 15th Giro d’Italia (Italy)

May 22nd Giro d’Italia (Italy)

May 29th Giro d’Italia (Italy)

June 5th US Pro Cycling - Philadelphia (USA)

June 12th Road to the Tour (Tour de France preview)

June 19th Road to the Tour/Nature Valley Classic (USA)

June 26th Road to the Tour

July 3rd - 24th Tour de France (France)***

Sept 4th Vuelta a España (Spain)

Sept 11th Vuelta a España (Spain)/San Francisco Criterium* (USA)

Sept 18th Vuelta a España (Spain)/Tour de Cliffs* (USA)

Oct 15th Giro di Lombardia (Italy)
* Tape delay

** Giro d’Italia coverage may be expanded to include Saturday Coverage

*** Tour de France will include daily coverage

[massbikebabe]

YEAH


Something to do while we watch the freakin snow melt!!

[jobob]

Well be still my heart ! I'll be getting my Bob, Phil & Paul fix again. I adore those guys

Thankyee kindly, snapdragen!