TDF

[Slab]

Wouldn't be surprised if Sky pension Froome off setting up a satellite team similar to what they did for Wiggins...

Arf arf :clap:

 

[patricks148]

I assumed Sky was one of the biggest payers. Is that not the case?

Before people write off Froome, have a look at what he has won in the last 12-18 months. The bloke is knackered. Normally these riders aim to peak for one Giro. He has tried to peak for 2, Italia and The Tour. That he came so close is great credit to him. Also credit his attitude throughout. No talk of Thomas having to toe the line. The team was set up for Froome but with Thomas as plan B at the drop of a hat. No team orders, as per F1, holding Thomas back. As soon as Sky and Froome realised this was not going to be his year they kept backing Thomas rather trying to squeeze something out of Froome to protect his ego. Great team effort.

used to be the case that there were a set number of teams and the main sponsors changed from time to time. you never know a bigger name in Europe might splash the cash with the sole aim of winning the tour..

don't know how long Sky will carry on, done pretty well, over and above anything that was expected TBH

 

[Lord Tyrion]

It is great publicity for Sky, the amount of advertising value they get is huge. Is it huge to the right market, I don't know. People like a success though and currently Sky = cycling = winning so that ticks a few boxes. One of the ironies of course is that the TDF is on ITV 4 or equivalent, not on Sky itself. Surprising as Sky have the space on its network to go big on cycling but perhaps it is not worth the outlay.

I get your point about a sponsor majoring in on one big name.

 

[patricks148]

It is great publicity for Sky, the amount of advertising value they get is huge. Is it huge to the right market, I don't know. People like a success though and currently Sky = cycling = winning so that ticks a few boxes. One of the ironies of course is that the TDF is on ITV 4 or equivalent, not on Sky itself. Surprising as Sky have the space on its network to go big on cycling but perhaps it is not worth the outlay.

I get your point about a sponsor majoring in on one big name.

Target market for all these teams in the continent. It will be on all day in France and Italy on main channels i'd imagine

 

[Beezerk]

Anyway, what is it with cyclists and dodgy facial hair? That tash is embarrassing.

 

[Deleted member 18645]

Loved GT's winning speech almost as good as Bradley Wiggins announcing he would draw the raffle prizes and Stephen Roche saying he would do a lap of honour to celebrate.