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The UCI is cycling’s governing body and have made the decision and it seems firm.
Radios have put a muzzle over riders throwing their cycling instincts off kilter. They’re told what to do under a vise like control. Cycle racing has become staid and predictable. As a spectator sport, the spectator’s are yawning.
Remember the 2009 Tour, notably on stage 10, where the ban on radios was instigated. Of course, teams showed disapproval by implementing a go-slow race. Some enjoyed the freedom of radio-less cycling while other conservatives were annoyed.
Not surprising, is team manager Johan Bruyneel who helped Lance Armstrong in his seven Tour victories. He’s one of the first to complain of the new rule. In fact, during the Armstrong reign (1999-2005) the radio was first shown, mastered & embraced. Bruyneel says that the radios are needed to keep riders informed and safe. I believe he’s somewhat fearful of losing his ‘controlled substance’ and it will stop him & his riders from domineering a race. Don’t forget Bruyneel is the new team manager for the Armstrong led hyped RadioShack team.
Others like yours truly applaud the ban. No longer will we see the same riders always dominate a race. Racing tactics that were once so vital in the riders lexicon will be reinstated and creatively used. The riders will once again race with panache. I haven’t heard that word since Bernard Hinault in the eighties. The Badger knew how to attack.
Tedium is troublesome in cycle racing. And that’s what cycling has, in the past ten years, boringly become. By taking the radios away, the road will be an even playing level. The riders will remember the planned risks of racing, reading a race and reacting without the aid of those radios!
Written by Richard Lee
www.cyclingart.blogspot.com
Posted October 6th, 2009 by cyclingart
