The Versus TV network has signed a new deal with ASO (the organizers of the Tour de France) that will extend their rights for exclusive U.S. broadcast of the Tour through 2013.
Marketwatch says the investment in cycling is risky because of doping issues and the lack of a major star like the retired 7-time champion Lance Armstrong.
I don’t know if a perceived problem with doping will hurt ratings. Baseball seems to be doing just fine! If anything is going to keep fans from tuning in, it is more likely to be the organizers doing things like not inviting the defending Tour de France champion to the race. If fans feel like they are not seeing the best field possible, they might decide to spend time in the saddle riding their bikes during July instead of sitting on the couch watching the Tour.
In the end, the Tour de France is a great event and interest in cycling in the U.S. seems to be growing as well. Despite the best efforts of the race organizers and the UCI to damage the sport, I’m sure I’ll still tune in.
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