Evening Brian, nearly missed your Posting!
I agree with you in that the 'overall' publicity for the 'Tour' and Professional Cycling is not good, but who is to Blame at the end of the Day? The ICU who allowed Rasmussen to avoid the statutory testing and get away with it, the Danish Cycling Federation who allowed a 'Mexican' Registered Cyclist to represent their country on the basis of his 'Birth Right', but not subject to the same controls as his own Countrymen! The Team/The Organisers, The Sponsors? We all hear 'whispers' in our our Professional and Social Lives, but do we act on it ? No we consider the consequences of such an action.
You mentioned 'his team shopped him', I heard it was pressure from the the Sponsor; whoever it was surely the fact that 'people' are willing to take a stand, if belatedly, against the 'Cheats' is a Positive Sign. If 'Rabo' pull out next year, it won't be that much of a surprise considering the adverse publicity and their 'poor ranking' in the final results this year. The Team 'Directeur Sportif' will definately be looking for a another position.
Next week the similar format 'Tour of Germany' starts how much media attention will that attract? Exactly Zilch!.....
I believe the Tour has problems, but what other sport hasn't, whether Amateur or Professional. We can only learn from past experience and ensure that it is not repeated: the Tour as a commercial enterprise will I am sure take heed, but will the various 'politically' motivated governing bodies take notice that is another question! I would also include in that the 'biggest joke' of all the Olympic Committee!
As regards a 'fall in Spectator numbers', I can only go on the information received from my 'close sources which is, as far as the Charente is concerned, contrary to your information.
I close with Vive la Tour!
Kind Regards and lets continue this discussion over lunch in September ......................
