"Something has to happen if cycling wants to continue to mean something globally" - Renaat Schotte understands call for 'Super League'
Cycling
If rumours are to be believed, several of the sport's top teams, including Jumbo-Visma and the INEOS Grenadiers are trying to change the sport of cycling by creating a new 'Super League'.
In his analysis for Sporza, Renaat Schotte can understand why some teams feel the need for change. "Currently, racing is something from the last century," Schotte explains. "Something has to happen if cycling wants to continue to mean something globally. Cycling must not continue to surplace or even go downhill."
Richard Plugge of Jumbo-Visma recently explained the need for change, saying; "Cycling is a sleeping giant. The sport deserves a modern business model, especially for the teams," and this something that Schotte agrees with as he cites the dwindling interest in some of the historic cycling nations.
"In Italy, cycling was sport number 2, after football. That is no longer the case," he says. "I think it is indicative of the situation in which cycling finds itself. And it is a great pity, because cycling remains a fantastic sport."
The relial on billionaire financiers is not sustainable according to the Sporza analyst. "Each and every one of them is sports or cycling enthusiasts, on which the race currently depends. But they also remain businessmen," Schotte warns. "They also want a return on investment in the long term. That is why Zdenek Bakala (Soudal - Quick-Step) is considering selling his shares."
"Something has to be done, because the businessmen are not a long-term guarantee for cycling," he concludes. "One day the day will come when all parties will be obliged to work together."
Five top cycling teams, including INEOS and Jumbo-Visma, looking to create a new cycling "Super League" #Cycling https://t.co/htKjUJCqhg
— CyclingUpToDate (@CyclingUpToDat3) October 26, 2023
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