Another Cape Epic buyout rumour?

[Tumbleweed]

And like all secret French orders, their secret greeting is a middle finger held straight up in the air and preferably under the nose of everyone who are not part of the secret French order (I'm from French ancestry, well, partly anyway, but I get my polite nature from my Scottish part, oh no, wait, maybe from my Dutch part, ....I'm not winning here, am I?)

It's the Scottish part that worries me most. When I think of Scots at the Tour - trying to reference the ASO, to bring this vaguely back on topic - the first name that comes to mind is Robert(a) Miller...

 

I reckon it'd be pretty cool to have teams of, say, six or eight racing the Epic in a different format. One race leader, for eg.

[rudi-h]

I think it's sad if true. I am 100% for the idea of the format/business model to change and I think it's overdue, but why not do that locally. It's not hard to imagine what ASO's recipe will be when they get hold of the event to increase viewer and spectator value...

[Jimmy 2.0]

If le Tour de France buys the race it might turn into a roadie event :/

[NotSoBigBen]

If le Tour de France buys the race it might turn into a roadie event :/

Why?

[T-Bob]

If le Tour de France buys the race it might turn into a roadie event :/

 

Thought it was... when ever I tune in they seem to be on district road, jeep tracks or tar!

[Tumbleweed]

This is actually cool. The AS0 and the UCI have had some ding-dong battles over the years. Now they can fight over the Epic.

[nathrix]

Personally think it will be kick ass in solo format

That would be absolutely awesome!

['Dale]

will definitely be more exiting racing if it was solo format

A huge consideration will be safety/support

[carbon29er]

Yep, that's what I heard -- ASO bought for 25 mil Euro.

Soooo let me get this right, ASO turned down a price of 100 million Safrican Rondt, or €7.69 million as being over valued only to then shell out €25 million?

 

You've got to love the interwebs.

“Never let the truth get in the way of a good story.”http://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1322103868p2/1244.jpg

― Mark Twain

[GoLefty!!]

Who actually cares? It's not been an event for south African for years so who cares. Just more hype

[Francois Pienaar]

I do aspire to ride in it one day, but to my knowledge there isn't a MTB stage race that ONLY features PRO riders.  90% of the field are privateers / amateurs and currently the race organisers need that to cover 30% of the cost with the rest coming from sponsors et al.

 

As for le tour and tv coverage, I will for sure dig to watch more from the sharp end of the race.  Atm, I don't see a day that a privateer 'can't' enter.  I mean, privateers can enter the Dakar rally through a few qualifications.  Regular people can do the comrades and other mega races.

 

Anyway, keen to ride it in the coming 5 yrs.

[HappyMartin]

If le Tour de France buys the race it might turn into a roadie event :/

Like they made the Dakkar into a road event you mean? They own that too. Well actually ASO own both.

[Hackster]

Wonder how land owners will feel about allowing route access if this event is owned by 'rich foreigners'?

 

I think there's a considerable degree of local goodwill towards this event thanks to its 'local owner' who has a recognisable surname.

['Dale]

Wonder how land owners will feel about allowing route access if this event is owned by 'rich foreigners'?

 

I think there's a considerable degree of local goodwill towards this event thanks to its 'local owner' who has a recognisable surname.

Financial reward or incentive can generate ample good will

:-)

[EmptyB]

Its all about the money....watch this space

[GoLefty!!]

ASO is Amaury Sport Organisation.

The Amaury family owns the rights to Le Tour De France. Google them and you'll realise they are not small fry in the sports events business or any other business for that matter (le"equip newspaper for one....)