Are SA stage races too pro-orientated?

[Hackster]

I've ridden a few stage races and watched dozens, and one thing always bugs me.

 

Cape Epic aside, pro riders make up a very, very small part of the entry. Most participants are ordinary joes of varying levels of fitness and competency. And I'd go further to argue that most participants are there simply to complete the event and have a jol doing so. Sure, they might be trying to better their last time or come in ahead of people they know, but that's about the sum of their competitive effort.

 

Yet 9 times out of 10 you'll find that the majority of the footage and focus is on the small group of pros taking part. Similarly, in the evenings, the majority of MC's focus is shone their way.

 

I could care less... and that's a nice way of putting it.

 

I want to hear the stories about the ordinary guys. People who in their own way, are often facing massive challenges. I want to know why your team is called FML. I want to know about the accident that got you that bandage on your shin. I want to know how you finished today with a boep that big.  

 

Does focusing on the pros bring in more sponsorship or viewer interest? Does it make the 1000s of people who're related to the ordinary riders want to watch your expensive videos? Is an overworked 48-year old inspired to enter your event after watching endless footage of racing snakes blitzing through the stage. 

 

Obviously, events like the Cape Epic are different animals completely - but even they try to tell more stories than just the top five teams.

 

Disclaimer: I've never been one for watching or following any kind of sport so it's conceivable that there's something wrong with my head. And I've got nothing against pros - you guys are awesome, I'm just not interested in following your every move.

 

 

 

 

[Skubarra]

 

 

Yet 9 times out of 10 you'll find that the majority of the footage and focus is on the small group of pros taking part. Similarly, in the evenings, the majority of MC's focus is shone their way.

 

 

Disclaimer: I've never been one for watching or following any kind of sport so it's conceivable that there's something wrong with my head. And I've got nothing against pros - you guys are awesome, I'm just not interested in following your every move.

 

Two comments - Mid-bunch MAMILS stuffing food in their mouths at waterpoints and mumbling about how tough/nice the race is doesn't make for riveting TV. Neither does unfit okes walking their bikes up climbs. The pros upfront battling for the win might be mildly entertaining to outsiders and they generally look better than us on bikes, which is why they get to be on the TV productions.

 

I can name a few more "social" stage races out there where the stage winners barely get a mention and the footage in the evenings and the MC focus on the "stories" of the day - maybe you have just not been entering the right races 

[MTBeer]

I've ridden a few stage races and watched dozens, and one thing always bugs me.

 

Cape Epic aside, pro riders make up a very, very small part of the entry. Most participants are ordinary joes of varying levels of fitness and competency. And I'd go further to argue that most participants are there simply to complete the event and have a jol doing so. Sure, they might be trying to better their last time or come in ahead of people they know, but that's about the sum of their competitive effort.

 

Yet 9 times out of 10 you'll find that the majority of the footage and focus is on the small group of pros taking part. Similarly, in the evenings, the majority of MC's focus is shone their way.

 

I could care less... and that's a nice way of putting it.

 

I want to hear the stories about the ordinary guys. People who in their own way, are often facing massive challenges. I want to know why your team is called FML. I want to know about the accident that got you that bandage on your shin. I want to know how you finished today with a boep that big.  

 

Does focusing on the pros bring in more sponsorship or viewer interest? Does it make the 1000s of people who're related to the ordinary riders want to watch your expensive videos? Is an overworked 48-year old inspired to enter your event after watching endless footage of racing snakes blitzing through the stage. 

 

Obviously, events like the Cape Epic are different animals completely - but even they try to tell more stories than just the top five teams.

 

Disclaimer: I've never been one for watching or following any kind of sport so it's conceivable that there's something wrong with my head. And I've got nothing against pros - you guys are awesome, I'm just not interested in following your every move.

100% and that applies to all sport for me.

 

as for stage races, I'm like meh...

[s14phoenix]

Agreed.

 

I also think coverage of all events are like that. It is only ever the pro riders who get interviewed or whose interviews gets aired.

 

Personally I think our coverage of anything other than our main sporting events (rugby, cricket, soccer etc.) really sucks...

 

There is another issue whereby the events have to pay to receive coverage - unfortunately its the monopoly that is RSA we live in - Just think about Telkom, Eskom etc - there is only 1 -  so no competition. They can charge what they want and air what they want...

 

That's why you have 300 channels and there is "nothing on the telly"...

[Tristand]

If you feel there is a market then start up a youtube channel.

[Spinnekop]

I've ridden a few stage races and watched dozens, and one thing always bugs me.

 

Cape Epic aside, pro riders make up a very, very small part of the entry. Most participants are ordinary joes of varying levels of fitness and competency. And I'd go further to argue that most participants are there simply to complete the event and have a jol doing so.

And therein lies the problem.

 

Ordanary joes do not ride races.  They ride tours or what the rest of the world calls Sportives.

Races are for pros.

Sportives are for people like you and me participating.

 

But in SA we have a F$$ up scenario where organisers of races want to get the pros with TV coverage AND want to get the masses for their $$$.

[Spinnekop]

Does focusing on the pros bring in more sponsorship or viewer interest? Does it make the 1000s of people who're related to the ordinary riders want to watch your expensive videos?

In the rest of the world it does yes.

And if you are a cycling SPORT fan (not a participant of the hobby called cycling) then you'll definitely watch RACES (cycling has world-wide the second most viewers in the world!!!!!  last time I heard)

[Eddy Gordo]

If you feel there is a market then start up a youtube channel.

That is ideal and an awesome idea. #Interview with avg Joe!!!

[Hackster]

In the rest of the world it does yes.

And if you are a cycling SPORT fan (not a participant of the hobby called cycling) then you'll definitely watch RACES (cycling has world-wide the second most viewers in the world!!!!!  last time I heard)

I watch international DH, XCO and enduro events online and find them highly enjoyable.

But you can't compare those events to South African stage races where the vast majority of participants are not pros.

[Mongoose!]

I want to hear the stories about the ordinary guys. People who in their own way, are often facing massive challenges. I want to know why your team is called FML. I want to know about the accident that got you that bandage on your shin. I want to know how you finished today with a boep that big.  

 

 

 

naaaa not me

[thisismyotherbike]

I watched a tv episode made by Ironman about average guys and girls trying to meet certain goals. Some guy wanted a 50+ age category Kona slot, others just wanted a sub 12 time or a new pb. Some achieved their goals, others failed. Family members are interviewed in between and their experiences shared.

 

I really found the whole thing very relatable and inspiring!

 

Ironman knows that the MAMILs are their bread and butter.

[Hackster]

Two comments - Mid-bunch MAMILS stuffing food in their mouths at waterpoints and mumbling about how tough/nice the race is doesn't make for riveting TV. Neither does unfit okes walking their bikes up climbs. The pros upfront battling for the win might be mildly entertaining to outsiders and they generally look better than us on bikes, which is why they get to be on the TV productions.

 

I can name a few more "social" stage races out there where the stage winners barely get a mention and the footage in the evenings and the MC focus on the "stories" of the day - maybe you have just not been entering the right races 

No dude, I've watched lots of pros struggle to string two sentences together for the post race interview. Sure they look good on the move, so include this footage but also find stuff of ordinary people doing heroic things. It is possible, I've seen the footage. It just takes a decision to include a focus on this. And don't forget, everyone loves watching people fall off... Alot easier to catch when you're spending time filming the mid-fielders.

 

I take your point about looking for more sociable races. Tips welcomed!

[Hackster]

Ironman knows that the MAMILs are their bread and butter.

That's exactly it, that's the great irony for me. MAMILS are their bread butter but almost completely ignored in footage... 

[Tristand]

Part of the problem is that footage with complete random individuals is that

they have no back story. When the pros are interviewed they have back

story, they are more developed characters even if they can't string a 

proper story together. 

 

Now if a few people across the batches were selected and followed, 

then it could perhaps work a little better. Since the viewer can 'get to know'

them. Maybe something for some short inserts.

[Eldron]

From what I've seen stage race footage is pretty balanced. The standard format seems to be focus on the racing with cutaways to sponsors, organizers and average joe interviews.

 

Maybe the Epic is more pro focused but all the rest has a bit of everything.

[Skubarra]

No dude, I've watched lots of pros struggle to string two sentences together for the post race interview. Sure they look good on the move, so include this footage but also find stuff of ordinary people doing heroic things. It is possible, I've seen the footage. It just takes a decision to include a focus on this. And don't forget, everyone loves watching people fall off... Alot easier to catch when you're spending time filming the mid-fielders.

 

I take your point about looking for more sociable races. Tips welcomed!

 

Video clips of people falling off bikes never gets old..... 

 

I recently did Lormar Endurance (back-to-back events sold out), zero pros at the event or in their marketing. Namaqua Quest I did last year the same, sold out with no pros.(that I remember).

 

Both events the video footage & organisation are focused on the average social riders.