Comments on: Burning Down The House

By: thomasafine

thomasafine — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 18:32:58 +0000

@velocast I’m not asking how much Cavendish makes, I’m asking what a team budget looks like. Ultimately, out of all the TV and sponsor money, what percentage trickles down to the rider level? This is clearly one of the most important questions out there.

My other really big question in all of this, is how much does ASO control? My belief is that they have a stranglehold on most of the TV money in the sport, which is of course most of the money in the sport. Only an overall analysis could show whether or not that is true. If we spend our time in a pissing match with the UCI, when we should be looking more at ASO, then we’re just spinning our wheels.

Even if we can’t get perfect information, someone should try. Do teams have to submit budgets? Is any of that information available? Are there at least minimums that have to be met, so we can guess? Are any owners willing to discuss what a team budget looks like, at least in general terms?

Also, I knew I’d leave out some groups. Race promoters (other than ASO) are one big one that I missed.

tom

By: velocast

velocast — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 17:16:48 +0000

@thomasafine I don’t know if I agree, Thomas. Sponsors and teams are under no obligation to reveal the terms of their business dealings, as far as I can see. Also, riders salaries, like in any other job, shouldn’t have to be made public. I don’t know how you would feel if there was an obligation for your salary to be made public at your place of work.

However, where I absolutely do agree with you is when it comes to the UCI, IOC, WADA and national federations. These public bodies have a duty to publish their dealings.

As I say in the article, the 2010 UCI annual report is due to be published after the next meeting of the Congress on September 21st. I’m sure it will make for interesting reading.

By: thomasafine

thomasafine — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 14:50:15 +0000

A good starting point for investigative journalism would be to publish a complete diagram for money in cycling, and where it comes from and where it goes. UCI, ASO, IOC, sponsors, teams, riders, televison coverage, WADA, L’Equipe, national federations, national anti-doping programs, various powerful individuals.

They all play a role. Seeing how much money flows and where would be useful even to the most experienced cycling fans.

tom