ASO wants to buy Tour of Britain

[Flying_Monkey]

Apparently, the Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) which runs races including the Tour of France and the Dauphiné, is interested in buying the Tour of Britain. I think this would actually be awesome and would cement the ToB's place at the top table... but others may disagree. What do you think?

 

[Davidc]

I think you're right.

 

[Crackle]

Blimey! That's quite astonishing and I agree, brilliant. Shows how far British cycling has come in the last few years.

 

[tigger]

I'd be with you Monkey. ASO organise the best races and ensure the best TV coverage. It would be a good move for them too given the growth of the sport in this country.

 

[Flying_Monkey]

I should have been more accurate though - they would be buying the rights to run the ToB for a specified period, not outright.

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

It would be cool if the Tour of Britain became a world class event.

 

[jdtate101]

Yep, all good as far as I can see. More money, more exposure, bigger name riders coming here..... no downside I can see.

 

[Crackle]

Just seen this years route. It's the first time i've felt excited at the route and a summit finish, wow, exciting times.

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/tour-of-britain-2013-route-announced

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

It might become better but it seems a little hard on the current organisers - SweetSpot - who've built the ToB up over the last few years. They seem to be in the position of having succeeded so well, made it so attractive, that they lose it.

 

[aces_up1504]

Anyway I am happy, the time trial is at knowsley safari park. A couple of miles from my house.

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

...and while I'm defending SweetSpot, would ASO want to take this on?

 

[Snarf]

That's such great news.