BMW bikes for Olympics

[trsleigh]

Did anyone else notice this snippet in this week's Sunday Times Prufrock column?
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/columnists/article7061078.ece

quote "Olympics saddled with BMW cycles
WHEN you think of BMW what comes to mind? Fast cars, motorbikes, bicycles ... er, me neither. Yet BMW will be providing the bicycles for the 2012 Olympic Games.
Now, I’m not doubting its skills in this area but why weren’t UK companies such as Pashley and Brompton, the latter based in Chiswick, just across the capital from the Olympic site, given the chance to put in their own bids?
Lord Berkeley, who is secretary of the all-party cycling group, raised the issue in parliament last week. He also questioned where the bicycles would be made.
The reply from Lord Davies of Oldham said that BMW had tendered for the automobile sponsorship category and had included a small number of bicycles for use by elite athletes and Olympic staff. The production of the bicycles is “likely to be within the EU”.
There you have it. The Great British Games promoting British business and environmental transport . . . but the contract goes to a German car manufacturer. Prosit! "

This appears especially disappointing in light of the Beijing handover ceremony where a Brompton was featured, ridden by Sir Chris Hoy, as one of the iconic sights of London.

I feel a letter to my MP coming on.

 

[Hilldodger]

I doubt either Pashley or Brompton could deliver the number required at the discount price they'd want and having supplied bikes to the Skyrides last year I wouldnt want the stress.

 

[bauldbairn]

......why weren’t UK companies such as Pashley and Brompton, the latter based in Chiswick, just across the capital from the Olympic site....The Great British Games promoting British business and environmental transport . . . but the contract goes to a German car manufacturer. Prosit! "

This appears especially disappointing in light of the Beijing handover ceremony where a Brompton was featured, ridden by Sir Chris Hoy, as one of the iconic sights of London.

I feel a letter to my MP coming on.

I've nothing against BMW but it would have been nice for British Cycle Co's to at least be given a chance to present a product.

I'm sure Pashley/Brompton/Condor and Boardman(+ any others I don't know about) would have relished the challenge.

I believe Boardman already produce specialist bikes for pro's. This includes their acclaimed Air/TT/1 frame designed by Dimitris Katsanis/Chris Boardman available from www.boardmanelite.com and would therefor been more than capable contenders.

 

[chap]

Did anyone else notice this snippet in this week's Sunday Times Prufrock column?
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/columnists/article7061078.ece

quote "Olympics saddled with BMW cycles
WHEN you think of BMW what comes to mind? Fast cars, motorbikes, bicycles ... er, me neither. Yet BMW will be providing the bicycles for the 2012 Olympic Games.
Now, I’m not doubting its skills in this area but why weren’t UK companies such as Pashley and Brompton, the latter based in Chiswick, just across the capital from the Olympic site, given the chance to put in their own bids?
Lord Berkeley, who is secretary of the all-party cycling group, raised the issue in parliament last week. He also questioned where the bicycles would be made.
The reply from Lord Davies of Oldham said that BMW had tendered for the automobile sponsorship category and had included a small number of bicycles for use by elite athletes and Olympic staff. The production of the bicycles is “likely to be within the EU”.
There you have it. The Great British Games promoting British business and environmental transport . . . but the contract goes to a German car manufacturer. Prosit! "

This appears especially disappointing in light of the Beijing handover ceremony where a Brompton was featured, ridden by Sir Chris Hoy, as one of the iconic sights of London.

I feel a letter to my MP coming on.

Wasn't that handover ceremony received by the British press as lamentable, the announcer even referred to the Brompton as a BMX. Although, I personally thought it was fine, we don't have anything to prove unlike the Chinese whole effort whilst impressive was still lacking.

Anyway, do post your letter when you're done, it would be interesting to read the response too.