Even in this money talks media age teams like Chelsea and Man U still go through the old ritual of the open topped bus ride through their City streets to celebrate famous wins. This showing off the spoils, the town turning out to celebrate their success feels linked to something quite ancient.
For the domestic market at least Team Sky has been at pains to stress its Britishness, not only seeking to have a Tour Winner, but a British winner. Victorious British Cycling teams on an international stage are somewhat few and far between and cycling as a massed spectator sport is still a new phenomenon here. So I was surprised the Sky passed up the opportunity presented by last Sunday's Prudential Classic. It could have been, with the presence of Froome, Porte, Kennaugh et al been the cycling equivalent of that open bus tour. a chance for a grateful nation to acknowledge their champions. Or maybe giving us another chance to remember Wiggo's golden 2012. Instead Sky sent, well not meaning to be harsh but to describe them ad the B team is probably about right. Now I know that traditionally the Tour riders go and milk their tour success in Criteriums around Europe. But Sky choosing not to acknowledge the home fans was a mistake.
For the domestic market at least Team Sky has been at pains to stress its Britishness, not only seeking to have a Tour Winner, but a British winner. Victorious British Cycling teams on an international stage are somewhat few and far between and cycling as a massed spectator sport is still a new phenomenon here. So I was surprised the Sky passed up the opportunity presented by last Sunday's Prudential Classic. It could have been, with the presence of Froome, Porte, Kennaugh et al been the cycling equivalent of that open bus tour. a chance for a grateful nation to acknowledge their champions. Or maybe giving us another chance to remember Wiggo's golden 2012. Instead Sky sent, well not meaning to be harsh but to describe them ad the B team is probably about right. Now I know that traditionally the Tour riders go and milk their tour success in Criteriums around Europe. But Sky choosing not to acknowledge the home fans was a mistake.
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