America invented the sport of mountain biking, and yet poor management and a lack of marketing have driven our national racing scene off the map. Remember when crowds of photographers, reporters, and television crews flanked the finish lines of the national events, and the top professionals from around the world came to compete in the most successful racing series on earth right here in the United States?
Wake up people, it’s time to do more than talk about what could be better and pick up the shovel. And now, thank god there is someone with the balls to propose something dynamic exciting and new! Scott Tedro and Sho-Air International are proven successful. Tedro is the president of a multi-million dollar cooperation. Not only does this dude get it, he has DONE it. And now, he is willing to share this experience and some serious financial backing to reinvigorate the United States' racing scene!
It is important that people care about the health of mountain bike racing in America and it is a good sign to see the up swell of comments on the topic. Good points have been made, and I agree with many of them.
Some people have questioned how this new series be different? There are major reasons:
Marketing! Marketing! Marketing!
Advertising
Pre-event Media Campaigns
Internet, TV Coverage
Top Rider, Team School Visits
Action Race Calendar Backed by USAC
Mountain Bike Action (I love U!) Monthly "Ride with the Pro Contests"
Logistics
It costs less to drive less. With the key races within a 1-hour drive of major markets this encourages more spectators and racers.
A group of events that includes Sea Otter means that teams and riders can benefit from doing one less “national” and focusing on the racing that is best in our country. I am lobbying for the Cactus Cup in Las Vegas to be part of the series for its continuity with these ideas.
Innovation makes this series different than anything before it.
Stage races; Mountain Bike Action style short courses; Major prize money that will attract top international riders and increase the “stakes” adding to the suspense and raising the perceived integrity of events among spectators.
The United States needs the UCI points to get its young riders to the World Championships and to qualify for Olympic spots. The future of our Olympic athletes depends on these efforts.
This effort will be a work in progress, but something good with great aspirations, is better than nothing at all.
Join me in endorsing this concept and spreading the hope that it is part of the answer. Please add your comments of support to the forum linked here.
Thank you!
Jeremiah
Labels: Industry News and Events
posted by Jeremiah Bishop # 8:49 AM 
