The Inner Ring - Part 183

Pro Team Sponsors – What Do They Do?

Friday, 22 January 2016Friday, 22 January 2016

Imagine you’re the head of marketing for a company that sells insurance, steel or adhesives. It might not be the job you always wanted and it’s hard to get excited about these products. What if there was a way to get commentators roaring the name of your brand on live TV, to have people painting your logo all over public spaces while brandishing placards and bedsheets celebrating the company name. It’s a marketing dream. It’s pro cycling.

There are many brands sponsoring teams and all year long people root for Lampre, Cofidis or Soudal but do you know what they do?

Sponsor The Inner Ring

Thursday, 21 January 2016Thursday, 21 January 2016

Logos help the wheels go round sometimes and they’re needed here too. Here’s your chance to reach over two hundred thousand intelligent cycling fans every month and support this site with an exclusive ad.

The Wealthiest People in Pro Cycling

Wednesday, 27 January 2016Wednesday, 20 January 2016

What’s the fastest way to become a millionaire? Start as a billionaire goes the joke only plenty won’t be laughing right now as stockmarkets and commodity prices crash. Several high profile team owners have seen their fortunes descend faster than Peter Sagan off the Rochette. In the first of a two-part series looking at the wealthy backers of the sport here are the billionaire and millionaire World Tour team owners and sponsors.

Gazprom-Rusvelo To Ride Giro d’Italia

Monday, 18 January 2016Monday, 18 January 2016

What was it about the team sponsored by a $40 billion company that attracted RCS to give Gazprom-Rusvelo a wildcard for the Giro? You probably can’t name a rider on the Russian team and if you could you’d know they’re not exactly “must have” riders that the Giro needs to send ratings soaring. So the invitation is a surprise. It’s probably down to money but the real concern is collusion between this team and Katusha as both share the same DNA.

Tour Down Under Preview

Tuesday, 19 January 2016Friday, 15 January 2016

The 2016 World Tour begins with the Tour Down Under in Adelaide. This is now a familiar race with habitual finish lines and known climbs but who wins is anyone’s guess given the starting slot on the calendar.

Here’s a preview of the race with stage profiles, the contenders and pretenders for stages and the GC plus TV listings and finish times.

Wednesday Shorts

Wednesday, 13 January 2016

Is massage a waste of time? No but it may only offer tiny performance gains says a meta analysis of sports science literature.

Supporter Jerseys, Caps and Socks

Tuesday, 12 January 2016Tuesday, 12 January 2016

A reminder that supporter jerseys, caps and socks are available from UK shop Prendas Ciclismo. The price is £55 (roughly $80 / €73) plus postage. The jerseys are made by Santini and the Prendas website has all the info with details on sizing and more.

Neo-Pros to Watch for 2016

Thursday, 16 February 2017Monday, 11 January 2016

After last week’s Riders to Watch for 2016, here is a selection of neo-pros to introduce. Previous picks have included several second year pros but this year’s intake seems so promising that all the names below are novices. Here’s a look at some promising riders with big results, fat contracts and some musical talents.

Roads to Ride – La Madone d’Utelle

Friday, 8 March 2024Saturday, 9 January 2016

An isolated mountain road normally used by hikers and shepherds this climb will be the crucial summit finish for the sixth stage of Paris-Nice. It’s new in a race but a gem for tourists and amateurs out training.

Riders to Watch for 2016

Monday, 11 January 2016Friday, 8 January 2016

Here’s a selection of ten established riders to watch in the coming season. Some stand on the cusp of a big win, some face challenges on the road and others face new challenges like leadership and cohabitation with new team mates.

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