Race Radio Pros

I am a big supporter of race radios in the pro peloton. The fact that the huge majority of the riders support (Cycle Nation) the continued, unrestricted use of them is telling as well. It is a safety buffer, a tactical key, an unparalleled team middleman, and a trusted helper on the road for every rider in the peloton.

Team BMC and a race radio for rider, Mathias Frank (2010)

I can see why the UCI decided to ban them from competition during the 2010 World Championships. Maybe it was a "Let the strongest man win," mentality. A solo breakaway ending in a magnificent "against all odds" solo win of the world championships can spell the most inspiring moment for years to come in the sport of cycling. The peloton could misjudge their timing of trying to reel back in any kind of break away and the sprint for the finish might be amongst 2-9 riders instead of 100+. Now there are more tactics involved that decide the real sprinters, but yeah the decision for ban radios (that were raced with all year) for the end of the season world championship race was not met with inspiring wonder by the peloton.

Here are two videos from Team BMC and their usage of race radios. In the first video, we hear a rider calling back to the team car for waters and the director then drives up to the peloton knowing his team needs him. He hands off needed water and coke to the rider and calls for another rider back to get more drinks for the team while he is there. It is how the races are done nowadays. I see nothing wrong except for a little extra bottle holding "rest" for his hard working domestique.
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This second video shows the driving necessary during a race taken by a director when he is called upon. I can see why I heard those screeching tires in the first video.
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And just because Fabian Cancellara can have a good day without the help of a well working race radio, doesn't mean they are unnecessary. Maybe... just maybe... his alleged moto-doping bike machine was causing a little too much interference for his radio signal... maybe.

I like Rabobank's to have radio communications broadcast live during races. That would be fun for a lot of people to listen to. I know I would enjoy it at least in the last 20km when things can really heat up in a race. Broadcasting communications would also allow for a lot of support from cycling fans to keep them part of the sport. A further demystification of how pro teams work would mean a lot for many people - like they are closer to their favorite teams and riders.

I don't think broadcasting communications will come immediately, but hopefully the UCI's "glory bans," I'll call them, will cease. Strong riders will still make their breaks, attacks, and wins.

Pro Rides: Bikes for 2011

I don't suppose anyone else should be getting more perks than the pros. It's their job to do their best and ride the best bikes. As I've mentioned in earlier posts, (here and here) the bikes those pros ride are really cool and can be a matter of politics and business.

But I am excited to see the rides for the 2011 circuit. You can find the full listing of the pro team bikes where I did at Bike World News. A few of my favorites here:

Team BMC

Still my favorite looking bike. Team BMC didn't go through any major sponsor change from last year to this and I'm happy for that. They are picking up some intense, young American talent in Taylor Phinney. I hope they do well this season and who knows... maybe this will be Big George's year for Paris-Roubaix. An American can only hope...

Garmin-Cervelo

Garmin-Cervelo's ride may not look as impressive as the BMC Impec, but it is an incredibly light, powerful frame. I have been lucky enough to have held this frame and components that make for a $10,000 complete bike and it is really breathtaking. Although the bicycle needs to meet UCI (international cycling governing body) standards and demands to weigh 15lbs, this incredibly lightweight frame allows for weight to be added to the bike as needed in carefully chosen areas for the most dynamic and productive ride.

HTC-Highroad

HTC-Highroad and Specialized have come up with this bike for the 2011 season. I am not terribly impressed with this bicycle either, but I suppose it is noteworthy since I made a fuss about how political the bike sponsor swap was for this team. I don't think this bike matches too well with their 2011 kits, but I know they've already been winning with their setup this season with Matt Goss taking the overall win for HTC-Highroad at the Jayco Bay Cycling Classic.

Team Quickstep

I'm not a terribly huge fan of Team Quicksetp, but I do enjoy watching them race with the tough Belgian, Tom Boonen. Their Merkx ride seems to have a "louder" paint scheme. I wish them luck in the upcoming season.

Team Pegasus

Though Team Pegasus will most likely not see the Pro Tour Races at the level it has hoped to, I must admit I love their Scott bikes. It's unfortunate that while some big name riders have been able to sign with other teams, the others are living and praying on success as Team Pegasus fights through the UCI's red tape. What's more upsetting, for me anyway, is that Scott bicycles may not be on the world stage this coming season. Then again, before just becoming aware that they were backing Team Pegasus, I didn't think Scott had any  chance after losing HTC-Highroad. Godspeed to Team Pegasus and Scott bikes for 2011.

The other rides are worth a look if you're interested. I am not really jealous of any of these rides, but one must admit that they are all unique and have strengths and weaknesses that riders will favor and excel with. Then again, I wonder... how could a rider not do well with rides like these? Another look into the teams and their sponsors and bikes can be read about here (again if you're interested)... less photos tho.