Interesting Observations

Why would the women's road race be shown live and in its entirety if the men's isn't? Usually it's the other way around. Sure, there isn't much coverage of men's bike racing in the US, but it's almost surprising that there are women who bike race based on the (almost zero) mainstream media coverage here.

keydates said:

Why would the women's road race be shown live and in its entirety if the men's isn't? Usually it's the other way around. Sure, there isn't much coverage of men's bike racing in the US, but it's almost surprising that there are women who bike race based on the (almost zero) mainstream media coverage here.

Just guessing here, but as a demographic, women in general are apt to watch more Olympic coverage than men. That's why women's gymnastics and figure skating are usually the main draws in the TV ratings during the Olympics. That could be possibly why they are showing the women's race in it's entirety.

Jakebrake said:

The tight, twisting course, with a cobbled descent and two 90 degree corners in the last mile, promise crash-and-bash racing worthy of NASCAR--or, possibly, an epic to rival the very first Olympic road race.

Other quotes removed here.

The course designer, Pestas, had wanted to run the race still higher, over the top of Lycabettus, but the UCI nixed the idea. "They said they needed to have someone to give the medals to," he said. "Not kill them all."

The writer and the 3 other riders flew around the arcing road, and then dove left, plunging back down the sketchiest descent yet: a hard right, then a left, and down some more. He writes that it was scary enough at 25 mph; it should be quite interesting watching the pros take it at 35 mph. And from that descent, the Olympic racers will have 4 miles to chase down any breakaways before the finish.

The Olympic riders won't be permitted to ride the course until three days before the event, when the men's and women's field will take 4 laps, with a police escort, to get to know it's tricky corners.

I'm glad they're at least letting them have a few runs at the course. It seems like they don't care too much whether the riders will be able to ride again after that race. I'm glad UCI stepped in too. I hate to see riders crash. It's no fun for me, but apparently, that must be an intended result, judging from the race designer's attitude.

keydates said:

Why would the women's road race be shown live and in its entirety if the men's isn't? Usually it's the other way around. Sure, there isn't much coverage of men's bike racing in the US, but it's almost surprising that there are women who bike race based on the (almost zero) mainstream media coverage here.

Perhaps someone thinks the US Womens Team is stronger than the men and will SHOW better. The men have a solid team, but their lack of a big sprinter may cost them dearly.

Quoted post said:

Just guessing here, but as a demographic, women in general are apt to watch more Olympic coverage than men. That's why women's gymnastics and figure skating are usually the main draws in the TV ratings during the Olympics. That could be possibly why they are showing the women's race in it's entirety.

I guess that makes sense. Of course, it's cycling, so it still surprises me that NBC would take time to show it on tv (especially since Lance isn't in it).

keydates said:

I guess that makes sense. Of course, it's cycling, so it still surprises me that NBC would take time to show it on tv (especially since Lance isn't in it).

I thought it was going to be shown on Bravo.