Paying too Watch the Tour de France? The Debate Gains Momentum
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The idea of paying for access to view the Tour de France peloton along the roadside is gaining traction as cycling professionals seek a more enduring financial model for the sport.
The discussion was recently ignited by Jérôme Pineau, who suggested implementing ticketed viewing areas, particularly for iconic climbs like the final five kilometers of Alpe d’Huez. Speaking on the “Grand Plateau” podcast,the former professional cyclist expressed “very worried about (s)our sport” from an economic viewpoint.
Pineau’s concerns echo a broader need to review taxation and potentially introduce a salary cap to address income disparities between teams. This comes as cycling faces a basic challenge in fairly distributing the revenue it generates. Filippo Pozzato shares this viewpoint, advocating for a important shift in how the sport operates.
“We Are the Only Sport Without Tickets“
Pozzato, a former Italian champion now working as a race organizer, strongly agrees with Pineau’s proposal. “I think this is the only solution to ensure our future. We are the only sport without tickets. Cycling can no longer afford to wait to survive. The more self-sufficient and sustainable we become, the more we will progress,” he stated via Cyclingpro.
Pozzato has already experimented with paid viewing areas during the Veneto Classic, a race he organizes. He recalls facing initial backlash. “When I implemented this concept, I was insulted.People told me I was elitist. To go see an amateur football match, you pay 15 euros, so why not pay to see the best cyclists in the world?“
A Value-Added Experience
Pozzato initially offered tickets for 10 euros, including a complimentary beer.While the beer is no longer included, he emphasizes the enhanced experience now offered. “we must raise awareness among the public so that they understand that they are not wasting their money but that we are offering them a service, beyond the simple spectacle of the race,” he explained. This service now includes entertainment like giant screens and DJs.
Pozzato stresses the current financial structure is unsustainable for teams. “The current business model is unsustainable as a team gets nothing in return. We invest millions,and what do we gain by winning a race? It is clear that cycling is not a stadium sport,but we must have our own economic model,” he concluded.
