No joy for German, Dutch, Belgian Cycling FansJust when you thought you would love to being in Europe this weekend to watch the "true" start of the Season, thinking that the Euros must be up to their eyeballs in TV coverage, and commentary, and watching all the moves up to the final strategies on the Poggio.... think again.Here is a mail from a mate of mine in Germany. His story applies to the Netherlands and Belgium as well. France ...not sure yet. Hi Bill, I'm really upset: For days, I was wondering why no german tv station will show Milan - San Remo in TV, even Eurosport announced that they "are not allowed to show" this race. Seconds ago I learned why: The newly founded german digital TV "DF 1" shows the first world cup race on saturday, 2.50 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. DF 1 is a station where you have to pay if you want to watch it ("pay per view"). I'm sure that 99.99 percent of all german cyling fans are not able to get this program even if they would like - because they don't have the necessary equipment at home (I think you need a special set top box for your TV). And I know it is the same for the fans in Holland, Belgium, Denmark etc. It's just one year ago that I decided to install a satellite antenna on my roof to get more programs like Eurosport, and now I can't see cycling again because people think they should take some money for it. If they would spend the money to bring it back to the cycling scenery, i.e. in spending it for the youth, I wouldn't complain. But in fact some people fill their pockets with a lot of money, and nearly all people here who would have loved to watch Milan - San Remo have to spend the afternoon without knowing what's going on the streets on northern Italy. The best reaction is to spend the time on the bike, doing something for our personal fitness. DF 1 has already announced that they're planning to televise the Giro d'Italia which means that we won't see anything of this stage race, too. It's a pity. Have a nice weekend! For the people with an Internet access over here, you're now source No. 1 for the results of Milan - San Remo! [name suppressed] Zo, stay happy in OZ and the USA....life isn't that bad...... |