| 11/15/2005 | Before we get to the off-season, after its first year, what do you think of the Pro Tour system? What did you like about it? What, if anything would you change?
Bobby J - Given that it was the first year, I think that the Pro Tour was better than expected. I really liked having the best teams at every race. I think that the Pro Tour races following the Tour were the races that benefited the most from this new style of racing. With the higher level of racing seen in the Pro Tour, I was able to keep my motivation and really have fun in the races.
I have to say that I think the point system has to be looked at in the future. With points only being awarded to the winner of the stage (top 3 for grand tours) and the top 10 overall (top 20 for grand tours) it was very difficult to get points. I think that they should allow points for the first 3 on the stage in all races as well as award points to the top 20 in stage races and top 40 in grand tours. That gives more riders a chance to mark points and something to show for their season. Many riders this year didn't mark a single point in the Pro Tour but are still great riders.
George - I think it has started off pretty well. All of the Pro Tour races seemed to be a lot harder and there were always more spectators. I think the points system should change a bit. I won 2 stages of the Dauphine and 1 stage of the tour, but I only made 5 points for that. At the same time I won 40 points for winning Plouay. That does not seem right.
AMERICANS ON TOUR
PEZ - It seems, more than ever, that Americans are making a bigger impact on European cycling with more riders and better results (i.e. look at the Pro Tour Standings). What do you think is the biggest reason for this shift over the past few years? www.pezcyclingnews.com/?pg=fullstory&id=3603
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