Zabel speaks

“Cycling won't survive another year like this one," says German Erik Zabel. "Cycling doesn't have the best reputation at the moment. All the sponsors who now support teams will have to thoroughly think about whether they want to continue to use the sport as a platform. If the Festina scandal in 1998 was a warning shot, then 2006 was practically the opening of the war," he continued in an interview with www.spiegel.de.

I have always thought Zabel a great rider in that he is ALWAYS at the front.  This past year he had more 2^nd place finishes than any man should have to endure.

What he was quoted about cycling is true with one clarification: Professional Cycling won’t survive.  Sure, I keep an eye on the Pro Tour and there are dudes like Hammerson that are true, hardcore fans of the Pro scene.  However, I think most weekend warriors are more concerned about shaving a few seconds off their TT than about whether or not Tyler is a chimera or whether or not Floyd has heavy carbon atoms.