Over the last couple of weeks, we have picked up on some Radio Ga Ga, Radio Goo Goo, Radio Blah Blah. The question whether to use radio communication between riders and their team cars, makes the wheels spin in different directions and it looks like this won’t change any time soon.
So, what’s the deal? Some say it’s time for real cycling without the help of radio communication. Riders should choose their own course without relying on the whispers in their ears. Races are too planned. Strategies and tactics from the cars detract from a rider’s pure instinct, talent and race insight. Others are strongly pro radio and argue that the use of radios brings more safety to a race. Also, a ban on radio communication will have a limited effect on the honesty of a race. Some even want to take the use of radio communication a step further. It should be made public, like they do in Formula 1 where tv viewers can actually hear what is being discussed over the radio. In this way, cycling will become more transparent than ever.
In a recent interview with VeloNews, the proven master in tactics and strategies Johan Bruyneel once more states how strongly he feels about being pro radio. Together with 18 ProTeams who back him up, he isn’t afraid to face the battle with the UCI.
Should radio silence among the riders and team leaders be the future of cycling? The WheelerWatchers don’t think so. Winning a race isn’t just a matter of individual heroic stardom, it’s a team effort, including the input of the strategists in the cars. To see how different characters and nationalities, riders and staff get together, form a team, share their passion and fight for that one common goal of being the best, is what deserves our admiration and respect and is what makes the ride so fascinating. Radio communication isn’t a threat, but a chance to get one step closer to that victory.
It will be interesting to see how this will roll on and make all wheels spin right. Now the new season is underway, the Wheelerwatchers will stay all ears regarding this provocating matter.
WheelerWatchers 
