Promoters Zone
Tym Tyler of TeamCOLUMBUS is one of the leading race promoters in the Midwest putting on a race in the Ohio area almost every weekend from March to November.. TeamCOLUMBUS races include the Tour of Southeast Ohio and the Tour of Ohio. Racelistings.com caught up with Tym and asked him a few questions about racing and promoting.
Tell us about your background in cycling.
I started racing in 1973 as a junior, straight out of high school (1977). I went to Belgium for the first of many summers. Raced as a cat. 1 until 1988 and quit to run TeamCOLUMBUS full time.
What is your biggest challenge as a race promoter?
Finding more dates on the calendar
If you could change one thing about cycling what would it be?
Herd up all the Red Neck Assholes, that consistently try to kill me while I just want to ride my bike and be left alone, and shoot them and their dogs with their own guns.
What tips would you give promoters when dealing with towns and police?
Suck it up and pay them all off, that's what I do, and as always, money talks.
Why do you think promoters lose interest in promoting?
No gratitude.
What is most satisfying about being a race promoter?
I like the fact that we try hard to create races that are as close to racing in Belgium as possible. The sport is about suffering and that is what it is all about to me.
You have a reputation as putting on technical, fast-paced criteriums. What sets your races apart?
Criterium racing is about fighting, fighting to stay up front, fighting for the wheel in front of you, and our courses are all about single file racing and fighting. Don't come to our races if you think you can just sit in. We don't organize Tour de Office Parks.
Where do your see Team Columbus race productions in 5 years?
Starting in 2003 TeamColumbus will be shifting gears and organizing RAVE Parties. No really, TeamCOLUMBUS plans are top secret, but as they say BIGGER, BETTER, MORE!!!
Finally, who do you think will finish 1st, 2nd and 3rd in this year's Tour de France?
If nothing bad happens to him, he can't be beat. Lance, Jan, ?
For more information on TeamCOLUMBUS please visit www.teamcolumbus.org