i got a few emails recently about why the union eschews sponsorship.  so many people seem to take a shine to it.  and a select few seem to have an uncomfortable sense of entitlement towards it.  sponsorship cash seems like such a good idea at the time.  some businessman or businesswoman orders a dumptruck load of cash dropped on your front lawn in the hopes that you'll go really fast, and somehow by going fast, you'll advertise their product and grow their business. 

the cash feels good, makes it easier to focus on what you need to do to be fast.  but before long, you're pimping just about anything for enough money for a new rear derailleur.  think back to joe jacoby and his theatrevision advertisements.  who didn't cringe while watching those, secretly and desperately hoping that the arc their life took didn't take them to that.  but it always comes to that.  I expect to see many of you in advertisements just like this one in the next few years...

i can't quite tell if he's got a cigarette in his mouth in the upper left hand picture but i sort of like to hope so.  and you can bet that if we build a velodrome anywhere nearby, that smoking will not just be allowed, but de rigeur.  for all racers, a two pack minimum.

awesome!  oh yeah, and as an extra bonus, if you want to understand why people in SUV's think you're gay, look no further than this ad, where two fit guys are rubbing each other down with embrocation.  you think lemond or lance would pose for this?  fat chance.  maybe hamilton or julich.

bring it in the comments.

- - - posted by scott