Why I’ll be a Team Radio Shack Fan

If you’re a cycling fan, and not living under a rock, you’ve probably heard by now that Lance Armstrong’s new cycling team will be Team Radio Shack (@teamradioshack). I for one was very surprised to hear that it was someone other than Oracle or Nike. Now that we know it’s Radio Shack I can honestly say I’m a fan but probably not for the reason you expect.

Sure, Lance is going to be on the team and that’s a great reason to be a fan. Radio Shack will partner with the LAF and LiveStrong in the fight against cancer which is another great reason to be a fan. The real reason I’ll be a fan though is because of my Dad.

My Dad was an electronics genius. He learned the trade at an early age and held several jobs that saw him develop his skills including installing electrical systems on airplanes and performing electronics work on Minuteman Missiles. When I was a kid he had his own business installing satellite tv systems. As a hobby he was a Citizens Band (CB) and Ham Radio expert. He rarely bought new radios but choose instead to either build his own or repair broken ones he would find at flea markets or garage sales.

So, what does my Dad and Team Radio Shack have in common? My Dad was a loyal Radio Shack customer. If he needed parts or tools for a radio or CB he would go to our local Radio Shack store. When Radio Shack would receive returned electronics that were broken, and not covered by warranty, who did they call? My Dad.

Image Courtesy of TeamRadioShack.com

That’s why I’m going to be a fan of Team Radio Shack. Now that the US will have three Pro-Tour teams I’m hoping it will help drive the popularity of cycling here in the states. I hope the jerseys are cool because this might be the first team jersey I buy.

One of the big things going on right now is speculation on who will be on the team. We know Lance will be there but who will be his support cast? I’ve already heard rumors of Cadel Evans on Twitter. Who would you like to see on Team Radio Shack? I bet we see Chris Horner on there.

http://bikenoob.wordpress.com Ray

I wonder how Lance's participation in triathlons will affect his preparations for the 2010 Tour?

http://bikingtolive.com Bryan

I don't know but I bet Chris Carmichael is already working on a plan. I was wondering if there will be a Team Radio Shack for cycling, running and triathlons.

http://mildstallion.wordpress.com Al

Let's see…Horner for sure. Leipheimer, Popovych as well. Maybe this is the big leap forward that Taylor Phinney takes?

http://bikingtolive.com Bryan

I was tempted to say Leipheimer but was hesitant to do so because, with him being a grand tour contender himself, I wondered how the team dynamics would be. I'd like to see Hincappie on it but I'm not sure he would want to leave Columbia-HTC. You know they're going to want a sprinter. Cav maybe? Talk about guaranteed publicity every time he wins a stage.

http://www.331miles.blogspot.com 331miles

Great story about your Dad. I think loyalty like this is one of the reasons that Radio Shack has been able to stay open even while they've struggled mightily the last few years.

Lots of folks are skeptical of Radio Shack as a sponsor. I think this is a great move for them as a company, and like you, I will be a fan.

http://bikingtolive.com Bryan

Thanks. Like you said, I also think this is a great marketing move for them. They've been rather silent over the last few years but have heard they also sponsor a Nascar Team and have done something with the NBA. I think the connection with LiveStrong and Lance is really going to pay big dividends for them.

http://bikingtolive.com Bryan

@Gianni: Thanks for stopping by. I think it'll all be interesting too.

I wondered when the fan sites were going to start popping up (even considered doing one myself) but I wonder if they'll have copyright issues with that URL.
http://www.teamradioshack.us Gianni Dantoni

I am really looking forward to see how this will go. They mention Lance running and participating in triathlons too. Exciting.

Btw I found out that there is already a fan site for team radioshack at http://www.teamradioshack.us

Not sure how that will go though but will be interesting to see.
http://mildstallion.wordpress.com/ Al

Let's see…Horner for sure. Leipheimer, Popovych as well. Maybe this is the big leap forward that Taylor Phinney takes?