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Letter: Missing out on the tour

I was sad to see that your newspaper did not have any coverage of the Tour de Taiwan on Monday, a cycling race that started on Tuesday in Kaohsiung.

As Taiwan tries to attract more tourism, it would be good to note that sports such as cycling have a worldwide fan base and events sanctioned by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) garner great attention to locations hosting a race.

I do note that your newspaper did have a short note on the larger Paris-Nice bicycle race. I am sure you will also give equal attention to the Tour de France and perhaps the Giro de Italia.

It is, however, unfortunate that you would fail to cover a similar even occurring in your own backyard. It just seems a shame to not cover a race in your own backyard.

Taiwan is a cycling hub for the manufacturing and assembly of mid to high-range bicycles and components.

Furthermore, a growing number of recreational cyclists are taking to the streets and mountains in Taiwan and enjoying the beauty of its landscapes.

In light of this, it is a shame that the only coverage I could find in local English-language newspapers was on the cover of Taiwan News with a short caption alluding -- falsely, as it turns out -- that the Giant Asia team was winning the race.

I would hope you will find the time and space to cover the remaining stages before the race reaches Taipei in time for the Taipei Bike Show exhibit on Saturday.

Eighteen Taiwanese are participating in the race and some coverage of their progress in the race would be enlightening and informative.

Richard Raymond
Taichung

Editor's note: The Taipei Times ran a story on the race on March 20 (Taiwan Sports Wrap, page 20) and has one today ("Mizbani wins fourth stage as Tour heads to Taichung," page 20). We will continue to endeavor to ensure the best possible coverage of local sports events.

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