First Issue Review – Procycling

Following on the wheels of the newly acquired Maximum Mountain Bike (see Cabal Communications Buys Maximum Mountain Bike), the recently formed Cabal Communications have continued to spread their wings with the launch of Procycling – an “intelligent, exciting, behind-the-scenes insight” promises Cabal Communications MD, Andy Sutcliffe, – ” into the professional cycling world.”

Front Cover – ProcyclingIt is difficult to disagree with Sutcliffe’s confident assertion as Procycling is indeed intelligent, with the Guardian’s William Fotheringham adopting a refreshingly mature approach, as editor-in-chief. The emphasis is clearly on up-to-date reports of the pro circuit rather than the latest gadgets and gimmickry. This is typified by the hiring of Tour de France veteran, Robert Millar, as a regular contributor of bench-test reports and analysis of leading teams.

In a rather bizarre editorial step, however, Cabal have decided to report on the ‘sexiness’ of cycling by recruiting Freya North – “a female journalist”, we are informed – “working in the sexually charged, male-dominated hothouse of the Tour de France”. This maybe quirky, it maybe unusual, but Ms North’s navel-gazing unfortunately delivers nothing other than fluff. Given the high level of editorial content of the first issue this is forgivable but it could wear thin, very quickly.

In terms of general editorial structure Procycling employs a nice blend of in-depth features (Marco Pantani and ONCE domestique Neil Stephens); state-of-play reports on leading teams (1999 season predictions, Team-by-Team Guide, New Boys – new recruits to teams), as well as an innovative retro-insight into 1970s star Freddy Maertens.

The style of writing throughout the magazine is well-paced and thoroughly readable. No mention is made to ‘zany’ or ‘cool’ items. Procycling concentrates on the packaging of a broad range of information to all cycling enthusiasts. This ranges from five page articles to small, but inviting snippets, allowing the reader to dip into the magazine for the latest news or undertake a more lengthy read of leading tour personalities, administrators and cycling manufacturers. All articles are supported by carefully selected photos. Most are standard press releases, some are taken by award-winning photographer Leo Mason, whilst others are extracted from an impressive black & white archive.

But it is perhaps the issue on most cycling fans’ lips – that of drug-taking and in particular the credibility of the governing body UCI in policing the professional tour – where Procycling excels. In an article entitled Facing The Future Jeremy Whittle looks at the doping question in general, how to police it and discusses the types of punishment that should be meted out to offenders. As Whittle suggests, the issue of drug-taking does throw-up questions of how le Tour and other major events can take place given the possibility of wholesale expulsions of teams such as Festina and the consequent ‘go-slow’ stages that may well occur on future tour stages. Whittle’s article is partially answered by an interesting comment piece from UCI head Hein Verbuggen which addresses some of the administrative difficulties, let alone moral implications, of drug-taking in professional cycling.

It’s difficult to predict at this stage how Procycling will stand in six months’ or a year’s time. Cabal should stay with the title even if it experiences difficulties in reaching short-term circulation targets. Procycling is a stylish and exciting addition to the cycling magazine sector and with 1999 looking like the most interesting there’s been for professional cycling in years, Cabal’s timing could not be better.

Procycling is aiming for a circulation of around 20,000 in the UK with a further 20,000 overseas sales. One of the title’s main competitor’s will be IPC’s Cycling Weekly which currently circulates at over 31,000 copies per week with a cover price of £1.35.

Procycling is a glossy, A4 perfect-bound with a cover price of £2.95 and 124 pages. The ad:ed ratio of the first issue is 25:75.

Reviewer: Ciaran McConaghy

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