Is Fighting in the Tour de France a Good Thing?

In Stage 6 of the this year’s 2010 Tour de France a fight erupted for the second time this tour. This time it was an outbreak between Carlos Barredo of team Quick Step and Rui Costa of team Caisse d’Epargne. It’s not clear what the fight was about, but it definitely added to the action, which begs the question — is fighting in The Tour a good thing?

As much as cycling is a gentleman’s sport it’s also a bit lame to watch on TV. A little fighting could boost the ratings and make things a little more exciting for the average viewer.

While it may not be a good thing for the sport in terms of sportsmanlike conduct, it could boost ratings and bring a little more awareness to cycling.

In addition to that I have to say that so far I’m disappointed with TSN’s coverage of the Tour de France. Last night there were no highlights, and tonight there were only highlights because a fight broke out. I get the sense the network is just taking the piss out of my sport.

So, if a few punches is what it takes to get some cycling coverage on TV, I’m in!