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Cycling Interview: Joao Correia/Ken Sommer
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| Rin |
Posted on 11-06-2014 20:48
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Small Tour Specialist
Posts: 2748
Joined: 14-04-2008
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For our new series "Cycling Interviews" we have the chance to ask Joao Correia/Ken Sommer some questions.
As we aren't just doing pro cyclist interviews I will present them:
They lead the agency "CORSO Sports Marketing", it is a official UCI rider agency.
What does the agency do?
We help you find the best partners for your professional sports organization or for you as an athlete.
From the concepts of branding to the specific production details of a campaign. From initial contact to the dotted line of a fruitful contract. We help amateurs turn pro and we help pros grow their careers. We believe things should be done in the right way, in the right environment. Careers and brands are long term, and that’s what your partnerships should be all about.
We can identify the best ways to grow your business through a sports sponsorship and a real partnership. Thanks to our extensive relationships within the industry and our experience in identifying the essential elements in a true partnership, we can make it happen, all the way down to the last detail.
João Correia
João most recently worked for Social Media powerhouse LinkedIn in San Francisco. Prior to LinkedIn João was a professional with the Cervélo TestTeam as well as the head of sales for Bicycling Magazine in New York City. João holds a Political Science and International Business Degree from Fordham University.
Ken Sommer
Ken was a founding member of the LEOPARD-TREK cycling team and as marketing director he built the biggest team brand in professional cycling - on and offline. Before he joined LEOPARD he led the marketing of Cervélo TestTeam, a team known for its openness and fan-access. Ken holds a Masters Degree in International Business Marketing and Finance from Maastricht University.
So you have 1 week (until next Wednesday) to ask questions we will pick the best ones out, as every single question would be simply too much, and send them back.
 Team Bianchi - 2012 Man-Game ProContinental Tour Champions
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| CountArach |
Posted on 12-06-2014 00:14
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Grand Tour Champion
Posts: 8290
Joined: 14-07-2008
PCM$: 200.00
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How difficult do you find it to juggle the competing needs of the individual contracts of riders with team contracts, particularly in regards to equipment? Contador and Cavendish are the obvious examples of riders who have had serious troubles on the past juggling these twin loyalties.
Correct me if I am confused about these two riders and what the two interviewees do.
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| Atlantius |
Posted on 12-06-2014 09:23
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Team Leader
Posts: 6795
Joined: 21-07-2010
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How do you feel the attitude towards pro cyling have changed from "outsiders"/potential sponsors over the years?
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| Selwink |
Posted on 12-06-2014 09:26
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Grand Tour Champion
Posts: 8856
Joined: 17-05-2012
PCM$: 200.00
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Which rider that came from your agency do you consider your biggest success?
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| jacobjc88 |
Posted on 12-06-2014 15:12
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Domestique
Posts: 424
Joined: 13-03-2010
PCM$: 200.00
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Which riders do you currently 'have under your wings'?
@Ken:
LEOPARD-Trek had to be this new team with a rich guy (Becca) in front with a lot of money. Becca didn't last very long in the sport, he quickly made his way out again. Why do you think this happened?
We heard a lot through the media about Becca not being patient that he demanded succes right here, right now. How was it working with him?
What areas of the sport would you like to see expanded to give the fans an even better experience? (Like camera on the bikes, making a webpage including all PT teams with news, interviews etc.)
@João
You are head of a bicycle magazine (or was?). Which stories / content do you prefer being able to bring the readers (Long interviews, report from a journalist who had been at the race etc.) ?
Why should riders choose your agency and not someone else's? What makes your agency special?
How does your education fit together with your job right now? Which tools did political sciense and international business give you - that you can use in your job right now?
Present:
Tinkoff-Saxo - AG2R - Colombian riders
Past:
Francisco Mancebo - Illes balears - Carlos Sastre - Kelme - Robbie McEwen
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| Shonak |
Posted on 15-06-2014 12:44
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 15615
Joined: 16-07-2013
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Which rider did you approach and whom you would have loved to get under contract the most but it didn't work out? Has this rider already achieved the things you thought he could do at one point?
I only know sports agents from football, in what capacity is it different to be a cyclist agent to any other athlete? How do you turn a profit?
Any tips for getting into the sports business in general and the sports agent business in specific? And maybe even more importantly, any tips to be successful in this business (watching and learning from Jerry Maguire aside)?
How much does social media play a role in your job? If someone for example suggest you a young, local rider, do you take that into account and keep that in mind?
In a further question, how important are small race events in spotting little talents? Do you think that you can spot the next Contador or Cavendish in such a crowd or is this only wishful thinking? How much does a cycling agent have to be a "scout" himself?
From a agent/businnes-PoV, how much did Armstrong help and subsequently hurt the US cycling scene?
How difficult is it for cyclists and you as their agents to get additional sponsorships and promotion deals, even local ones? How do you approach a local sponsor and what steps do you take to ensure a successful deal?
You two guys seem to have a great passion for cycling: Is passion for cycling enough to be a cycling agents? What else does it require in your opinion, from education to specific character traits?
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
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| CountArach |
Posted on 15-06-2014 14:33
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Grand Tour Champion
Posts: 8290
Joined: 14-07-2008
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Shonak wrote:
I only know sports agents from football, in what capacity is it different to be a cyclist agent to any other athlete? How do you turn a profit?
I was just coming in to ask the same question, this could be a really interesting question.
Do you believe that cycling should allow teams to buy riders from other teams before their contract expires, just like in sports like football? What effect do you think that would have on the sport?
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| tylew |
Posted on 17-06-2014 18:29
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Junior Rider
Posts: 47
Joined: 18-02-2008
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How are the portuguese riders seen in the professional field?
Do you think there will be more Portuguese riders in World Tour in the next years?
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| Selwink |
Posted on 17-06-2014 18:35
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Grand Tour Champion
Posts: 8856
Joined: 17-05-2012
PCM$: 200.00
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Which non-traditional cycling countries do you reckon have the most potential?
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