2006 - was it the beginning of a new era, or more of the same?

First off, to all of our readers and sponsors, the staff of Cyclingnews.com wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We have enjoyed your support for another year and benefited from your insights, observations and comments.

And this year, there has been much to comment on. Many in the bike industry entered 2006 not really knowing what to expect; they all knew that road cycling was becoming increasingly popular - 'cycling is the new golf' became the catchphrase - but did this growth come from idolisation of one influential figure and would it last, or were these people genuinely in love with the sport; would they continue to be interested in the sport?

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