As long as the Tour could boast a clean victor its bosses, cycling authorities and the riders themselves felt little pressure to change the status quo.

ECONOMIST: The Tour de France is not dead yet

He conceded only nine bogeys all week and conjured up 16 birdies on a long and extremely demanding course which was making its debut on the Tour.

BBC: SPORT | Golf | European Tour stats attack

After a long hiatus from the East Coast, the Association of Surfing Professionals in 2011 held one of its World Tour competitions in Long Beach.

WSJ: Wipeout of Pier Is Blow to Town's Surf Scene