Keeping the nuances of cycling described above is important in my view. The non-linear nature of the season makes the sport unique. I can also see the need to have a more structured, stable administration of the sport, including the calendar. The Tour de France's place in the middle of the season may serve to keep the subtleties of the cycling season even after a re-organization when compared with something like the NFL season which builds to the Super Bowl and then ends immediately when that event is over.
"Any initiative must [...] preserve ASO's position as the sport's dominant organizer." - This is problematic.
Keeping the nuances of cycling described above is important in my view. The non-linear nature of the season makes the sport unique. I can also see the need to have a more structured, stable administration of the sport, including the calendar. The Tour de France's place in the middle of the season may serve to keep the subtleties of the cycling season even after a re-organization when compared with something like the NFL season which builds to the Super Bowl and then ends immediately when that event is over.