The race coverage is pretty good here in the US with one of the cable networks (VS. - www.versus.com) showing each stage live and then showing 4 re-broadcasts throughout the day. They have Phil Liggett, Paul Sherman, Bob Roll, and Craig Hummer doing most of the announcing. I'm guessing the commentary is dumbed down for the US (non cycling oriented) audience compared to what those of you in the UK get. The VS. website has lots of video and some streaming live coverage (plus unfortunately lots of advertisements on the front and back end of the videos). Are there other better European or UK based sites?
It is all pretty cool. I think it's the only live bicycle racing coverage available in the US.
For those that don't care about bicycle racing; the coverage is worth watching for the images of the gorgeous French countryside alone.
Comments
You're not kidding!
I luuuuvvvv the Tour de France. It's the most relaxing and exciting sporting event to watch on TV for so many reasons. I also find it very motivating.
I always wondered why they frequently pass of the annoucing to the two British guys for the sprints at the end of the stages. Now I know.
Jodie
xoxo
In the UK
apart from Eurosport for those with Sky, it's on ITV4, which I watch on the net.
There is nothing quite like the TdF, I marshalled on it last year- the organisation is awesome. If only the Tour of Britain had half the money and expertise. Still the latter has some of the top teams riding too and is worth the effort to watch, in September 6-13. I shall be marshalling there too.
Angharad
Angharad
Sports of any sort are a waste of my time watching
When I was in my early twenties I came to the conclusion that i was becoming a couch potatoe watching sports. Plus, i was constantly reading any sports reviews printed. I used the time to constructively plan how I would gamble (bet) on certain sporting games.
I decided to give up the sporting live as a viewer and fins other things to peak my interest.
I now use the sport page as a liner for my cats litter box and the bottom of my birds cage.
Do I miss sports? Not at all.
So I am probably that person who is not going to watch the tour de France for the country side. I can say my world travels have been extensive, I've seen France, Spain and Italy. I've had the pleasure to see the country sides of each of those countries.
Sorry to come off as a rant, but I am saying that what is one persons treasure is another persons junk.
I just do'n't do sports.
Jill Micayla
May you have a wonderful today and a better tomorrow
Jill Micayla
Be kinder than necessary,Because everyone you meet
Is fighting some kind of battle.
I'm not a great spectator either but ...
... I like occasionally to watch elite competitors in sports I either do myself of have done.
I don't own a TV so I keep up with the Tour on my PC but watching it in RL is brilliant and the best way is to ride a bike into the mountains. France is my favourite cycling country and has the best scenery/road combination anywhere in the world. Until you've actually ridden the Pyrenean or Alpine cols yourself it's impossible to appreciate fully the superb athleticism of the competitors. I struggle a bit these days but I rode a few cols last month just to prove that I'm not really as much a past-it OAP as I look :)
Unfortunately there's very little sailing coverage and even less on motorcycle trials so pedal cycle racing will have to do.
Geoff
Speaking of Elite Tour Riders
I have scheduled a ride with Greg Lemond for later this month. It is a charity event in which about three dozen of us will ride through our neighborhood with him. Although we've lived in the same school district for nearly twenty years, I've never met him.
Angela Rasch (Jill M I)
Angela Rasch (Jill M I)
I think ...
... adjusting Greg's brakes so they rub on the wheel rim is your best option if you want to keep up :) Unless, of course, you're fairly fit ... or if Greg's gone a bit to seed rather like my cycling god, Eddy Mercx.
Geoff
Greg is Fit - I'm Not
I have decided to allow a son to ride in my place.
Angela Rasch (Jill M I)
Angela Rasch (Jill M I)