"The 33"-Road Bike Racing - Cycling TV Commentators

After going through the TdF with Paul and Phil (Phil especially), these Cycling.TV commentators are awful. Unlike Phil who can make even the most boring flat stage and turn it into something exciting, these two commentators can turn an exciting mountain top finish and deflate it so much, I feel as if I was watching a club ride jaunt to Starebucks.

Man - they need to get some new commentators.

You are kidding, right? The people on cycling.tv are accurate and reserved, euro style. Here's why I think that the cycling.tv people are far better than Phil and Paul:

1) They get the names right (Phil can't)
2) They have deep background knowledge and do interviews (all Paul does is read the papers that morning)
3) They don't repeat themselves ad nauseum (count how many times you hear "topped up," "dancing on the pedals," etc.)
4) They don't make vaguely prejudicial comments (both Phil and Paul make comments that suggest that Spaniards are exclusively good climbers)
5) They are not investors in teams that they commentate on (Phil is, it's a conflict of interest that should have him fired. Cycling News sponsors a team too. It matters.)
6) They do not talk about themselves (how many times do we have to hear that Phil rides and Paul rode professionally)

I find Brian Smith to be very informative and good to listen to, always has some interesting stories form his pro days.

Anthony Mccrossan used to be terrible, he barely knew what was going on if you watch some older races but now recognises the riders far more accurately than Liggett, who never gets the names right for someone held in such high regard.

I like it when they answer emails and rib each other over the days predictions as well. Although Mccrossan does try and plug the premium channel a bit too much when the race actually hots up.

hey if you don't like the cycling.tv guys use mute and watch the video and go over to the Eurosports live audio stream in English where you will find color commentary by the one and only Sean Kelly. That's what I do....................

steppy

i think phil ligget has alzheimers...

I liked the old NCL crew on the deuce. Great shirts.

Anthony and Brian FTW

I have watched almost every race done by cycling.tv and really enjoy their commentary. I do think they do a better job the Phil and Paul. Brian Smith know what he is talking about(when you can understand what he is saying).

Just be thankful you don't watch boxing and have to listen to that drunken bum Larry Merchant.

Could not disagree more with the OP. I have had no TV in my house for the last few years and have been using Cycling.TV or Eurosport for race coverage. I was visiting some family during the TdF this year and watched the OLN broadcasts. Cycling.TV and Eurosport make OLN look like Wayne's World, IMO.

I prefer the Eurosport coverage. Incidenatally, they are showing a free feed too, but get Duffield and Kelly.