Originally Posted by
rodiescooter
I'm really glad NBCSN picked up cycling events, but can't wait until they start 'sponsoring' every mile. I realize it's a for-profit business, but wow, I'm really getting tired of wondering what's in my wallet. :-)
The key, if you really like to watch the TDF, is to get the web package. There, you get as much coverage as they show in Europe, which you won't normally get here unless you watch a live, unauthorized stream, and you get
vastly better commentary in the beginning that you get with Phil and Paul. It's sad that there are so many better commentators than those two, but if you're only a casual fan and only watch the TDF, you are led to believe they're the only ones. Hell, I'd take Carlton Kirby over Phil and Paul, even with his tendency to say "yes" along with half his sentences.
Commercials are rampant in cycling across the globe. Watch a Eurosport feed and you'll see they have as many, if not more, commercials than NBCsn and a good chunk of them are promoting Eurosport services.