A number of viewers have been taken aback to discover that ITV are no longer using Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen for commentary during this year’s Tour de France. The two long-serving stalwarts have been replaced by sports journalist Ned Boulting and recently-retired pro David Millar.
If you watch any other races on ITV, the departure of Liggett and Sherwen was no surprise. Boulting and Millar have been slowly phased in after making a somewhat awkward debut together commentating on last year’s inaugural Tour de Yorkshire, and all the pieces then seemed to be in place when cycling journalist Daniel Friebe stepped into Boulting’s previous role as roving reporter for last month’s Criterium du Dauphiné.
The Ride Velo blog reports that Phil and Paul have been working for American TV on a contract that ITV then opted into. This of course meant that ITV have had no editorial control over those commentating on the race.
As ITV’s Tour anchor Gary Imlach put it: “Can you imagine in any other sport, in football or anything, not having your own commentators and having to just opt in or out? It’s just a nonsense. We’ve not been in charge of our own commentators… So it’s been a nonsense and should’ve been sorted out a while ago.”
Which isn’t to say that everyone’s happy about the change. Phil and Paul have been doing the job for as long as many of us can remember and the end of an era isn’t always embraced.
The one thing you can count on when it comes to people’s views on sports commentators is disagreement. This is particularly true in cycling where the long hours allow a degree of familiarity that many welcome – but which others find can easily tip over into contempt.
Millar certainly brings a different angle having only recently retired from racing, but Boulting himself points out that “part of the joy of the Tour de France is France” – an acknowledgement that for many people the sport itself is but one aspect of the experience of following the race (and not necessarily the most important one).
So how do you think the new team is performing? Does Boulting bring freshness and enthusiasm or do you miss Liggett’s distinctive timbre? Is Millar too monotonous or are you just happy to have someone who can make a better fist of pronouncing the riders’ names?
84 thoughts on “ITV ditch Phil and Paul… so how’s the new line-up doing?”
Even though Millar talks
Even though Millar talks incredibly fast at times, he has some wonderful tactical insights. I much prefer Ned and him.
David Millar has been
David Millar has been excellent. He offers genuine insight and knowledge of the peloton that only a recently retired pro could.
I like Ned a lot, he’s got a dry sense of humour and he appreciates that professional cycle racing is inherantly absurd.
Ned needs to work on calling the sprint finishes. He’s had some ropey moments in the first week. But Phil was also terrible in recent years, so all in all it a big, big improvement.
ITVs coverage is generally excellent with the peerless Gary Imlach (why isn’t he on TV more?) and Saint Chris doing the analysis.
Haven’t missed Phil and Paul
Haven’t missed Phil and Paul at all, they’re undeniably experienced in their art, but their commentaries often consist of the same trite metaphors and jargon, or their legendary gaffs and jumbled team names.
I miss the old team, they
I miss the old team, they were part of the summer, but nothing against Ned and David. Quite surprised to hear Thomas Voekler’s name pronounced properly, though. Thought it was a new rider.
This change is long, long
This change is long, long overdue in my opinion. Commentators cannot be expected to be investigative journalists, nor to spend all their time declaiming the events they are describing as a sham, but Phil in particular went so far the other way it was nauseating. Anyone complaining now that Ned is talking too much (which he is, a bit) should realise that Phil and Paul only had so little to say in recent years because they could not think of anything to replace the Lance-fawning they had previously indulged in. What little they did say had become so clichéd and repetitive that ITV could have replaced them with a set of sound samples loaded on to a electic keyboard. And not a full-sized one either, a kiddie’s one from Fisher-Price. In contrast, Ned is an educated man, with an appreciation for the cultures of many of the riders, and a genuine sense of humour. David is knowledgeable about contemporary racing (as Paul was about twenty-five years ago) and far from the dullest retired sportsperson to ever pick up a mircophone. I look forward to them improving this month and over the years to come.
It is fantastic that Ned and
It is fantastic that Ned and David can recognise the riders, discuss the tactics and pronounce the names of the competitors, their teams and the towns they go through in something that sounds like French. P&P were well past their usefulness date, even before remembering that Liggett spent most of the last decade licking a certain Texan’s intestines from beneath.
I think they’ve been great.
I think they’ve been great. Ned is spot on at explaining this beautifully weird sport to the layman (especially important during the Tour) and Millar is superb at fishing random stuff about châteaux out of the road book.
I even like Friebe’s little sections in the highlights. Although he needs to relax a touch.
All of the above. Plus Phil’s
All of the above. Plus Phil’s longstanding support of Lance Armstrong lost him a lot of credibility, necessary as it may have been for US viewers.
I thought millar worked well
I thought millar worked well with hugh porter. Murray walkeresque colour commentator to entertain the ear and dead pan ex pro actually explaining what’s going on.
ned and Millars voices and tone are a bit too similar if being critical but they are miles better than Phil and Paul. Ligget could call a sprint but every single thing else he did was absolute rubbish. Incidentally rob Hayles is pretty good on bbc radio.
Rip sportofproffesionalbikeracing and suitcase of courage.
Millar knows his stuff, and I
Millar knows his stuff, and I can listen to him. Phil and Paul just never appealed to me. But if you grow up with them, then most people will feel attached to them, understandably. But they’re not talent. Not by my yardstick. Throwbacks who’ve had their time.
This country takes ages to move forward.
not that fussed on who commentates on the race, the new guys sound like thry know their stuff, but the bloody ads are longer than what they are showing of parts of the race.
And the skoda ad where the guy is riding past the truck is annoying as he needs to fix his straps
Quite enjoying Ned and David,
Quite enjoying Ned and David, but DM’s oft repeated “battle royale” may become a new “suitcase of courage”.
On more important matters:
And the one where the blue Skoda honks its horn at the cyclists in front of it at the temporary traffic lights. Why?
On the cheesy theme music, I had always assumed it was part of the distributed package from ASO (hence the similarity between the TdF and Vuelta credits) and out of ITV’s control.
I think generally the new
I think generally the new team has been good, but they do talk over each other quite often and there has been quite a lot of “Orica Green Bike” and other such team manglings so far!
I do like Ned’s humour 🙂
Ned and David actually
Ned and David actually commentate on the race rather than discussing the scenery. You actually learn things listening to them .
Phil & Paul had become a steady stream of cliches. And their painting of certain cyclists as whiter than white didn’t help.
Wow- my belief in humanity
Wow- my belief in humanity is reaffirmed! I was expecting knee jerk complaints and instead EVERYONE AGREES that P&P were beyond shite in every way and Ned and David are actually rather good already, with plenty of potential to improve. Hurrah!
rjfrussell wrote:
Wot he said.
Long overdue breath of fresh air.
They’re doing fine. Thank you
They’re doing fine. Thank you for everything Phil and Paul. Much appreciated but every dog as it’s day.
As long as Ned mentions Charlemagne at some point, keeps dropping in the histories of chateaus then my annual TDF fix is complete.
Phil and Paul’s muppet show
Phil and Paul’s muppet show drove me to Eurosport and having sampled Ned and Dave I’m still happy paying my subscription for Carlton and Sean.
CyberTonTo – Are there
CyberTonTo – Are there adverts in the show? Surely that is what a digibox and fast forward button are for!
rollorawles wrote:
Top tip if you have Virgin and are short of time: put subtitles on then press FF button once. You can read the commentary and not miss anything, yet get through the ‘quieter’ stretches faster. Works for ITV.
They were OK the late 80s and
They were OK the late 80s and early 90s when we didn’t know any better.
They are woeful now….pointless drivel for hours on end…see the Tour Down Under for examples….thank God ITV have got rid of them.
Boulting and Millar are a vast improvement. All they need to do now is change that awful intro music. The final credit music on the highlights is allays brilliant, just change the beginning…please?
Hurrah for progress !!
Shipley wrote:
I like it. Super cheesy, sure, but the sound of the summer. A little tongue in cheek. Like the show, at times.
Just this: hoorah for cycling on free to air TV!
I wouldn’t be as harsh on
I wouldn’t be as harsh on Liggett and Sherwen as some others have been, but Boulting and Millar have been a revelation. Pro cycling must be one of the harder sports to commentate on, giving the closeness of the action, the speed of the action and the amount of crucial action that comes from a fore shortening head on camera angle, but Boulting has rarely put a foot wrong so far.
Agreed. It’s such a relief to
Agreed. It’s such a relief to have commentators who are able to think on their feet and actually pronounce riders’ names properly. Yes, Ned’s bedding in but you try talking for four hours interestingly and see how you get on. Much better than Kirby, Liggett and Sherwen. No more ‘traffic circles’ and stupid African proverbs. Add to this Sarah Connolly commentating on The Women’s Tour and I heart ITV!
Meaulnes wrote:
I think they’re all needing bedding in time, but I get the feeling they care enough to work on it and do so. So many sports have famous-name commentators who get away with talking shit.
I’ll never be a fan of Millar though.
It used to really boil my
It used to really boil my piss everytime Phil said “Boyson Hagen”.
Welcome change.
Not nearly enough chateau
Not nearly enough chateau description for me. I don’t think I’ve heard a square keep mentioned once.
I am enjoying the change of
I am enjoying the change of commentary. I had taken to watching on mute for the last few years.
Liggett and Sherwen didn’t
Liggett and Sherwen didn’t appear to be even trying to fake interest in the sport for many years now . I deserted to Eurosport long ago (which comes with its own unique irritations). I just hope this is a permanent change for Itv4.
Phil & Paul had long since
Phil & Paul had long since outlived their usefulness. A string of trite clichés, misnamed riders and teams, château descriptions read verbatim from the tourist brochure and a telling of the action that boiled down to “look at the pace now!”
Ned spent several years as a pundit and interviewer so he knows the riders well. Millar was one of the best road captains in the world, he can describe what’s going on almost before it happens with insight and clarity. They’re a great team and will only get better.
I enjoyed ligget for many
I enjoyed ligget for many years but the change is welcome.
Millar really knows his stuff as does kelly on ES and the Boardman chats are always useful too.
25 years I have been listing
25 years I have been listing to Phil and Paul, since the days of 30min shows on C4. But at that time I liked Rolf’s cartoon club, Big Break, and Noel’s House Party too. Time for change.
I found Paul Sherwen
I found Paul Sherwen patronising, then again he was commentating for the Americans!
Are people listening to the
Are people listening to the same Ned Boulting? I have infinite respect for David Millar; his insight into the sport and the riders is immense and his commentary always enlightening. Ned; a refugee from football who seems incapable of even identifying riders in a bunch and doesn’t seem to know his left from his right (unless of course he’s watching a different video stream eg helicopter vs motorbike, in which case why is he not watching the same stream that is televised?)
KnowThyInnerTube wrote:
Are people listening to the same Ned Boulting? I have infinite respect for David Millar; his insight into the sport and the riders is immense and his commentary always enlightening. Ned; a refugee from football who seems incapable of even identifying riders in a bunch and doesn’t seem to know his left from his right (unless of course he’s watching a different video stream eg helicopter vs motorbike, in which case why is he not watching the same stream that is televised?)
— KnowThyInnerTube
When I first started watching the highlights this year I was muting the sound as Ned Boulting was so annoying! But I found David Millar great right from the off, now a few days in Boulting seems to have calmed down a bit but he does seem to get his lefts and rights mixed up but I think he is talking about the right and left sides of the road not the peleton as we look at it.
Can’t beat Sean
Can’t beat Sean ‘bonifications’ Kelly on Eurosport IMHO.
drosco wrote:
I prefer ITV4 with Ned and David .
I can’t understand Sean Kelly. He was a great rider but commentaries drive me nuts.
Phil Ligget gets my vote and was superb, I loved his commentaries on ITV4 he’s a super guy.
Jack Burnickle who commentates on Superbikes is another great commentator. Different sport but still two wheels lol .
Need Boulting is a refreshing
Need Boulting is a refreshing change but David Millar is a droning bore who makes seemingly arrogant insightful comments generally realised as twaddle. How can people be so critical of the likes of Armstrong yet accept this drugs cheat with open arms
Sleekspook wrote:
Millar got caught and when the evidence was laid on him he threw his hands up. Par for the course, doping and cycling have been hand in hand before I was even born. Cocaine, amphetamines, you name it, they were on it.
Armstrong is unique, that guy wrecked careers, bullied riders and their wives, fought legal battles to cover his industrial scale doping.
Athletes takes drugs at some point in their careers, far more than will ever be outed. That’s a fact. I don’t look at athletes and categorise them as clean or unclean, they’re either caught or questionable. Either way, they’re all incredibly hard workers and talented. That’s why I watch them, not because they’re idols or some balls. They don’t need to be perfect to be inspirational.
Which of Millar’s comments did you consider twaddle can I ask?
Sleekspook wrote:
Because he repented and now works for cleaner cycling. A bit like a criminal who is tried, imprisoned and on coming out works to stop others from doing similar. To be applauded, not derided.
Sleekspook wrote:
Because he repented and now works for cleaner cycling. A bit like a criminal who is tried, imprisoned and on coming out works to stop others from doing similar. To be applauded, not derided.
Sleekspook wrote:
You reveal yourself and your view is really based on your resentment of his druggie past. I don’t like it either but you know what the guy tried to repent, still apologises and is now retired. The judge and jury likes of you would slap him in irons, stick him in solitary and poke sticks at him for eternity and actually he did no wrong to you (so far as I know). You seem to have a lofty view of your own opinion.
I’m not David Millar’s
I’m not David Millar’s biggest fan, he can have an abundance of arrogance at times, but he and Ned have saved the Tour for me this summer. I couldn’t bear listening to the clichéd, trite, repetitive and nonsensical rubbish coming from Phil and Paul any more.
Eurosport’s only saving grace is Sean Kelly. Kirby is, for me, the single worst commentator I’ve ever had the misfortune to listen to. Worse even than Phil and Paul. Annoying, stupid, garbled, and that’s only when I can hear him over him laughing at his own jokes or almost combusting over Froome or Sky.
I look forward to Eurosport realising how out of date he is and permanently repacing him with Rob Hatch, who is far and away the best cycling commentator out there, and who is expert at the topic, the laguages, the culture and at getting the best out of King Kelly.
Until then, Ned and Dave will do for me. Far better knowledge and infitnitely improved delivery. They’ll only get better too.
MLN7 wrote:
Arrrgh God no! Yes Kirkby can be irritating and witter on but I can’t stand listening to Rob Hatch: He feels the need to fill every second of silence with his own voice, which he absolutely loves. Constantly interrupting his co-commentators. Ridiculous over-pronunciation in the local accent of the rider’s native tongue. Sure, I’m all for accurate pronunciation but just because you can roll your ‘r’s’ well, doesnt mean you should! Just totally off putting !! ….
(rant over!)
MLN7 wrote:
Absolutely spot on. You read my mind.
ruffest wrote:
Kirby is, for me, the single worst commentator I’ve ever had the misfortune to listen to. Worse even than Phil and Paul.
I look forward to Eurosport realising how out of date he is and permanently repacing him with Rob Hatch
— ruffest Absolutely spot on. You read my mind.— MLN7
Kirby is Marmite but I like him. Declan is the best commentator IMHO.
MLN7 wrote:
As has been mentioned – Rob Hatch and Rob Hayles do a fine (albeit short) turn on BBC radio 5 live sports extra
David Millar’s intelligent
David Millar’s intelligent and informed analyses are a treat to listen to: he observes so well what is going on, and even a seasoned viewer will learn from his contributions. Ned Boulting has much improved from his ‘yellow jumper’ days… and has some informed contributions to make. However, Ned isn’t yet comfortable with the live coverage – there are pregnant pauses, and where Duffers or Carlton Kirby will talk ‘in passing’ about some of the vagaries of where they are passing, Ned isn’t as well prepared for the bits when the action is more or less static. He will improve with time, but does need more groundwork to make the live commentary run smoothly.
I’ve known both Phil & Paul
I’ve known both Phil & Paul since I was 16 and I’m now 60….I know they both have more knowledge of top flight bike racing than any of the “commentators” posting to this article but that said, it’s time for a change, Ned’s great and has a solid TdF background and DM has the T shirt so no complaints. Nothing wrong with channel hopping during the live feed (Sean’s priceless and a hero) but ITV’s highlights are the best round-up of the day. Phil was the first and has done so much to get us where we are now with top drawer coverage – thanks from the people who really know!
For me Phil Liggett and Paul
For me Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen were the sound of the summer and the voice of the Tour. In fact I enjoyed the commentary equally as much as the cycling. In a world of change, some things are good because they stay the same. Remember the late James Alexandra Gordon?
i actually emailed ITV4 and the person who replied didn’t even know who they were. There has been no announcement by ITV nor any thanks given to Phil and Paul.
i had reason to contact Phil Liggett a few times for work and I have never had dealings with a more polite and helpful individual. His charges for his time were a few hundred pounds. I later spoke with Mark Cavendish for similar help with a promotion and his fee was £100K+ to do the exactly the same promotional task.
i do like Millar and Boulting but they are not the sound of summer. They are just commentators – albeit with superb knowledge in the case of David Millar.
Please do the decent thing ITV4 and do a special tribute and send-off for Phil and Paul.
Who’s this Tomma Vochhleurrre
Who’s this Tomma Vochhleurrre chappy?
Jonny_Trousers wrote:
More importantly why is he imitating Thomas Voykler. It is uncanny, the way he copies Voykler’s gurning, but it would be more convincing if he had a green top on.
From a tonal perspective, I
From a tonal perspective, I think Phil Liggett’s excited sprint finish voice is far superior to Ned’s.
I like Ned and David knows
I like Ned and David knows his stuff but I still shudder after reading Nicole Cookes autobiography. Miller nearly destroyed a generation of riders with his part in the cheating. Maybe I should move on like he seems to have done. I used to love P&P but I can never forgive their apologist attitude to Voldemort.
I liked Phil, especially for
I liked Phil, especially for the sprints but my feelings for Paul Sherwen bordered on hatred because of his list of sayings he would wheel out every year:
‘Turning himself inside-out’,
‘ploughing that lonely furrow’,
‘when I was a pro bike rider…’,
‘impetus’.
i just couldn’t stand him and do glad he’s gone. Will miss Phil though, he’s s nice guy too. Some years ago I spoke to him on his Phil & Friends CCC sportive and he was so friendly and approachable.
plook wrote:
Ha. I feel your pain. Try playing “front end of the main field” bingo. Each time he says it, down a shot. You’ll be off your face in about 5 minutes.
Godawful. Good riddance. 😉
We are spoilt at the moment.
We are spoilt at the moment.
I tend to watch the Eurosport coverage (I have it in HD while ITV4 I do not).
We have the fantastic Ashley House anchoring the show with the ever improving Juan Antonio as his sidekick.
Greg LeMond is great too offering his insights (if you’ve not watched LeMond on Le Tour in the evening then please do, I could listen to Greg all day).
The commentary isn’t bad either, Carlton Kirby and Sean (along with Declan) for the English feed.
It has improved so much in the last 3 years. Plus Ashley House makes me want to have more yellow in my wardrobe.
Brian Smith for me. A
Brian Smith for me. A brilliant commentator, insightful, unflappable. A good antidote to Calton Kirkby.
Miller is good, ditto Kelly, so I flip between itv4 and eurosport for tdf. Especially as you have decent punditry from Imlach and Boardman after. You dont actually get much cycling footage in the hour slot though compared to Eurosport.
As an aside, those who decry Ligget for being a doping apologist can’t really support Miller though can they?
Amazing how the commentary
Amazing how the commentary accounts for a significant proportion of watching a race, and can even make or break it.
I can’t help thinking Ned was better (excellent in fact) as roving reporter, he seemed to get on well with the riders and had enough knowledge for them to engage with him. However not yet sure he has the delivery to anchor hours of shots of a sand bagging peleton and castles with or without the slightly awkward Miller. Time will tell, they’ll both loosen up and improve. For sure an improvement on the outgoing duo.
Imlach and Boardman are great in their roles and make a solid team that will hopefully continue for years. Imalch in particular could do with more air time. Agreed the music and title sequence is dreadful
I think Europsort have it locked down though with occasional buffoonary from Carlton, contrasting with Sean Kelly’s sharp reading of the race. Personally I really enjoy Carlton’s musings and gentle self depreciation, he brings much life, humour and a light touch to hours of not much happening, punctuated by Sean’s dry observtions. Let Carlton love Froome, someone has to. He holds the riders in genuine and infectious awe.
Declan and Brian Smith are also excellent, however the breathless Rob Hatch and lifeless Rob Hayles I find make poor commentators. Matt Stephens is good but could talk a little less.
nadsta wrote:
Rob is however a perfect foil for OJ Borg on BBC Bespoked.
While I quite like David and
While I quite like David and Ned, this is yet another erosion of our charming and quaint Britishness. First we saw Murray Walker edged out from F1 by supposed experts Alain Prost and David Coulthard and now we have Ned, David and that Boardman bloke who apparently bring a different class of professionalism to the extensive cycling commentary we have on British TV.
I for one like to hear the little faux pas (that’s French) we got from Paul and Phil as well as the rambling discussion during an edge of the seat sprint about a bottle of wine they shared in 1976. That’s British commentary at its best. Who knows where this new world progression will end.
They’ll be quoting distances in kilometres next .
samuri wrote:
People are free to be charming and quaint all they like. If there is an erosion, it’s because society itself is becoming less insular and people are themselves acting less quaintly. It’s called change. It’s not good or bad, it just is. Also, what you consider charming, can be interpreted as standoffish or uptight by someone else. Charm has different forms for different people. This is especially unique in the UK where middle class charm can be seen as offensive to the working class (as it’s a way of letting lessers know their place), and equally, working class charm can be considered crass to the middle class. So what you really want are newer savvier presenters that flout stereotypes and don’t lay a stake as to their place in the class system.
Kirby and Kelly both do this amazingly. Millar too, his standoffishness and slightly posh toned down Scots accent is counterbalanced with his drug fueled, drunken, often troubled and loner past. He has a dandyish left-field streak too. Clearly a dark horse, his voice hides it well. These characteristics make Millar colourful enough to engage a newer generation who want anything but a reminder of sleepy Sunday afternoon 80s TV voices when watching a race. Millar’s cool, in a raffish way.
This word erosion is insidious and most commonly used by bigots, which is why I’m offering a view. People who use it make it sound intentional or conspiratorial. Not that I’m saying that’s you, but I’m laying the cards on the table in any case.
Maybe newer generations don’t want to listen to slow rambling boring duffers who’ve nothing to add to what’s an exciting, frantic, adrenaline rushing sport.
Daniel Friebe clearly knows
Daniel Friebe clearly knows what he is talking about, but you can tell his background is in the written word as seems a bit awkward on screen.
Overall the ITV highlights are pretty good, just wish they could be on an hour earlier.
I find Ned ‘n Dave quite
I find Ned ‘n Dave quite refreshing, but am torn between them on ITV and Carlton Kirby and Sean ‘Tour of France’ Kelly on Eurosport.
Tbh it depends on the quality of the picture on the particular device I’m using at the time – the internet stream for ITV4 is quite poor, whereas the Eurosport player on me phone is crystal clear usually.
I quite liked the old
I quite liked the old descriptions of the scenery and trivia about the areas, even if it was verbatim from the tourist brochures! 🙂 That said I haven’t been able to watch any of it live so far this year, only the highlights, so there hasn’t been so much need to fill the time.
I like Gary Imlach’s humour too. 🙂
DaveE128 wrote:
Don’t forget Chris Boardman he is a star with a gsoh too!
David Millar does talk a bit
David Millar does talk a bit fast at times but he is improving all the time, as is the partnership between he and Ned. His insight in last year’s Criterium de Dauphine opened my eyes to what happens in the peloton. He has continued to explain in detail ever since. A valuable edition.
Phil and Paul have done very well out of commentating over the years and still have the NBC contract so I wouldn’t weep too hard for them. I’ll miss Phil’s voice but I love the new insights offered by Millar and Ned.
Phil and Paul’s departure is
Phil and Paul’s departure is the end of an era for me and I can’t help feeling a little saddened by it. They were the soundtrack to summer and I have fond memories of watching the highlights after riding home from school/work.
That said, it was time, if not a few years overdue, for a change. I like Ned a lot: I don’t think he’s quite there yet for anchoring the commentary but no doubt he’ll get into his groove a bit more. Same with Millar; once they both loosen up a bit I reckon they’ll be a really good team.
Part of the reason for change
Part of the reason for change was that ITV4 didn’t actually own the commentary. P&P were doing it for a number of different channels (all over the world) and ITV4 were simply buying it so they had no control over what was being said and the audience it was being aimed at.
It was why Paul Sherwen used to say:
“the yellow jersey, the maillot jaune, the leader of the race… is in trouble now” to explain it to 12 different countries.
Having your own specific commentary means the channel gets to put their own specific take on things, appeal to their own audience and ITV4 has actually done very well out of cycling and has a generally very knowledgable audience base who don’t need to hear the repetitive crap of Paul describing a rider turning himself inside out, opening his suitcase of courage, rocking all over his machine and saying “bridge to engine room, more power please”.
Honestly, you could have made a crib sheet of the 10 phrases most commonly employed, turned it into a drinking game and been hammered within an hour!
(that said, you still can’t beat Sean Kelly “makin’ de cal-cul-aation”. Brilliant!)
Ned and David are excellent, they’re getting into a good rapport, they know the current crop of riders and they both speak good French so know how to pronounce names and places. Good work from ITV4!
Not nearly enough chateau
Not nearly enough chateau description for me. I don’t think I’ve heard a square keep mentioned once.
There’s plenty of information about chateaux on this guide to the 2016 Tour de France, as well as the climbs, sprints, profiles etc.
I’m enjoying David Millare
I’m enjoying David Millare insights but am less impressed with Ned, who comes over as if he is pretending to know about cycling. All IMHO, of course.
I said during the Tour De
I said during the Tour De Yorkshire that the Ned/David combo were good and that I could see no reason to pay, what I expect is a high fee, for Phil & Paul. Phil’s cock ups have been getting more and more pronounced and as said, basically they just repeated the same old stuff. Sadly I think that since the Lance years and the need for English language race calling for US TV coverage, they’ve got a bit big for their boots.
The only downside I am experiencing is the Ned/Chris comedy technical slots.
Liggett needs to retire if
Liggett needs to retire if only for one reason, Lance. Not only did he say that if it was every proven that Lance had doped he’d quit commentating but he also threw out all manner of conspiracy theories about USADA et al paying people to lie under oath to get a clean Armstrong booted from the sport. He’s a moron and really good riddance from the UK airwaves but he needs to go, full stop.
Watched Cav win today on ITV
Watched Cav win today on ITV & Eurosport, much more exiting with Carlton Kirby commentary !
I stopped listening to Phil
I stopped listening to Phil Liggott after TdF 2014 when he spent most of the time rubbishing Yorkshire & bigging up Cambridgeshire. He followed this up with comments rubbishing the proposed TdY. He wasn’t neutral or pro-cycling, he was just bigoted even when an estimated 6 million people proved him wrong.
I swear, if I heard “Little
I swear, if I heard “Little Tommy Voyckler” one more time…….
Love Ned and Dave. Imlach
Love Ned and Dave. Imlach great as ever. (Great book about his dad and football). I also miss the Ned and Chris comedy spots, but overall ITV have upped their game on the Tour.
Millar’s insight is deep,
Millar’s insight is deep, really deep. You think you know what is going on and then he gives angles of racecraft that are just not obvious at first. He takes you into the minds of the teams, the cars and most importantly the riders. Superb on the Dauphine and top drawer on Le Tour.
Ned is learning on the job, he’s a good guy and has bags of enthusiasm so deserves some slack on the critique. Bless him, he gets a few bits wrong but who cares.
All the best Paul & Phil, I
All the best Paul & Phil, I did enjoy your commentary & local knowledge. Good luck David & Ned.
To be honest I hadn’t really
To be honest I hadn’t really noticed the change, but now thinking about it, in my view, the current arrangement is a definite improvement. Glad that Boardman no longer mis-reads the scripted descriptions of the many churches and chateaux that the Tour passes (although some of his mistakes were very amusing). Millar can sound a little monotone but this is overcome by his insight into what is actually happening in the peleton. Friebe is a good addition to the team with his intelligent questioning of the riders, and his presentation skills have improved greatly from the early “giggly” years of the wonderful Cycling Podcast.
The new team is gelling well
The new team is gelling well together. David Millar is excellent in giving an insight into what is happening in the peloton and why some things are tatically happening or not. He has also done his homework on the places of interest shown from the helicoptor shots. My wife doesn’t particlarly like the cycling but is quite happy to watch because of the scenery and places of interest!!
Yesterday, when Millar was
Yesterday, when Millar was explaining why breakaways fail if they are too big, and why there would be an attack by a few riders was revelatory. You really couldn’t see P&P sharing that level of insight could you?
One bit of advice I would
One bit of advice I would give Millar is not to say anything in the last kilometre, it’s really a time for commentating rather than punditry. But teething problems apart I think they’re an improvement.
P&P commentary is a part of my 80s and 90s teenage years, I have great memories of watching the tour on Ch4 listening to them but their patter hasn’t altered a bit since then. 30 years, the same script; change was needed.
Can’t quite put my finger on
Can’t quite put my finger on what it is, but there is just something about Millar and Ned’s voices that is not as captivating as the old two. I think Liggett sounded like he really LOVED what he was commentating on and had an infectious enthusiasm which I enjoyed. Boardman and imlach are perfect in there roles tho.