Richard Michael
DeanoHarmoMichael's Musings - Le Tour de France
July 11th 2007 00:17
Category: No Category
If you prefer watching a marathon to a sprint, if you enjoy a tactical battle; then you will enjoy the Tour de France and the live late night coverage on SBS.
Like so many Australians, I had never realised why road cycling was so popular in Europe. I'd seen the odd highlights package, but highlights don't reflect the true spirit of the race. Each stage is a contest that has to unfold, and cutting off the unfolding cuts off much of the excitement.
The course is not the same every year, and there are no race records or stage records up for grabs. And although the race is named the Tour de France and is largely based in France, it sometimes heads over the border into other countries. This year it started in England, and passed through Belgium before going into France.
It is a fascinating tactical battle. Often a small group of riders will break away from the main field, the peleton, and make the front-running. But as the race unfolds, the breakaway will establish a lead before the peleton increases the pace and catches up. Then the sprinters, the fast-finishers, will come into their own as the day's racing heads to the finish line.
Riders race in teams, and will work to help their team-mates out. The pace of the breakaway is often determined by the team's communication, as is the timing of when the peloton make their move.
Like many viewers, I discovered the fascination of the Tour de France almost by accident a couple of years ago. SBS left their coverage of the Ashes cricket a couple of years ago to show the Tour de France. At the time I was disappointed the cricket coverage was being cut, but decided to give the race a go and before long the thoughts of "why are they cutting the cricket for a bike race" was replaced by "this is really good".
SBS's coverage certainly helps out in this regard. The coverage begins with some local flavour from the region the race moves through, with Gabriel Gate serving up the local delicacy. During the race itself, Phil Liggett's commentary is exceptional - bringing the race alive so even novices like me know what's going on. As well as the race itself, it's a scenic tour with some breathtaking views of the countryside and the quaint old villages. As the race moves through the mountains the panoramic views are something to behold.
If you've never checked out the Tour de France before, tune in to SBS at night and have a look. You won't regret it.
Pic from Sportal.com.au
Like so many Australians, I had never realised why road cycling was so popular in Europe. I'd seen the odd highlights package, but highlights don't reflect the true spirit of the race. Each stage is a contest that has to unfold, and cutting off the unfolding cuts off much of the excitement.
The course is not the same every year, and there are no race records or stage records up for grabs. And although the race is named the Tour de France and is largely based in France, it sometimes heads over the border into other countries. This year it started in England, and passed through Belgium before going into France.
Riders race in teams, and will work to help their team-mates out. The pace of the breakaway is often determined by the team's communication, as is the timing of when the peloton make their move.
The overall leader wears the yellow jersey and stands out in the crowd
Like many viewers, I discovered the fascination of the Tour de France almost by accident a couple of years ago. SBS left their coverage of the Ashes cricket a couple of years ago to show the Tour de France. At the time I was disappointed the cricket coverage was being cut, but decided to give the race a go and before long the thoughts of "why are they cutting the cricket for a bike race" was replaced by "this is really good".
SBS's coverage certainly helps out in this regard. The coverage begins with some local flavour from the region the race moves through, with Gabriel Gate serving up the local delicacy. During the race itself, Phil Liggett's commentary is exceptional - bringing the race alive so even novices like me know what's going on. As well as the race itself, it's a scenic tour with some breathtaking views of the countryside and the quaint old villages. As the race moves through the mountains the panoramic views are something to behold.
If you've never checked out the Tour de France before, tune in to SBS at night and have a look. You won't regret it.
Pic from Sportal.com.au
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Comment by charles
ZCars
Ponderous
Charles.
Comment by sportsbar
Fret X
It is a sport that is not weather dependent, if it rains, the cyclists have to bare the elements and get on with the job. As Phil Liggett said "Who would want to be a professional bike rider?"
The race itself became hugely popular during the raign of Lance Armstrong and his inspirational story brought the tour to life. A lot of the recent found interest in the tour can be attributed to the 'live strong' legacy of Lance Armstrong.
There is actually a really good, hard-hitting article about cycling in Australia, it lays light to the dangers young training athletes face and the extent of the fatalities. If your interested in cycling and the tour I suggest you read it. It is in this month's issue of inside sport.
Cheers, sportsbar.net.au
Comment by Michael Shillito
Nozzin' Aroun'
SportsBar, thanks for your comments too. The first race I watched to any great extent (after stumbling across it by accident when they cut the cricket a couple of years ago) was Lance Armstrong's last tour. It's an amazing story, after his cancer could so easily have killed him, for him to come back and dominate the sport the way he did.
I'll definately have to check out that Inside Sport article when it comes out.
Cheers,
Michael.