At dinner, you gather around the table and argue the hell out of it, and thats a big thing. A new bike is coming very soon! We caught up with Kirby to learn what is gained for the telecast and what is lost from these two very different broadcasting scenarios. I speak no language other than English. The actual bones of the job are quite similar. pic.twitter.com/MaRgbFKTet, The Ella Roberta Family Foundation (@rosamund_ElsFdn) March 25, 2019, @emmachamberlain at her soul cycling class. You sit there, its often quite quiet, and you get brought an exotic meal like a guacamole sandwich. Next time you watch, ask yourself how many of his critiques are aimed against non-Anglophone riders. VN:Whats it like calling a race from back home at the studio? He has been commentating on the Tour de France since 2009, and his deep knowledge of the race and the riders makes him one of the most respected commentators in the sport. Eurosport have a lot of these, so theres a lot of conversation going on in your ear [between producers] and its quite a task trying to keep the flow of what you are saying, Kirby says. The commentary line-up will include regular voices Rob Hatch and Carlton Kirby, who will also joined by cycling legend Sean Kelly at all three major races. UPDATE: New online Zoomcast show, July 16, click through for tickets. But not today in the Vuelta or yesterday, and this is the first time I have heard Kirby commentating. The Wanty-GroupeGobert rider was air lifted to hospital after the crash yesterday, but thankfully it seems like he's in a stable condition. #GPDenain pic.twitter.com/2DsagK73lS, Wanty-Gobert Cycling Team (@TeamWantyGobert) March 24, 2019. How do you call one of the biggest sporting events on the planet? because there wuld be an uprising in the country. I don't know the guy but I wish in netherlands we would do it with mart smeets, danny nelissen and herbert dijkstra, who are complete idiots. At least he can string a sentence together and he seems to bring good comments out of Backstedt. VN:So, what really is gained by being on-site? Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. You are as ill informed as Kirby. e-bikes are very much the SUVs of the car world with every manufacturer seemingly keen to add at least one to their range to not miss out. But saves my life" German governments helmet advert sparks sexism row, - Sir Gary Verity steps down from Welcome to Yorkshire for health reasons after "errors of judgement" with his expenses, -Bristol taxi driver who cut up cyclist and braked in front of him has licence revoked (+ video), -Porn Pedallers to carry on riding despite being stripped of British Cycling affiliation. Creativelyreplacing it witha Trek 1.2, Jack mostly rides this bikearound local cycle paths nowadays, but when he wants to get the racer out and be competitive hispreferred events are time trials, sportives, triathlons and pogo sticking - the latter being another long story. The concern of course is how much is this going to take out of him before he begins preparations for the Olympic Games next month? Well, Ill tell you: It makes your view of the race verifiable when youre there. Its a massive operation. In the early 1990's he became a freelance commentator. As well as sports commentary his voiceover work includes corporate videos and feature films as well as radio and television advertising. but the bike was nowhere to be found!" Eurosport commentator. We've asked Colnago for more details but they just shrugged their shoulders in reply. It is not just the motocycles remember. Stay tuned! Strade Bianche 2023, March 4, one-day classic (men's & women's), 78th Omloop Het Nieuwsblad: February 25, 2023, UAE Tour 2023, February 20-26 (women's race February 9-12), O Gran Camio 2023, Spain, February 23-26, 49th Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta (2.Pro) // February 15th - 19th 2023, Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne 2023 February 26, 196 km (1.Pro). His voice tends to wake me up from my nap when something happens. It easy to forget that before this tour Mark Cavendish, the greatest of all great sprinters, had never beaten Marcel Kittel in a head-to-head. Discovery company. We need to get to tomorrows finish line, and sometimes that is a four-hour drive. She got hit by a car and thats someones mum, not just a cyclist. Kittel was completely shocked, and has been getting more and more upset as this Tour has gone on. Theyre the best stages, and the most exciting ones, but often as a commentator the days you take the most pride in are actually the ones where absolutely sod all has happened! "In tennis you never talk through a point because the crowd don't. In certain sports, you have to respect the action, and then you comment on it. And then, of course, there are the flat stages and the sprint finishes. From the Eurosports studios in London, covering the tour is not the same as waiting at the finish line. As for Kirby - its the arrogance of the bloke - does he think his viewers are 10 year olds who know NOTHING about cycling. Id love to see this Eurosport commentator substantiate even 1% of the outrageous claims he makes. It means sometimes were not actually commentating from the finish line because the Tour de France is so huge theres about 8,000 people attached to the Tour. . The road curved, but it was nothing to concern one's self with. That is exactly what has happened now. I usually increase the pace especially on a sprint day to match the peloton, Kirby admits. My primary issue with Carlton Kirby is that he doesn't commentate on what is happening (he rambles whatever is inside his head). Such things impact ones reputation a lot, and there is no way around it. It just stays online forever. There's also his lack of knowledge. You must invest in an alarm upgrade to BT Redcare. I think this is what is powering Marks mind at the moment. You must log in or register to reply here. We dont want this man commentating. The youngsters were congratulated by the force on Twitter, as they helped chase down a thief who had stolen over 300 worth of goods. I like Carlton too, not as much as Harmon, granted, but I've given up on him coming back. Me too. Nah, Harmon is clued up. The blokes an insult to all cyclists. Theres an awful lot of distractions to keep on top of, so if you happen to be looking at your notes when somebody has a moment and you dont see it, its not your fault., Kirby laughs. The atmosphere fills up with buzz from moment to moment that enthusiasm pushes the words out of the heart. According to the Telegraph, cyclists and joggers could be targeted as part ofa new Government initiative to work out who is leaving waste behind in countryside. I don't have anything against him personally, but he doesn't seem to get the basics of the sport. He clearly thinks he's the star of the show. But it was here he developed the ability to call a sprint. You get a sense of the weather a bright morning, going up this morning in a hail storm, and the hailstones are this big. Yes Harmon is okay and like I said - at least he does his homework on the teams and riders and hangs on every word uttered by Sean Kellyas though he is keen to learn the professional circuit. Eurosport will never get rid of Carlton Kirby, he receives so much fan-mail that it will far out way any negative feedback they get from him. In the mountains, when you have say four significant peaks to climb, the day tells itself and often all you have to do is call it as it happens. He inspires such devotion that he has his own fan club, yet also is on the receiving end of a petition to get him sacked. Thats because the Tours largest broadcasters are staying at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, rather than broadcasting the race on-site in France. During a long interview, the legendary veteran commentator of Eurosports shares some of his knowledge about the job. Eurosport's lead cycling commentator's weekly guide to what's not going on in cycling during the lockdown. Kirby is a shockingly bad commentator, but Harmon is not much better. When actually its just hand-written sheet of notes to recall from.. I've also been known to drag washing machines behind the bike and throw them down embankments, along with piles of grass clippings, black bags of household rubbish and several hubcaps. If you don't like something, how else can you change it - by saying nothing? James and Joe catch up with the chosen son of cycling commentary, Carlton Kirby. Thats when it down to you and not the riders.. Kirby has the benefit of what he calls the ultimate pass the presence of his legendary co-commentator when it comes to cutting through the crowds and police lines. I like him. This is why he often cracks jokes and laughs heartily. Yates was obviously cooked - why else would anyone work for dozens of kilometres and then give up in the final 2km? pic.twitter.com/RRu5rosVP4, Jeremy Vine (@theJeremyVine) March 24, 2019, This time it's a driver who doesn't get the concept of taking the lane (and is caught soon after he risks an overtake on the clogged up London street anyway), Yesterday officers were helped by youths on pedal cycles & many other members of public in catching a thief (300 theft) from Bentley Bridge who security were chasing for a while. (Clarke is a very good rider, but there is nothing to suggest he SHOULD have won the 2016 M-SR. Watch the race.). Partly, of course, that's his job - but if you give it out, you have to take it. There are no gaps you might shut up for five seconds or so to listen to the crowd, but thats it.. I like Kelly just out of respect more than anything. Carlton's voice is familiar to fans of Motorsports and Cycling both on British Television and throughout the world. Mrs John Murphy May 3, 2010 2,662 0 0 Aug 26, 2011. I comfort myself with the fact that there are people out there who actually hate Terry Wogan. If you are not interested you can unsubscribe at any time. And its only the past year that we even get to see more than the Tour de France. For over 20 years, be it the Tour de France, Olympic Games, Monte Carlo Rally or Le Mans 24 Hours, his easy-going manner coupled with incisive commentary and a dramatic edge has made him an audience favourite. Coverage includes enhanced production with access to helicopter, on-board and superslomo cameras. I've decided and bought a '21 Revolt which is nigh on identical in stack and reach to the Defy, only differences being a slacker front end and Well if you ever go to Chesterfield you will be called "youth" however old you are. Well ride that sympathy and see how far it takes us up the beach. During a sprint stage, every turn is important, and sometimes Ill walk the final approach with [commentator] Sean Kelly, and there will be no need to even take notes, because hell just say, Oh, this will be shit. You can read an off-camber turn when youre standing on it, and see the attack points when youre going up and down a mountain. If you're after one, guess that does makethe two grand plus 40 quid a month price tag seem a little fairer A mother from London has launched a petition calling for a second coroner's inquest into the death of her daughter, who passed away at nine years of age in what was originally believed to be an asthma-related case. If it goes on for two or three years, then people will notice because the freshness of what is in our heads will ebb. https://t.co/rFjZ7dTFUE. What is his cycling background ? As is seen in most cases, the primary action of any game takes place during the outset and ending parts. CK: You need the details. Among the big names the Belgian put time into today were Alejandro Valverde, fourth overall and 2 minutes 56 second down in fourth place overall, and Team Skys Egan Bernal, a further 1 second back. While he admits Sagan's explusion for. With very little data being sent to them, and some pretty bad camerawork they have made a good fist of the event in Spain. And then, you hang a look at anyone who is there to find out if theyre going to listen to you. Now it is live pictures going onto blogs, stream TV pictures. I think it is just individual race directors who decide who gets to ride these bikes. You could hear a pin drop. He's obsessed with what he thinks is going to happen, preferring baseless speculation to commentating on what is actually happening. Proper all rounder. But it is also true that there isnt a dearth of genuine fans of Kirby who really appreciate his vast knowledge on the field. No ! We have a quiet conversation about who is going to win today. I tweeted quite a few comments which clearly annoyed him. Talk about what you know. Kirby remarks, Its not like a written press where you can write something out and finesse it and shave it. Kirby says he opens the Tours road book (the bible for riders and media alike) first and foremost, having to change all of the notes to match his commentary notes and the on-screen graphics counting down the kilometres, rather than up as the book does. It is amusing that explaining this is futile, he remarks. Tao Geoghegan Hart (@taogeoghegan) March 25, 2019. Apologies it's in super annoying meme form (we couldn't find the originalsource) but this is too good not too share! Cavendish swept to his second win at the Tour of Turkey with another . To cycling fans, Carlton Kirbys voice has become synonymous with the sport, having become an integral part of British Eurosports racecoverage. And, he is right about it. A mile from home, looked behind me, moved to the centre of the lane, stuck my arm out to turn right, got Editorial, general: info [at] road.cc Learn More, Blog: Abusing other cyclists highlights everything wrong with cycling in Britain, Chris Froome backed by strong Team Sky squad for Vuelta a Espana, Vuelta a Espana 2015 route: five stages which could decide the race, Vuelta a Espana 2015: five stages which could decide the race. All rights reserved. My Ultimate Commuter, rebuilding her at the moment, everything external. Its the art of illusion. Eurosport is a group of pay television networks in Europe and parts of Asia. In the early 1990s he became a freelance commentator. why must us cyclists have to tolerate a commentator who has no knowledge of professional cycling. More often than not they slip into commentary which is at best nationalistic, and at worst xenophobic. I think there seems to be a bad feeling against cyclists and its really strange because theyre only people, he continued. Carlton's voice is familiar to fans of Motorsports and Cycling both on British Television and throughout the world. join Outside+. Eurosport's lead cycling commentator Carlton Kirby presents a weekly guide to everything that's NOT happening in the sport this year, with stories and reflections from his 25 years in the gantry. A close study of the final 20 kilometres follows, picking out key hazardslike pinch points, street furniture and likely attack points, before the repeating the study in the car alongside King Kelly as the pair make their way to the commentary point at the stage finish. Set the scene for us. I am very sorry but he is just nowhere near the standards of messrs. Liggett, Boulting, Miller and Hatch. And we have managed to cover his view on it. One of the worlds most iconic cycling brands appears set to launch an e-bike. So many other cycling commentators on Eurosport. Kittel is still the fastest guy out there, but when he turns on the taps there is going to be a point when his maximum capacity starts to diminish. I would rather have the sound off than listen to his pathetic attempts to link words and phrases together rather than comment on the racing (as opposed to being able to identify riders) about which he knows precious little. I realise that commentating on a race involving nearly 200 riders is challenging, but since 1986 I have always been able to follow what is going on thanks to the commentary. Baseless. 2023 Eurosport, a Warner Bros. Whilst im not Carltons biggest fan (prefer Backstead w Harmon) I very much doubt I could talk for between 1 and 5 hours without descending into complete nonsense from time to time. How much longer do the cycling public have to suffer the idiotic commentary from Carlton Kirby ?? Carlton learnt his trade as a commentator in Motorsport and Speedway while the holy trinity of Phil Ligget (ITV), David 'Duffers' Duffield (Eurosport) and Hugh Porter (BBC) had all the cycling tied up between them. He is rubbish Eurosport have many other far better options we need a decent commentator not Carltons partridge esque musings. I changed to German commentary on eurosport international today I was so mad. You can't work commentating on it for as long as he has next to informative ex-pros without some of it getting in through osmosis at the least. It is all kinds of stuff. He has to engage with the directors in the ear, guarantee that innumerable hours of gaps are filled in suitably, deal with incoming radio announcements, all the while tackling an uproar of a different kind with the action around him. It's embarrassing now. De Gendt, Volta 2019 Stage 1 winner. And, one can understand the enthusiasm that has kept him going despite the setbacks and even criticism from people. Please tell your friends: Ive read so many negative comments about Kirby that unlike most online petitions this one could work. The sights and sounds of the race and the attention of aptitude in an ample pressroom can renounce some valuable chunks for a commentator. Eurosport's lead cycling commentator Carlton Kirby presents a weekly guide to everything that's NOT happening in the sport . At the moment I turn up to a large building that has been stripped of staff, and there are just 16 people in the building. Harmon's attitude can best be described as 'wogs begin at Calais'. So, what is Scottish Cycling / British Cycling doing about this? . hatcher - are you Harmon's mum? There has to be some kind of distance applied and minimal standards of what is needed. Thanks to all who have signed. Ive now just watched the end of Milan-Sanremo again: Aranburu wasnt in the first group behind Morhoric, so he literally couldnt have come higher than 10th. Carlton Kirby: 'Joo Almeida, who won't worry anyone in the General Classification'. Kittel threw his arms up in the air, and lost not only first place, but second, third and fourth..winding up in fifth because of his complaints. But saves my life" German governments helmet advert sparks sexism row, Bristol taxi driver who cut up cyclist and braked in front of him has licence revoked (+ video), Porn Pedallers to carry on riding despite being stripped of British Cycling affiliation, in: Car crashes into building - please post your Local news stories, in: Has cycling become F1? . Kittel did win stage four, but then Cavendish beat him again on stage six. I've been told to stop having a go at the motorcycles, but it is purely from a safety aspect and sadly this poor guy, who was very a vibrant talent at the age of only 25, has lost his life. carlton kirby leaves eurosport 2021; carlton kirby leaves eurosport 2021. This afternoon, I yet again, tolerated his insulting drivel on the Dauphine. They will tell you, Yes, so-and-so is looking really mentally fatigued, or, they are saying, Hes getting very aggressive in the peloton and weve had a word with the team, that is all great information. As for the Sky Team Fans member - you wouldnt actually be Mr Kirby would you ???? From dealing with the never-ending frenzy of action, and incessant radio announcements, to having to tackle the director. Once its out there youre done, so youll just have to forgive me if I make the odd gaffe. Theres so much stuff going on because in front of us for starters, we have live timing, results sheets, stage profiles, live pictures, alternative live pictures and a sub-monitor with the schedule. He's fine when it's all action but flounders when it's a longer stage. For god's sake grow up the man's just doing his job some of it good, some of it bad Is it my imagination or has there been more talk about commentators than cycling on here recently? He was hinting today that he would be commentating on Paris-Roubaix (just after he said that Froome was 'over-raced' this year), so I'd be grateful if as many people as possible could comment/vote before it is too late: Mmmmm, unfortunately, the suggested replacement is just as clueless, just quieter. 2.4K views, 20 likes, 3 loves, 5 comments, 3 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Eurosport: "The pictures were all over the news. Let us know what you think in the comments. Among an awful lot of distractions, as Carlton Kirby explains, commentating on cycling is an arduous process. This is the video I showed Trinity School in Lewisham this morning. I can get caught out, particularly if theres a crash in the last three kilometres, because that can animate the tempo even more and I have to keep something in reserve for the sprint finish. The demands of media and multimedia these days make it more of a serious problem. Controversial! I quite like Kirby. Uhhh, Ill say Bettiol. Thomas De Gendt launched a solo attack from the break with 60 kilometres remaining of todays opening stage of the Volta a Catalunya, covering 163 kilometres and starting and finishing in Calella and the Lotto-Soudal rider now finds himself with a lead of almost three minutes on his rivals. Absolutely mad. At Eurosport, because the producer maynot necessarily be listening to the Englishcommentary, theyll be occasions when I goto Sean and say, so what do you think of Sagan? and hell start mulling it over and responding and then all of a sudden well get a producing lining up a cue pointin his ear, and hell have to switch from his usual, slow voice to speaking very quickly and wrapping up his point in five seconds for no apparent reason to the viewer. Eurosport's lead cycling commentator Carlton Kirby has called for action to regulate the role of motor vehicles in the sport following the tragic death of Belgium's Antoine Demoitie, who was. The man, the myth, the chosen son. I think as well that audiences will be sympathetic, so even if they know were not there, we will be upfront and honest about it. The headline does anyway, while the sources in the article cover a few different potential causes. He is thinking of five wins, and is finally allowing himself to believe he is going to reach the all-time record of the Belgian all-rounder Eddy Merckx's record for stage wins of 34. Its the press guys we see more, because of the mechanics of the day. Like in any other sports, being a cycling commentator for a broadcast has its own perks & lows. Quite brilliant and gutsy from Tom. To cycling fans, Carlton Kirby's voice has become synonymous with the sport, having become an integral part of British Eurosport's race coverage. Thankfully, no tree roots to overcome. And I said: Because I asked him! I asked him at breakfast, because when youre on-site, you can talk to the riders. There must be so many ex-pro riders out there who would give valuable commentary and insight into the races. He said from the rider's perspective, motorbikes get far too close to the race. I'm not sure if they have forgotten about the rule, or if it was always just advisory. When all the commentators from different nationalities are inside the same studio room, it is no longer the same as before, remarks Kirby, in a monotonous tone. Valverde gets it very, very wrong!" exclaimed . There are many great cycling commentators around at the moment, Im afraid Kirby isnt one of them. For example, I know that Jakob Fuglsangs last name means bird song, which is a nice little thing. Antoine Demoitie was tragically killed by a motorcyle at the age of 25. He spoils everyones enjoyment of the race with his silly so called jokes and rubbish talk. Mark is already the greatest sprinter there has ever been. And if you ever thought the job of the commentator was easy, think again, with the ability to multi-task a key skill for anyone working in live television. It is crazy. Simon Clarke, who should have won the 2016 Milan-San Remo is just one in a long, long line of things he invents from nowhere and then portrays as facts, banging on about them throughout a season. All of that is avoidable if you have the right distance and the right protocol in place. Following a two year broadcasting secondment with the United Nations in the South Pacific he joined ITV as TVam's overnight Sports Producer and Reporter. And somebody asked me, why dont you pronounce his name Foo-gel-sang instead ofFoolsong. Harmon's attitude can best be described as 'wogs begin at Calais'. One thing Ive always been able to do is, I believe, see a very wide picture and a lot of different movement, and call those fast and accurately. Shouldnt be that hard to organise with so many people here able to talk eloquently and intelligently for 4 hours. Its quite nice at the Tour de France that we have a roadbook and a history book of everything were going through. The Tour de Suisse is traditionally one of the last big races before the Tour de France. All crescendo sports deserve to be treated as such. Utterly self-absorbed: he had already decided who'd won. After a long journeyback to the hotel, often punctuated by Kelly taking media calls especially on the stages he himself would have thrived on during his career its then a debrief over dinner and back to bed for a seven-hour sleep and restarting the process again the next day. You only need to listen to him to get that he has no time for Johnny Foreigner. I had almost no idea what was going on or who was where. Star names like Sagan getting knocked off and knocked out of races. And suddenly some feel like a part of the race. All the news from the site and beyond as we start a new week. They kept the suspect in view and assisted us in the footchase before he was caught and arrested pic.twitter.com/QcQg7PBcsn, Wednesfield Police (@WednesfieldWMP) March 24, 2019. Can you at least extend our premium subscriptions so we can play all races, until you fix the issue? Baseless. Without wishing to be too disparaging to Mr. Kirby, I dont have Eurosport or the ability to watch cycling live, so I have to make do with highlights. Kirby is not uncomfortable with the spurt of social media and the exponential increase of criticism that has gone alongside with it.