), peppered with the repeated clichs (just see how many times he says 'puppy paws', joining the party or a dozen or so others). Its that melting pot of information that you get on-site. Well ride that sympathy and see how far it takes us up the beach. You cant please everybody and as a commentator thats something you have to get to grips with. Kirby is not uncomfortable with the spurt of social media and the exponential increase of criticism that has gone alongside with it. Nonetheless, one other thing that Kirby believes, sets the very best apart is commitment. I heard him doing weightlifting once. There is absolutely no deficit of distractions for a commentator. If you don't like something, how else can you change it - by saying nothing? All crescendo sports deserve to be treated as such. Marcel Kittel gesticulates as Mark Cavendish wins stage 14 of the Tour de France ahead of Peter Sagan, Stage six finish: Cavendish edges Kittel again in thrilling finale, WATCH: Moment Cavendish finds out he has won. Being on the site always gives you extra material which makes the commentating so natural and energetic. This afternoon, I yet again, tolerated his insulting drivel on the Dauphine. Tom Owen vents his fury after cycling blogger highlights verbal abuse on Box Hill, Geraint Thomas returns as domestique in experienced nine-man line-up, Summit finishes dominate opening fortnight with potentially pivotal time trial in final week, The best of the gear that's dropped into RCUK over the last couple of weeks, One carbon bike and two alloy models for 2016 'cross campaign from Chain Reaction Cycles' in-house bike brand. Its the art of illusion. VN:Whats it like calling a race from back home at the studio? He clearly thinks he's the star of the show. You have engineers popping in and out, you have guests from the different languages, and the only thing separating us from the Germans, on our left, and the French, on our right, are thin sound walls its completely open at the back, he says. Harmon's attitude can best be described as 'wogs begin at Calais'. Coverage includes enhanced production with access to helicopter, on-board and superslomo cameras. Jason Kenny has recounted to the BBC the near miss he and his infant son Albie encountered while out cycling last month. Brentford today angry guy in grey car can't see why he should wait till it's safe to overtake hoots horn, shouts abuse and 100 yards later I'm in front again anyway. Its not something thats learned, or something you can prepare for. This year alone, we had a Sky rider getting his elbow clipped by a security vehicle when he went for a gap when none existed. The best thing you can do is relax, in my opinion, Kirby explains about going live on air. We've asked Colnago for more details but they just shrugged their shoulders in reply. #cycling @carltonkirby whatsonreading.com Carlton Kirby True Tales of the Tour de France | What's On Reading It is amusing that explaining this is futile, he remarks. Hes done it four times, and I think he might want to do it again on the Champs-lyses. Theres no doubt about it, the most difficult thing to do is cover nothing, he says. Its quite nice at the Tour de France that we have a roadbook and a history book of everything were going through. And somebody asked me, why dont you pronounce his name Foo-gel-sang instead ofFoolsong. But I do allow people to believe Im always on-site. With very little data being sent to them, and some pretty bad camerawork they have made a good fist of the event in Spain. The Vuelta a Espana used to be the worst of the Grand Tours because theyd have transitions day of 250km across a desert. I think its just taking a breath and think about the consequences, he concluded. You are as ill informed as Kirby. Uhhh, Ill say Bettiol. The sights and sounds of the race and the attention of aptitude in an ample pressroom can renounce some valuable chunks for a commentator. All rights reserved. As we reported at the time, the six-time Olympic champion tweeted that he had been on a Sunday bike ride with his son when they were almost run over by a van driver who drove at us, then proceeded to angrily inform me it was my fault we nearly died.. He suddenly realises how to beat Kittel, working out the formula to finish first. Get the latest race news, results, commentary, and tech, delivered to your inbox. I think people will appreciate what were trying to deal with. Pure invention; based on nothing. Live blog: "outrageous claims" - Tao Geoghegan Hart lays into Eurosport Carlton Kirby is one of the successful names in the industry, recently had been a topic of gossip for good and bad reasons. As is seen in most cases, the primary action of any game takes place during the outset and ending parts. And within the second group, he sprints hard, coming 13th overall. 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. Carlton Kirby is a sports commentator who is most known for his work commentating on the Tour de France. A lot of these guys seems to have free rein on what they are doing. It is all well having experience, but at some of the smaller races who are the guys riding these bikes? You always get letters or emails from people who really enjoyed your commentary, but youll always get those who hate every fibre of your being.. I don't think much does get through to him, I really wish it did. Yates ended up going out the back of the peloton, losing 1.22. 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. And alongside everything going on in his ear and on the screens in front of him, Kirby says the booths themselves can be a sourceof distraction from the job of commentating. ), there is a thread in the Eurosport 'comments and suggestions' forum requesting that he be removed from the roster. So, what is Scottish Cycling / British Cycling doing about this? 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. So poor . I think this is what is powering Marks mind at the moment. And then, you hang a look at anyone who is there to find out if theyre going to listen to you. Its the press guys we see more, because of the mechanics of the day. It's garnering quite a few sarcastic responses on Twitter Yep, I regularly cycle to MacDonalds, get a load of food, then cycle to the off license, get some beer, and then cycle to a lay by or car park and spread it around the place. For mine, Carlton is the perfect commentator for the 'early shift' on long, flat grand tour stages. It's embarrassing now. As for Kirby - its the arrogance of the bloke - does he think his viewers are 10 year olds who know NOTHING about cycling. Unlike other sports, the practicalities of cycling dont change, and doing this remotely is not at all a good idea, but the situation makes all helpless. Also, Kirby criticises riders in almost every race. This is why he often cracks jokes and laughs heartily. Carlton Kirby: No matter if youre in a mobile unit at the finish, or in a studio with air conditioning and a coffee machine, youre doing the same thing, the view out the window is just different. While folk littering with gel wrappers is no doubt annoying, is it really up there with fly-tipping? 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. The atmosphere fills up with buzz from moment to moment that enthusiasm pushes the words out of the heart. Even once the race itself is over, and the post-analysis is done, theres a second race to get away from the finish line. You must log in or register to reply here. 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. 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. Among an awful lot of distractions, as Carlton Kirby explains, commentating on cycling is an arduous process. but the bike was nowhere to be found!" Exactly - and if you had any insight into professional riding and experience actually being a pro like Sean Kelly or Rob Hayles - you wouldnt struggle to find commentary. I do love the sport because its a crescendo sport. At least he can string a sentence together and he seems to bring good comments out of Backstedt. About - Carlton Kirby carlton kirby leaves eurosport 2021; carlton kirby leaves eurosport 2021. Carlton Kirby pete54 Posts: 488 March 2014 edited October 2019 in Pro race For all those who can't stand Kirby's 'commentary' (must be everyone on Bikeradar? You have to say who they are, where they are on the road, what colour theyre in and call the tactics and often all within 30-45 seconds of sheer hell and manic action. The races are only on GCN/Eurosport. Carlton kirby - has to go !! | Cyclingnews Forum I think there seems to be a bad feeling against cyclists and its really strange because theyre only people, he continued. Like this site? She got hit by a car and thats someones mum, not just a cyclist. How do you call one of the biggest sporting events on the planet? Please tell your friends: Ive read so many negative comments about Kirby that unlike most online petitions this one could work. We need to get to tomorrows finish line, and sometimes that is a four-hour drive. Eurosportreports that Kenny expanded on the incident on BBC One today, saying: Someone felt they had right of way and decided that gave them the right to kind of jump on the throttle and drive at us, which was a scary experience. This person has obviously just seen red, Ive got right of way, Im going to go, and you might have right of way technically whether you do or dont is often debatable but it doesnt give you the right to smash someone and potentially kill someone, which is what is going to happen if you run someone off their bike. 2008present unless otherwise stated. New Eurosport presentation team for cycling's Grand Tours It just stays online forever. There have always been deaths since the early 1900s from vehicle-related incidents. Such things impact ones reputation a lot, and there is no way around it. We have Sean Kelly, Stephen Roche, Magnus Backstedt, Dean Downing, Rob Hayles and David Harmon (who although is not the best at least it seems he is really doing some research and background checks on the riders and teams - he is clearly learning from Kelly as they sit in the box)but Kirby doesnt even do any background research. Terms and conditions of use. Or at least diminished. Eurosport's lead cycling commentator Carlton Kirby presents a weekly guide to everything that's NOT happening in the sport . You sit there, its often quite quiet, and you get brought an exotic meal like a guacamole sandwich. 35m is 100ft. 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. People were saying track preparation knocks you back for the sprint because it is a different form of physicality that is needed. Copyright 2015-2022 ProCyclingUK - All rights Reserved, 2024 Womens WorldTour Promotion/Relegation Standings, Commentating on cycling is not like snooker or tennis, says Carlton Kirby, Demi Vollering wins Strade Bianche from teammate Kopecky. 2.4K views, 20 likes, 3 loves, 5 comments, 3 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Eurosport: "The pictures were all over the news. -"Looks like shit. Where is the central body that has its own rules of discipline and rules of engagement that respect distance protocol and passing protocol under the race director? Eurosport is transmitting the same amount of races as any standard european tv channel - go to Italy where it is their number 2 sport next to football - they dont struggle for professional sports commentators. "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. Well, Kirby says, when its all out action on the road its very easy the problem comes on longtransition stages. Carlton Kirby brings his True Tales of the Tour de France to Reading on Weds June 21, a little over a week before #TDF2023 , as he launches his new @BloomsburySport book, Sticky Bottle . Set the scene for us. In the early 1990s he became a freelance commentator. All material FarrellyAtkinson (F-At) Limited, Unit 7b Green Park Station BA11JB. From dealing with the never-ending frenzy of action, and incessant radio announcements, to having to tackle the director. And his constant er, er, erms.. all the time were extremely irritating. And its only the past year that we even get to see more than the Tour de France. 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. It is a free-for-all. So, were close to the press guys who have spoken to the riders, and they wander up during the day, and weve been in place for two hours already, and we meet with you guys. It was a dreadfully high price to pay in my opinion to high but the suffering couldnt go on. Q&A: Eurosport's Carlton Kirby on announcing the Tour de France from I talk about the same stuff, except Im making it up. It is crazy. It is guys sitting on a motorbike who pull up alongside a cyclist and say 'how are you doing?'. But try explaining that to Cycling Weekly and their letters column.. 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. You get the atmosphere and emotion of a place. OK. And then, we wait. Eurosport's commentator Carlton Kirby has called hundreds of races throughout his career, both on-site and from the studio. He has poor knowledge and really just annoys everyone. The headline does anyway, while the sources in the article cover a few different potential causes. (PS If there's anything here about donating, that's the website host - nothing to do with this petition - there is nothing to donate to. That is common in France and Belgium with a dedicated roving reporter from the race roving all over the peloton and having a chat. A piece of the petition has gained over 542 signatures demanding the removal of Carlton Kirby from Eurosports, citing Unnecessary Screaming, Terrible Jokes as one of the biggest downsides. Partly, of course, that's his job - but if you give it out, you have to take it. and apologises to those who don't. 00:04:00, 29/05/2020 at 08:52 Related Theyd often stop too Euskaltel-Euskadi were one of the most common for that, theyd roll to the front, let everyone know it wasnt an attack and then ride up the road to briefly chat to family! Antoine Demoitie tragically died after being hit by a motorbike. March 2, 2022 . Fantasy Cycling: game [at] road.cc Always the hardest and most challenging role in such types of games is of a cycling commentator. Story Time with Carlton Kirby: Mankini's and mechanicals | "The pictures were all over the news. Yep I always watch the ITV coverage if possible - even if that means missing the stage live and watching the highlights package (like the vuelta). Please enter your email so we can keep you updated with news, features and the latest offers. And hes trying to improve them. Harmon's attitude can best be described as 'wogs begin at Calais'. To my mind, the motorised vehicles are getting far too close, a point I continue to pick up on commentary. But not today in the Vuelta or yesterday, and this is the first time I have heard Kirby commentating. I like Carlton too, not as much as Harmon, granted, but I've given up on him coming back. Me too. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Of all the criticisms that can be leveled at him (not recognising riders, not admitting he doesn't recognise a rider), being only interested in angolophone riders isn't one of them. So many other cycling commentators on Eurosport. As a Post Graduate Broadcast Journalist Carltons Television career began with the BBC as a News and Sports Reporter. . Its a massive operation. why must us cyclists have to tolerate a commentator who has no knowledge of professional cycling. But Mark Cavendish says no: what the track does is make you think fast, it makes you think within a very tight set of circumstances. His voice tends to wake me up from my nap when something happens. This latest incident proves exactly that. You could hear a pin drop. It is exciting being in a vast peloton, and the less experienced ones almost engage with it. I have - again - sent this to Eurosport (23/2/23, with 1,871 signatures - and 1,400 people taking the time to comment!). Win! Proper all rounder. Carlton Kirby As a Post Graduate Broadcast Journalist Carlton's Television career began with the BBC as a News and Sports Reporter. 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. When youre part of the race caravan, all you talk about is the race. 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. There is a rumour that the plane ticket has already been bought for Mark to leave the Tour, but I think the temptation is there for him to go to the Champs-lyses because he believes in his mind that he has worked out how to unpick Marcel Kittel, who is his main threat. For example, I know that Jakob Fuglsangs last name means bird song, which is a nice little thing. Discovery through its international sports unit, it operates two main channels Eurosport 1 and Eurosport 2 across most of its territories, and streams on Discovery+, which superseded Eurosport Player. 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. We had a heated debate about the incident and then the person drove away. And thats where comes the utterly significant role of the commentator who not only has to fill the huge time span but needs to stay alert at all times. The moment you have spoken a word, it is out there on tape and on every news website, forum, and who knows what. At other broadcasters you still have cue points, but its usually after youve finished making a point [because youre the only commentary team]. (@StasaZlatanovic) March 24, 2019. I think you need to be a specialist to be a cycling commentator, yet he covers several sports on Eurosport. 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. I like him. Commentating on cycling is not like snooker or tennis, says Carlton Kirby, a principal commentator for Eurosports cycling coverage, who has worked in the sport since 1996. You can get every picture you need from in front of the peloton. Hence, talking on something is difficult without matter. We caught up with Kirby to learn what is gained for the telecast and what is lost from these two very different broadcasting scenarios. Info-wise, being on-site is amazing.. Story Time with Carlton Kirby - How British cycling went - Eurosport At least King Kelly is still there despite Harmon's departure. 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. If youve watched Eurosport cycling, you'll know. Thus concentrating becomes a difficult job for a commentator. The word count for me at the end is almost blurred.. Eurosport is a group of pay television networks in Europe and parts of Asia. You only need to listen to him to get that he has no time for Johnny Foreigner. Cavendish swept to his second win at the Tour of Turkey with another . I'm not sure if they have forgotten about the rule, or if it was always just advisory. I can walk or drive the technical approach to the finish, which is gold. After moving to 30 Tour de France stage wins with four rousing victories that has shattered Marcel Kittel on this year's Tour, Eurosport's voice of cycling Carlton Kirby tells Desmond Kane why he . Its a case of trying to keep everybody amused. That is exactly what has happened now. . Get rid. @DeGendtThomas, guanyador de la primera etapa de la #VoltaCatalunya 2019. From the Eurosports studios in London, covering the tour is not the same as waiting at the finish line. 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. De Gendt, Volta 2019 Stage 1 winner. It's their commentators or silence. Apologies it's in super annoying meme form (we couldn't find the originalsource) but this is too good not too share! Ive fallen off the Galibier. It is irretrievable. There is no discussion or debate, just chatter, articles, and just that. https://t.co/rFjZ7dTFUE. We usually have to drive to the finish line, which is where the commentary positions normally are theyre like double-decker coaches all lined up there, Kirby sayd. The Tour forces us to have dinner. To my mind, the motorcycles are the most dangerous because they have the least ability to stop. I have been speaking to (former cyclist and Eurosport expert) Sean Kelly about it at various races, and we have both had hold your breath moments. Mark thought it was congratulations, but it was Kittel hitting him on the back in frustration. As just one example, the long list of criticisms he has levelled at Thibault Pinot. you can't have it on while doing other things and then return to the screen when it gets interesting because by the time Kirby has noticed many minutes will have passed. It is not just the press core looking for pictures for the following day. See the recording of the last Carlton Kirby Zoomcast hereEnjoy our vintage/summer Parisian Spotify playlist (plus Little Italy by Stephen Bishop, not French, don't write in) hereSee Carlton's 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. When actually its just hand-written sheet of notes to recall from.. Carlton kirby - has to go !! | Cyclingnews Forum Log in or register to join the conversation. 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. For all those who can't stand Kirby's 'commentary' (must be everyone on Bikeradar? I never say when Im on-site vs. at the race. Fully agree Kirby is the most irritable commentator ever. Were literally opening up Sean Kellys cranium to learn the nuances of the sport, and he comes out and says which guy is going to go on and win the next day. More often than not they slip into commentary which is at best nationalistic, and at worst xenophobic. 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. Ill ring someone up on-site to talk to them. What you are talking about is a place in history. I'm not sure if it was security, medical or a photographer who hit him, but essentially there was braking with four riders on the ground and the bike flipped before landing on the riders. 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?