To know that, you simply have to do a Google Search and you will know why. 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! pic.twitter.com/TkvUUUeBXs. VN:When youre at the race, who are you talking to regularly to get your intel for the broadcast? Read our full Privacy Policy as well as Terms & Conditions. Ive done so much and been so many places that I mostly have all of them embedded in my head. Twaddle. 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. His voice tends to wake me up from my nap when something happens. Antoine Demoitie tragically died after being hit by a motorbike. My primary issue with Carlton Kirby is that he doesn't commentate on what is happening (he rambles whatever is inside his head). So many other cycling commentators on Eurosport. It is a free-for-all. The most interesting people are the race commissars, and talking with them you get a lot of insight into who they are keeping an eye on. Log in or register to join the conversation. 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. But, Kirby has to do that, without fail. And suddenly some feel like a part of the race. Whenever I watch an anglophone stream online because there is no other way for me to watch a race I have to think of the HIMYM episode where Barney goes to get Robin from Canada and, looking at the "funny" Canadian dollars, says: "It's like you want us to make fun of you". VeloNews: Whats the biggest difference for you when youre commentating on a race from back home, instead of attending the event? If she wins so does everyone else. That is common in France and Belgium with a dedicated roving reporter from the race roving all over the peloton and having a chat. 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. It's their commentators or silence. He's fine when it's all action but flounders when it's a longer stage. And somebody asked me, why dont you pronounce his name Foo-gel-sang instead ofFoolsong. AndKirby wouldnt have it any other way, even if there are those who dont always appreciate what goes into calling a Tour de France stage. Carlton Kirby: What inspired Chris Froome's golden era Eurosport's voice of cycling Carlton Kirby analyses Chris Froome's performance in winning a fourth Tour de France. 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. 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. I think there seems to be a bad feeling against cyclists and its really strange because theyre only people, he continued. You get a sense of the weather a bright morning, going up this morning in a hail storm, and the hailstones are this big. From dealing with the never-ending frenzy of action, and incessant radio announcements, to having to tackle the director. Dan's stage guides at the giro a few years ago were great. 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. Once they pass by, they have to repass the peloton to get the shots they want later on. Its quite nice at the Tour de France that we have a roadbook and a history book of everything were going through. We get to see our own output with our team interviewing the riders. Get rid. I've just discovered, after following a tweet that Orla Chennaoui had re-tweeted, that the esteemed Mr Kirby has blocked me on Twitter. Carlton Kirby is a sports commentator who is most known for his work commentating on the Tour de France. Yeah he does. Most races have one unit but the Tour de France has four double-decker units. He's probably too much of a joker,not serious enough, but has a 'springy' voice which is good to listen to. 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. His Grand National, Murray Walker shouting in the last 2 kilometres really is unbelievable. Star names like Sagan getting knocked off and knocked out of races. People were saying track preparation knocks you back for the sprint because it is a different form of physicality that is needed. Teams have been announced for May's Tour de Yorkshire and the Asda Tour de Yorkshire Women's Race. It's embarrassing now. The breaks going to go up the road, theyre going to be allowed anything up to 15 minutes of an advantage and everyone else is just having a chat including us., All the other commentators from all the other nations and all their information are in the same room, so you often get people saying: Have you heard this?, with loads of things to share. Theres no doubt about it, the most difficult thing to do is cover nothing, he says. Well, Ill tell you: It makes your view of the race verifiable when youre there. View our media pack. 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. "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. It is just crazy the amount of automotive stuff on the go, whether that is cars or motorcycles, that are getting too close to the riders, too often. Its a massive operation. The Kirby CODEC will also be called into action as his followers on Twitter will know. In the early 1990s he became a freelance commentator. March 2, 2022 . As for Kirby - its the arrogance of the bloke - does he think his viewers are 10 year olds who know NOTHING about cycling. I just wish we had Liggett and Kelly doing the Grand Tours. The Vuelta a Espana used to be the worst of the Grand Tours because theyd have transitions day of 250km across a desert. 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. 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 But there are always other lines to cross, and he just loves collecting these plaudits and the deserved success coming his way is just brilliant. Once its out there youre done, so youll just have to forgive me if I make the odd gaffe. He has poor knowledge and really just annoys everyone. (@StasaZlatanovic) March 24, 2019. It is irretrievable. A new bike is coming very soon! pic.twitter.com/MaRgbFKTet, The Ella Roberta Family Foundation (@rosamund_ElsFdn) March 25, 2019, @emmachamberlain at her soul cycling class. As is seen in most cases, the primary action of any game takes place during the outset and ending parts. Eurosport is a group of pay television networks in Europe and parts of Asia. This is why he often cracks jokes and laughs heartily. Whilst im not a great fan of Carlton Kirkby I very much doubt I could talk for between 1 and 5 hours without descending into complete nonsense from time to time. Hosted by Duncan Steer. and apologises to those who don't. 00:04:00, 29/05/2020 at 08:52 Related 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. I think you need to be a specialist to be a cycling commentator, yet he covers several sports on Eurosport. i like the stuff the two GCN guys do, is it dan Loyd and Matt Stephens? And, one can understand the enthusiasm that has kept him going despite the setbacks and even criticism from people. Ill ring someone up on-site to talk to them. . That is the way it appears. They have produced some merchandise like cycling caps and badges, they get together at Carltons events. VN:What difference will people notice in this years Tour broadcast from a normal year, when you and your team are on-site? That is because like most hacks they are too arrogant to do any research and preparation. It was a dreadfully high price to pay in my opinion to high but the suffering couldnt go on. JavaScript is disabled. 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. If it goes on for two or three years, then people will notice because the freshness of what is in our heads will ebb. 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? 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. Eurosport's voice of cycling Carlton Kirby analyses the collision between Peter Sagan and Mark Cavendish that ended the Tour de France for both men. Your Tour de France telecastwill look the same this year, but it may feel somewhat different. 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. Cycling is a sport where there are no time limits and there are no constant action-packed sequences to speak about. I never say when Im on-site vs. at the race. American racers headed to Italy chime in. Valverde gets it very, very wrong!" exclaimed . 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. 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. Kelly will probably kill him by the end. Eurosport's commentator Carlton Kirby has called hundreds of races throughout his career, both on-site and from the studio. 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. I usually increase the pace especially on a sprint day to match the peloton, Kirby admits. 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. Hes done it four times, and I think he might want to do it again on the Champs-lyses. 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. Eurosports commentator Carlton Kirby has called hundreds of races throughout his career, both on-site and from the studio. 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. You cant please everybody and as a commentator thats something you have to get to grips with. Kittel moves first into Cavendish, who follows the white line. Set the scene for us. Carlton Kirby Kirby is the most marmite commentator there is. So, our information can be slightly second-hand. And then on day one on Utah beach..boom..Cavendish stuns the previously unbeatable German racer. 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. Cavendish swept to his second win at the Tour of Turkey with another . Get the latest race news, results, commentary, and tech, delivered to your inbox. Riders having to get close to a motorbike just to take a corner. There used to be a 35 metre rule which seems to be flouted these days. And yet, love him or loathe him, Kirbys voice is as intrinsically linked to the Tour de France, for Eurosport viewers at least, as other famous voices across the sporting spectrum. Carlton Kirby discusses the art of commentary, says thank you to those who enjoy listening to him. 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. The schedule and time duration work differently for every sport. Some people take offence for the strangest reasons. Its Kirbys cheat sheetfor every stage in the race, with details of the top finishers, jersey wearers, men in the breakaway and so on. He further says, "In tennis, you never talk through a point because the crowd doesn't. While folk littering with gel wrappers is no doubt annoying, is it really up there with fly-tipping? As for the Sky Team Fans member - you wouldnt actually be Mr Kirby would you ???? Well ride that sympathy and see how far it takes us up the beach. Coverage includes enhanced production with access to helicopter, on-board and superslomo cameras. I speak no language other than English. As a Post Graduate Broadcast Journalist Carltons Television career began with the BBC as a News and Sports Reporter. I could paint the Galibier and Ventoux and even some of the rarer mountains by memory. Its the press guys we see more, because of the mechanics of the day. Eurosport's Carlton Kirby. . What blasphemy is this? The atmosphere fills up with buzz from moment to moment that enthusiasm pushes the words out of the heart. 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. Le point sur la situation de Yoann Offredo. 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. What is his cycling background ? VN:Whats it like calling a race from back home at the studio? 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. And I said: Because I asked him! I asked him at breakfast, because when youre on-site, you can talk to the riders. I agree listening to the mans over stressed enthusiasm really gets on my nerves. To cycling fans, Carlton Kirbys voice has become synonymous with the sport, having become an integral part of British Eurosports racecoverage. Thanks to all who have signed. Such things impact ones reputation a lot, and there is no way around it. 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. It just stays online forever. 4th in last year's Giro d'Italia. Tech, reviews: tech [at] road.cc Conversely, a Carlton Kirby Fan Club exists for those who love the cycling commentator. We met a young boy and young girl who recently lost their mum, and its really sad when you see that side of it. That doesnt portend his job has not become a whole lot harder. 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.. I think people will appreciate what were trying to deal with. 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. Nobody but nobody doesnt sprint for 5th at the end of a Monument. 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. We cant do that when hes at his house and Im at mine. Can you at least extend our premium subscriptions so we can play all races, until you fix the issue? He is now only four short. The blokes an insult to all cyclists. Also, Kirby criticises riders in almost every race. There must be so many ex-pro riders out there who would give valuable commentary and insight into the races. 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? Following a two year broadcasting secondment with the United Nations in the South Pacific he joined ITV as TVams overnight Sports Producer and Reporter. Wow, all this over a commentator, so Kirby sees a Quickstep rider and mistakes it for Voeckler - that's funny, it's engaging! There has to be some kind of distance applied and minimal standards of what is needed. From wrestling with sound walls, coping with dropped audio, working with Sean Kelly and deciphering the Kirby CODEC, we caught up with Kirby midway through the raceto getan insight into life on Tour as a commentator. Like this site? When Cavendish won again on stage 14, Kittel just fell to pieces emotionally. You can sound like youre a genius, with an incredible memory, Kirby says. For all those who can't stand Kirby's 'commentary' (must be everyone on Bikeradar? 2023 Eurosport, a Warner Bros. Baseless. At other broadcasters you still have cue points, but its usually after youve finished making a point [because youre the only commentary team]. The best thing you can do is relax, in my opinion, Kirby explains about going live on air. he's saving his energy. It is a thrilling climax and its my job to convey that to the public. Antoine Demoitie was tragically killed by a motorcyle at the age of 25. There's also his lack of knowledge. CK:I think not many people will notice. 4th in last year's Giro d'Italia. When youre on-site, even though youre there, youre still watching a monitor, Kirby says. You get the mood of the crowd, and of the press. Doesn't look that pretty, cable tied, very practical. And we have managed to cover his view on it. The headline does anyway, while the sources in the article cover a few different potential causes. You have your usual office equipment, coffee machine, and sandwich machine. 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. De Gendt, Volta 2019 Stage 1 winner. He also never tells you who the riders on screen are - and if he does, he's usually wrong. At least King Kelly is still there despite Harmon's departure. Thankfully, no tree roots to overcome. 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. What you are talking about is a place in history. He suddenly realises how to beat Kittel, working out the formula to finish first. 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. Riders who perhaps finished tenth on a day will be livid that we didnt eulogise about them, but Im sorry, I was talking about the person who finished first. Kittel is not a broken man, but his supremacy has tumbled because Mark Cavendish has only gone and won four stages here. Live blog: "outrageous claims" - Tao Geoghegan Hart lays into Eurosport commentator Carlton Kirby, cyclists blamed for countryside litter - Twitter responds, Colnago e-bike, Jason Kenny, Jeremy Vine on close-passes, TdY teams, Peloton baby + more. It is not so bad if they are in front because the rider can tell the motorbike to go away, but if it is trailing the rider and the rider comes off, there is always the possibility of impact. 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. why must us cyclists have to tolerate a commentator who has no knowledge of professional cycling. As you say, he doesn't shout unnecessarily either. Juan Antonio Flecha and Johnny Hoogerland were sent into barbed wire on the Tour de France because the France TV van was about to hit a tree having a run out of road, but took the softer option of the riders. 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. I think its just taking a breath and think about the consequences, he concluded. Its the art of illusion. I can walk or drive the technical approach to the finish, which is gold. 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. Would the football fans be subjected to him commentating on the football matches ? Kittel was completely shocked, and has been getting more and more upset as this Tour has gone on. They only received compensation a couple of years later. They support his knowledge and enthusiasm behind the mic, even after so many years. To show no fear is the best skill of all. wow, all the power to you man! Maybe it's because he doesn't ride a bike himself? But I do allow people to believe Im always on-site. During a long interview, the legendary veteran commentator of Eurosports shares some of his knowledge about the job. The Tour forces us to have dinner. @DeGendtThomas, guanyador de la primera etapa de la #VoltaCatalunya 2019. This is the video I showed Trinity School in Lewisham this morning. 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. If you don't like something, how else can you change it - by saying nothing? Riders have lost their ability to race, says LeMond, Nacer Bouhanni handed penalty, fined for shove. You are calling the race as you see it on the screen. Joe Robinson. 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. There is absolutely no deficit of distractions for a commentator. These local mountain bikers tried Athletic Brewing Company's craft beer for the first time, and you'd be surprised by their reactions. 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. 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. 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. Well then I propose a CN forum audio livestream for the tour de france. I'm constantly berating or pointing out the danger of the motorcycle. Stay tuned! 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? In the second episode of Story Time with Carlton Kirby, the Eurosport commentator reads an excerpt from his book (Magic Spanner) about how British cycling caused a seismic change in the. I had almost no idea what was going on or who was where. By using this website, you agree to our use of cookies. Not that itsa straightforward drive to the finish at the Tour, as Kirby explains. Eurosport cant get away with this !! but the bike was nowhere to be found!" 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. Story Time with Carlton Kirby: Mankini's and mechanicals | "The pictures were all over the news. All of this stuff adds to the vrit of the broadcast, and its stuff you cannot get in a studio in London. I like him. Eurosport's Carlton Kirby and cycling legend Sean Kelly reacted like the viewers at home - at first incredibly concerned, then mightily relieved. So, you have to ask yourself: What is different, and why is it worth it to actually go on-site? The youngsters were congratulated by the force on Twitter, as they helped chase down a thief who had stolen over 300 worth of goods. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. And then, of course, there are the flat stages and the sprint finishes. Agreed. That is in fact my main Friday occupation. You can get every picture you need from in front of the peloton. Are you sure? And its only the past year that we even get to see more than the Tour de France. All crescendo sports deserve to be treated as such. After my tweet he at least toned that down. For every Nicolas Roche or Steve Cummings great characters, totally locked down there are some savage bastards out there, and we love them all. We will never sell your data and you'll only get messages from us and our partners whose products and services we think you'll enjoy. It is not just the press core looking for pictures for the following day. Jason Kenny has recounted to the BBC the near miss he and his infant son Albie encountered while out cycling last month. 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. The major problem with this is that you cannot follow a race he is commentating on unless you are watching it - i.e. They basically work on the principle that people watching cycling in english are only interested in english speaking riders. Punching the handlebars is the almost universal sign of frustration at losing. As a small example, he started talking to Magnus Backstedt about tyre widths the other day ("weren't you the 27 mm guy?") Its a whole other much more positive view of commentators as a whole. Being on the site always gives you extra material which makes the commentating so natural and energetic. How much longer do the cycling public have to suffer the idiotic commentary from Carlton Kirby ?? https://yahoo.uservoice.com/forums/1698 ant-drivel, http://www.ten-tenths.com/forum/showthread.php?t=85131. 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. I don't have anything against him personally, but he doesn't seem to get the basics of the sport. 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. CK:Its pretty bleak. Various types of distractions are always ready for a commentator. Carlton Kirby and His Approach On Commenting for GCN and Eurosport This Year: While cycling commentator Carlton Kirby and his teammates would normally head across the channel for the Tour de France, the recent situation suggests he will be covering the 2020 edition from the Eurosport studios in London.
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