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. Well, Ill tell you: It makes your view of the race verifiable when youre there. Apologies it's in super annoying meme form (we couldn't find the originalsource) but this is too good not too share! Win! 1/9/22 4.2km to go, Stage 12 Vuelta a Espana: the riders are going uphill.Kirby: as they get to this step, but it doesnt last long, its like your mums old step, give it a polish, give it a clean and then a clean pair of heels to everybody else. 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. That is common in France and Belgium with a dedicated roving reporter from the race roving all over the peloton and having a chat. Whether they be dusty in the summer or wet in the winter, motorcycles are far too dangerous and get far too close to the bikes. 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. Your Tour de France telecastwill look the same this year, but it may feel somewhat different. People were saying track preparation knocks you back for the sprint because it is a different form of physicality that is needed. Are you sure? Carlton Kirby is one of the successful names in the industry, recently had been a topic of gossip for good and bad reasons. 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 . Jason Kenny has recounted to the BBC the near miss he and his infant son Albie encountered while out cycling last month. JavaScript is disabled. What is his cycling background ? There has to be some kind of distance applied and minimal standards of what is needed. 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. ADDITIONAL: 13/4/21 - Some have said that this petition is 'cruel', but if you're in the public eye then you are open to criticism of your professional abilities - or are we now not allowed to criticise the abilities of authors, actors, sports people, musicians, etc.? Dan's stage guides at the giro a few years ago were great. Mark Cavendish crossed the line first, and said Kittel came up to slap him in the back. So, you have to ask yourself: What is different, and why is it worth it to actually go on-site? Discovery company. Matt Stephens will be Eurosport's dedicated reporter on all Grand Tour coverage, bringing breaking news, updates, and interviews from inside the peloton. 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. Thats one of the vagrancies of Eurosport.. You can also sometimes find your hotel is one or two hours away. The sights and sounds of the race and the attention of aptitude in an ample pressroom can renounce some valuable chunks for a commentator. Even my partner, who doesn't watch cycling, could tell who had won. On the descent, motorbikes often get too close to the cyclist in front of them. The Wanty-GroupeGobert rider was air lifted to hospital after the crash yesterday, but thankfully it seems like he's in a stable condition. And its only the past year that we even get to see more than the Tour de France. Its the constant attempts at humour, then the giggling at his own in-jokes that has me reaching for the mute button. Punching the handlebars is the almost universal sign of frustration at losing. Those are definitely the days when you earn your corn. It is guys sitting on a motorbike who pull up alongside a cyclist and say 'how are you doing?'. He threw the toys out of the pram because his head is scrambled by these defeats. I often moan about Kirby myself, but I don't. I think its just taking a breath and think about the consequences, he concluded. But Kirby is only interested in his own narrative: McEwen told him twice that Herrada had won, but Kirby kept eulogising about Batistella's 'win', even as Herrada celebrated further coming past the camera. As well as sports commentary his voiceover work includes corporate videos and feature films as well as radio and television advertising. 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. Carlton Kirby Kirby is the most marmite commentator there is. It just stays online forever. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. It's embarrassing now. Joe Robinson. . 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. You are calling the race as you see it on the screen. 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. 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. Like this site? More often than not they slip into commentary which is at best nationalistic, and at worst xenophobic. 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. A lot of these guys seems to have free rein on what they are doing. If you don't like something, how else can you change it - by saying nothing? The walls do move when they pile in too. Brian Smith is very good and I feel for him having to listen to Kirby's dumbfounding comments. His knowledge of most non-english speaking riders can be written on the back of a postage stamp, with the exception of 'famous' foreigners like the Schlecks, Dertie Cont, Cancellera and after this spring Gilbert. If youve watched Eurosport cycling, you'll know. Kirbys Knowledge and Enthusiasm on the Mic is Unparalleled, When Kirby explains the difficult process of commentating on cycling, Michael Matthews powers to Bretagne Classic victory, Bora-hansgrohe riders false positive raises new doubts over accuracy of COVID-19 testing, Giro dItalia, Milan-San Remo under threat of cancellation due to coronavirus, Ewan storms to victory on stage 2 of UAE Tour. In the early 1990's he became a freelance commentator. It is not just the press core looking for pictures for the following day. 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. They have produced some merchandise like cycling caps and badges, they get together at Carltons events. To cycling fans, Carlton Kirby's voice has become synonymous with the sport, having become an integral part of British Eurosport's race coverage. 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. You have got to be kidding! 27/8/22: Stage 7 of the Vuelta, Herrada wins the sprint and has his arm in the air in celebration. 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. Carlton Kirby As a Post Graduate Broadcast Journalist Carlton's Television career began with the BBC as a News and Sports Reporter. Yates ended up going out the back of the peloton, losing 1.22. 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! You might remember an 'interpretive spinning' vid doing the rounds on social media a few weeks ago. Next time you watch, ask yourself how many of his critiques are aimed against non-Anglophone riders. So many other cycling commentators on Eurosport. This is the video I showed Trinity School in Lewisham this morning. 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. At dinner, you gather around the table and argue the hell out of it, and thats a big thing. Stay tuned! It is amusing that explaining this is futile, he remarks. 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. When Kirby explains the difficult process of commentating on cycling, and the concerns he has, one might want to know how much of that impacts him. 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. Its not something thats learned, or something you can prepare for. 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. Get rid. There are no gaps you might shut up for five seconds or so to listen to the crowd, but thats it.. For every Nicolas Roche or Steve Cummings great characters, totally locked down there are some savage bastards out there, and we love them all. Kittel is not a broken man, but his supremacy has tumbled because Mark Cavendish has only gone and won four stages here. 2023 Eurosport, a Warner Bros. 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. At other broadcasters you still have cue points, but its usually after youve finished making a point [because youre the only commentary team]. Plus security bikes, plus rolling paramedics. 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. As you say, he doesn't shout unnecessarily either. As for the Sky Team Fans member - you wouldnt actually be Mr Kirby would you ???? And, one can understand the enthusiasm that has kept him going despite the setbacks and even criticism from people. We have to get him off eurosport. 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. Here they are listed below, but we already know there will be one change - Team Sky will be racing as Team Ineos, with the Tour de Yorkshire being its first race following the management company's sale to the petrochemical business. Harmon LOVES cycling, cycling history, and even riders who don't speak English. De Gendt, Volta 2019 Stage 1 winner. Ill ring someone up on-site to talk to them. And, he is right about it. ), there is a thread in the Eurosport 'comments and suggestions' forum requesting that he be removed from the roster. Maybe it's because he doesn't ride a bike himself? Carlton's voice is familiar to fans of Motorsports and Cycling both on British Television and throughout the world. Even once the race itself is over, and the post-analysis is done, theres a second race to get away from the finish line. He clearly thinks he's the star of the show. Ill be making notes when Sean Kellys driving, which can be a difficult thing! 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. i like the stuff the two GCN guys do, is it dan Loyd and Matt Stephens? 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 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. You also get a guy filming on the one side of a cyclist, who is then blocking the rider from turning at the right angle into a corner because a motorbike is blocking him. If its one of those days where its going to end in a sprint and you need to cover 240km, then its gonna be a bit of a drag. 2.4K views, 20 likes, 3 loves, 5 comments, 3 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Eurosport: "The pictures were all over the news. It is all clearly not set in stone at the moment, and I hope that I'm not going to have some sharp intake of breath moments on commentary just because bikes are needlessly endangering the lives of cyclists. if many people would do this via twitter it could at least give a sign. 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. (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. It is not just the motocycles remember. And within the second group, he sprints hard, coming 13th overall. But it was here he developed the ability to call a sprint. When youre on-site, even though youre there, youre still watching a monitor, Kirby says. 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. You get a sense of the weather a bright morning, going up this morning in a hail storm, and the hailstones are this big. #GPDenain pic.twitter.com/2DsagK73lS, Wanty-Gobert Cycling Team (@TeamWantyGobert) March 24, 2019. VN:What do you talk about differently when youre in the studio? When asked about the criticism, Kirby opined Its not like the written press where you can write something out and finesse it and shave it, I dont have that gift. He kept on saying, Its gone, its irretrievable. Harmon's attitude can best be described as 'wogs begin at Calais'. Nah, Harmon is clued up. 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. And we have managed to cover his view on it. Being on the site always gives you extra material which makes the commentating so natural and energetic. While folk littering with gel wrappers is no doubt annoying, is it really up there with fly-tipping? But not today in the Vuelta or yesterday, and this is the first time I have heard Kirby commentating. While he admits Sagan's explusion for. but the bike was nowhere to be found!" 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. VN:Whats it like calling a race from back home at the studio? But he's British and that's all that matters to Kirby. The very aspect of commentating that requires filling the gaps spanning hours of no action is the reason. 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. Youre at the finish line, essentially watching the TV albeit with extra screens.. Riders have lost their ability to race, says LeMond, Nacer Bouhanni handed penalty, fined for shove. Minutes later, Sean Kelly points out that Padun is 'not getting around the corners well not comfortable whatsoever on the descent'. How much longer do the cycling public have to suffer the idiotic commentary from Carlton Kirby ?? 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. For me, Carlton is the perfect commentator for the 'early shift' on long, flat grand tour stages. Once they pass by, they have to repass the peloton to get the shots they want later on. One example of his commentary, from 11/3/21 Tirreno-Adriatico: Carlton Kirby: 'Yates is the heart and mind of this breakaway group'. 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. Not much love for Eurosport commentator Carlton Kirby amongst the Team Sky ranks it seems Air pollution: London mother launches petition for second inquest into daughter''s death, Jason Kenny recounts last months near miss on BBC TV, Yoann Offredo's condition described as not life-threatening after GP de Denain crash, Telegraph article suggests "Littering cyclists and joggers could be to blame for countryside rubbish problem", Jeremy Vine's latest unpleasant encounter, 'Youths on pedal cycles' help Wednesfield Police catch thief, Best Cycling Website, BikeBiz Awards 2018, Tao Geoghehan Hart (picture copyright Simon Wilkinson, SWPix.com via Britishcycling.org_.uk), "Looks like shit. Set the scene for us. Page 6 - Get up to date with the latest news, scores & standings from the Cycling News Community. There used to be a 35 metre rule which seems to be flouted these days. Tech, reviews: tech [at] road.cc The major problem with this is that you cannot follow a race he is commentating on unless you are watching it - i.e. pic.twitter.com/TkvUUUeBXs. 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! Don't miss a moment from Paris-Roubaix and Unbound Gravel, to the Giro dItalia, Tour de France, Vuelta a Espaa, and everything in between when you The prodigious British riderTao Geoghegan Hart laid into Kirby's"outrageous claims", and Owain Doull also chipped in to describe Kirby as a "proper muppet". Eurosport's commentator Carlton Kirby has called hundreds of races throughout his career, both on-site and from the studio. The actual bones of the job are quite similar. Harmon's attitude can best be described as 'wogs begin at Calais'. Antoine Demoitie was tragically killed by a motorcyle at the age of 25. Id love to see this Eurosport commentator substantiate even 1% of the outrageous claims he makes. 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. We cant do that when hes at his house and Im at mine. But it is also true that there isnt a dearth of genuine fans of Kirby who really appreciate his vast knowledge on the field. It was a dreadfully high price to pay in my opinion to high but the suffering couldnt go on. 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. I usually increase the pace especially on a sprint day to match the peloton, Kirby admits. 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 is really sad when you see the consequences of that. PLEASE CONTACT EUROSPORT/GCN INDIVIDUALLY AS WELL AS SIGNING, BECAUSE THAT WILL PROBABLY HAVE A GREATER EFFECT. Cavendish swept to his second win at the Tour of Turkey with another . How do you call one of the biggest sporting events on the planet? To show no fear is the best skill of all. 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. That should have been alarm bells for everyone. When Cavendish won again on stage 14, Kittel just fell to pieces emotionally. Read our full Privacy Policy as well as Terms & Conditions. Riders having to get close to a motorbike just to take a corner. You can do that by clicking one of these links - TAKES 30 SECONDS: https://help.eurosport.com/hc/en-gb/requests/new, https://help.globalcyclingnetwork.com/hc/en-gb/requests. 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. Ineos Grenadiers has to try and win the Tour de France, says Steve Cummings, Tour de France: Yates, Groenewegen, Matthews a possible three-pronged approach for BikeExchange, Jumbo-Visma keeps everyone guessing with Tour de France and Giro dItalia leadership question, Former Zwift academy winner Tanja Erath calls time on road career with mental struggles, Garmin Gravel Worlds introduces pro categories and a donation-based prize pool, UCI gravel worlds, a threat or an opportunity? Among an awful lot of distractions, as Carlton Kirby explains, commentating on cycling is an arduous process. Twaddle. You sit there, its often quite quiet, and you get brought an exotic meal like a guacamole sandwich. but the bike was nowhere to be found!" Eurosport commentator. It was almost featureless and the riders would not engage in it at all. Some of which have been admitted, some of which weren't. That is because like most hacks they are too arrogant to do any research and preparation. 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. Nobody but nobody doesnt sprint for 5th at the end of a Monument. Also, I would say many of his criticisms are unfair and/or cruel. By using this website, you agree to our use of cookies. So, our information can be slightly second-hand. Eurosport's lead cycling commentator Carlton Kirby presents a weekly guide to everything that's NOT happening 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. I can walk or drive the technical approach to the finish, which is gold. Tony Martin scared everybody with his breakaway, says Etixx chief. Plus the the week's top tech news, in: Flying Tom Pidcock wins Strade Bianche, in: Cyclists call on council to reconsider unsafe diversion, in: Call for Scottish safety portal that would "deliver justice", in: Campaigners: Remove pedestrian vs cyclist conflict, in: Highway Code changes haven't helped cyclists, Near Miss of the Day 853: Driver of lorry urging cyclists to Please take extra care near this vehicle fined for close pass (includes swearing), Continental unveils the "strongest" and "fastest" ever Grand Prix 5000 tyre models, Brompton boss frustrated to be fighting "war of attrition" against rip-off rivals, Remove conflict between cyclists and pedestrians, urge campaigners in wake of manslaughter case, Have bike tech wars turned cycling into Formula 1? 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. You could hear a pin drop. I changed to German commentary on eurosport international today I was so mad. 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. 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. Hosted by Duncan Steer. Also add in several alert mobile keyholders. The races are only on GCN/Eurosport. I had almost no idea what was going on or who was where. I could get 20 minutes of commentary out of dinner last night. Mark is already the greatest sprinter there has ever been. One of the most adaptable voices on British Television, as can be seen from hisworking synopsis, Carltons range is wide. You get the atmosphere and emotion of a place. I make notes of the corners, pinch points, danger points, acceleration points, attack points all of those things.. Fully agree Kirby is the most irritable commentator ever. Especially on the downhill runs which is a crazy situation. De Gendt, ganador de la primera etapa de la Volta 2019. Well over a 1000 signatories on that petition now. And this sort of meaningless, demented jabber is not at all unusual I could have chosen many examples just from today. Without any editing, moderation, or credibility, it is all out in the name of fate. He further says, "In tennis, you never talk through a point because the crowd doesn't. Hosted by Duncan Steer Carlton Kirby's Cycling Lock-In Radio Days Events Sports NOV 24, 2021 London live show preview! James and Joe catch up with the chosen son of cycling commentary, Carlton Kirby. And I said: Because I asked him! I asked him at breakfast, because when youre on-site, you can talk to the riders. Eurosport is a group of pay television networks in Europe and parts of Asia. All the news from the site and beyond as we start a new week. It doesnt take much accomplishment to understand what Kirby is referring to. Hes done it four times, and I think he might want to do it again on the Champs-lyses. Bridport cycles. One of the worlds most iconic cycling brands appears set to launch an e-bike. OK. And then, we wait. 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 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. There are already calls for a convening of UCI protocol committee so they can start to get some proper rules together about it. 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. 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. because there wuld be an uprising in the country. He's probably too much of a joker,not serious enough, but has a 'springy' voice which is good to listen to. Tel 01225 588855. Its that melting pot of information that you get on-site. It is irretrievable. 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. 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. There is no editing process, except between the brain and the larynx. I think you need to be a specialist to be a cycling commentator, yet he covers several sports on Eurosport. 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. Talk about what you know. Kirby has more than two decades as a commentatorbehind him and, alongside Irish legend Sean Kelly, has been back at the Tour de France this year calling the action from Utrecht through to Paris. And somebody asked me, why dont you pronounce his name Foo-gel-sang instead ofFoolsong. theres nowhere like ENOUGH cycling on tv. 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? And hes trying to improve them. He has poor knowledge and really just annoys everyone. The commentators day doesnt juststart when the racing does, with research and planning underwayas soon as breakfast is taken.
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