TdF on the telly

Luckily for all in the USA (I believe) this year I will be near the finish of the July 6 stage in Cauterets/Carambasque. If all goes to plan that will be us with the Australian flag on the nasty uphill section just after the town of Cauterets.

I say luckily... because it's near the finish the US coverage will be running.

That really will be a stage for all who love seeing cyclists suffering.they are going over Col d'Aspin and Col de Tourmalet

Admittedly I'm not a fan of NBC's coverage: too much hype, busy graphics, and advertising. Also, Phil Liggett is overdue for a rest from commentary.

I subscribe to GCN+ and their coverage has better commentators, commercial-free streaming, and more insider access to the riders and teams (as well as a top-notch show before and after the stages). I access it using a VPN that connects to the UK or an EU country where EuroSport and/or GCN has broadcast rights. I can then stream it to my TV or simply watch it on my phone, tablet, laptop, etc.

The coverage is full HD and you see everything - including the scenery. Remember that NBC Universal has to use the same TV feed as everyone else, so....

I realize this is an old thread resurrected by R.D., but had to say i love and adore Phil Liggett (and Paul Sherwen is still greatly missed). For me, it wouldn’t be worth watching if Phil left and i’m a die hard fan of the Tour. I love the race and the scenery.

Some great news… Astana has offered Cav a place on their team in 2024. I hope he accepts.

I have to agree with R.D. that GCN using a VPN is the best TdF viewing experience available, and, no commercials. Having said that, I certainly learned a lot listening to Liggett, Sherwen and Roll while I did, and I respect those guys. GCN simply has far more commentators, many who are former racers, and they come from a European/UK perspective.

As well, the other content on GCN is spectacular, my favorite being the "Slow Cycling" series with Jack Thurston.

And Susan, have you watched the new Mark Cavendish film on Netflix? It's excellent and I selfishly hope he will be back next year to break Eddie's Merckx' record!

La Vuelta Espana begins August 26!

Dave, i did watch it and thought it was very good. Not flattering to Cav, but i still love him. I paid Peacock for just one month to watch the TdF and paid for no commercials which was so enjoyable.

We really enjoyed the commentary by Christian Vande Velde on the motor bike. And ALWAYS love the scenery via drones! We watched on Peacock in USA. It’s quite a wonderful travel log for France.

I enjoyed Christian’s motorcycle commentary too, he was really good at it. He loved doing it and being with the riders on the road, and it showed.

That's the way to do Peacock for sure! A former pro like C VDV is always the best bet.

And yeah, Cav is just another human (yay!) with the usual flaws. Good to understand him a little better-I wish him the best, whether or not he goes another year.

And jhilts, I heard a brief interview on GCN of the/or one of? person who goes out to scout and learn about all the sights they'll highlight in the broadcast, making notes to assist with the on-air call. They also featured a fellow nearly daily that shared and discussed a French recipe and talked appropriate wines for that, then posted same on his Instagram. All part of the formula, thankfully.

I surely hope they find a way to control the "fans". Watching some dude run bare a$$ed naked with a flag tied around his neck, next to the riders, is not only distracting, but dangerous.
Imagine if fans were allowed the same behavior in any other sport. Ha, that does bring some amusing scenarios to mind. Golf? Tennis? Soccer?

Dave, so well said what you said about Cav. Very gracious of you.

Kateja, i agree wholeheartedly. As you said, can you imagine that happening in any other sport?!!