The Open on Sky - It's official

[Hacker Khan]

For many years the TdF can be seen on Eurosport, and a damned fine job they had made of it. ITV have cottoned on to it now with reasonable coverage, but for a long time only saw fit to show a 30 mins highlight of the days riding.

The live TDF feed that ITV and in the olden days Channel 4 did are all from an American broadcaster. That is who Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwin are primarily broadcasting to. ITV or in the day Channel 4 just take that feed and then add in their local presenters.

And calling ITVs coverage just reasonable??? The stages have always been on live on ITV4 and then they show an hours highlights program in the evening, not 30 mins. I am the first to say that ITV generally make a pigs ear of most sports, but their TDF team in my opinion as a very long watcher of the event is marvelous. Ned Boulding and Chris Boardman are superb, and why Gary Imlach is not presenting lots of other things is beyond me, he is a genius. IMHO of course.

 

[Bunkermagnet]

I think you might find that Eurosport have covered it in greater length and detail, with the venerable David Duffield commentating, along with Stephen Roche for some asides.

 

[Jimaroid]

Most children are introduced to cycling at a young age by their schools and families, a bicycle makes a great present. The cost of bicycles has gone down dramatically in the last 20 years so more children have been exposed to cycling as a pastime. Those seeds grew into the cycling boom were are seeing now.

The same hasn't happened with golf.

It's nothing to do with TV.

Golf has a bad image that children aren't interested in, they see it as a sport for old men stuck in their ways, arguing about days gone by and how things should never change. Looking at this thread, I'd say the children make a good point.

 

[Bunkermagnet]

Most children are introduced to cycling at a young age by their schools and families, a bicycle makes a great present. The cost of bicycles has gone down dramatically in the last 20 years so more children have been exposed to cycling as a pastime. Those seeds grew into the cycling boom were are seeing now.

The same hasn't happened with golf.

It's nothing to do with TV.

Golf has a bad image that children aren't interested in, they see it as a sport for old men stuck in their ways, arguing about days gone by and how things should never change. Looking at this thread, I'd say the children make a good point.

I would disagree on the kids riding more. I hardly ever see children out riding theirs bikes these days, unless they have parents who also ride and then they all go out together.

 

[garyinderry]

If I see cycling on the tv I can't switch over quick enough. I am sure plenty of kids do the same with golf.

 

[patricks148]

I think you might find that Eurosport have covered it in greater length and detail, with the venerable David Duffield commentating, along with Stephen Roche for some asides.

Yes, there wasn't decent track in the UK until they built the one in Manchester in the mid/late 90's all track evens were shown on Euro sport before that.

The BBC can't take any credit for the upturn in interest its prob in spite of them.

 

[Bunkermagnet]

Herne Hill is a fine example of cycling tracks long before they built the Manchester one for the Commonwealth games.

As exciting as it is to watch, track cycling is a lot more technical than just riding along the street.
In any case, it doesn't matter what we feel on this, the R&A have made their choice and thats it, only time will tell.

 

[Steve1821]

Sad day

I watched the BBC highlights of Ryder cup this year, what a waste! I t was just a run through of mostly made shots not atmosphere at all. If they call that "coverage" the I guess that's effectively the end of watching a *game* of golf on free to view widespread TV. For the money - the difference in win money isn't going to distract most golfers from turning up at some of the best courses in the world at the home of golf

 

[patricks148]

Herne Hill is a fine example of cycling tracks long before they built the Manchester one for the Commonwealth games.

As exciting as it is to watch, track cycling is a lot more technical than just riding along the street.
In any case, it doesn't matter what we feel on this, the R&A have made their choice and thats it, only time will tell.

I didn't think Herne Hill was that technical, not compared with Leicester, Meadow bank and Calshot anyway. are those still in operation?

The former were all in a very poor state last time i rode them in the mid 90's

 

[Deleted member 15344]

I watched the BBC highlights of Ryder cup this year, what a waste! I t was just a run through of mostly made shots not atmosphere at all. If they call that "coverage" the I guess that's effectively the end of watching a *game* of golf on free to view widespread TV. For the money - the difference in win money isn't going to distract most golfers from turning up at some of the best courses in the world at the home of golf

Umm when doing highlights isn't it going to be just the shots anyway ? What else are they supposed to show ?

Not sure what your point is about the prize money ?

 

[Tongo]

People go on about cycling but I don't see it as a particularly fair comparison. Once you have your bike and your lycra you can go out and ride. No membership fees, no green fees etc. Basically, once set up it is cheap to take part in. Very keen cyclists will no doubt join clubs but even then costs can not be high. The courses for cyclists, ie the roads, are paid for by the tax payer, they do not need to contribute separately to them when cycling. No wonder cycling is increasing in popularity. Virtually no barriers to entry, cheap to get involved. I do appreciate that "good" bikes can cost thousands but for a beginner that is not necessary.

Good for cycling that it is popular but comparing the two sports popularity using tv coverage as a weapon doesn't stack up. There is more to it than that.

The cycling reference was in relation to a theory that Sky might start some initiatives with Golf like they have with Cycling rather than a direct comparison of tv coverage. (Do Sky cover any Cycling?)

 

[Airsporter1st]

My concern, if it has not been voiced already, is that Sky might make the top golf events Pay per View, just as they did with boxing.

 

[Tongo]

you are right outside of the bike and shoes competitive racing isn't that expensive or didn't used to be. A 10 mile TT was only a few quid to enter and road races where not much more once you have a licence.

thing with cycling is participation has increased since it disappeared of mainstream TV, when i raced the Tour de France was on at peak time every night during the event on C4. if you really wanted to watch all the classics and other tours you had to have Euro sport, which i think came free with Sky.

And having British success at the Olympics and the TDF has probably helped as well.

 

[Deleted member 15344]

The cycling reference was in relation to a theory that Sky might start some initiatives with Golf like they have with Cycling rather than a direct comparison of tv coverage. (Do Sky cover any Cycling?)

Think Sky have the tour of Aus and a few other tours

 

[patricks148]

The cycling reference was in relation to a theory that Sky might start some initiatives with Golf like they have with Cycling rather than a direct comparison of tv coverage. (Do Sky cover any Cycling?)

not directly they do have Euro Sport and that was and still is the main channel for most pro races and track champs in world cycling

 

[Tongo]

For many years the TdF can be seen on Eurosport, and a damned fine job they had made of it. ITV have cottoned on to it now with reasonable coverage, but for a long time only saw fit to show a 30 mins highlight of the days riding.

The advent of digital TV / Freeview has given ITV a medium on which to televise each stage each day though, an opportunity which has only been in existence in recent years.

 

[Tongo]

Most children are introduced to cycling at a young age by their schools and families, a bicycle makes a great present. The cost of bicycles has gone down dramatically in the last 20 years so more children have been exposed to cycling as a pastime. Those seeds grew into the cycling boom were are seeing now.

The same hasn't happened with golf.

It's nothing to do with TV.

Golf has a bad image that children aren't interested in, they see it as a sport for old men stuck in their ways, arguing about days gone by and how things should never change. Looking at this thread, I'd say the children make a good point.

Funny how the boom has been since Britain has enjoyed success at the Olympics and the TDF. Or is that just coincidence?
Cos i wasnt aware that a child would look at a bike and think: "i'll get into cycling cos bikes are cheaper now than 20 years ago." Didnt know we had such economically minded children in this country.

 

[patricks148]

And having British success at the Olympics and the TDF has probably helped as well.

Main thing that has helped British Cycling has been increased funding and Manchester Velodrome, before that we were Europe's poor relation and i can remembera time when the BCF didn't even contest some evens on the track that we later have won medals in.

 

[Tongo]

Main thing that has helped British Cycling has been increased funding and Manchester Velodrome, before that we were Europe's poor relation and i can remembera time when the BCF didn't even contest some evens on the track that we later have won medals in.

Yes, which has led to track / road success, increased exposure and increased participation.

 

[Deleted member 15344]

Think Eurosport have most of the evebts

BBC have full coverage of both the Track and Road Cycling World Champs plus the World Cup events