Carlton's voice is familiar to fans of Motorsports and Cycling both on British Television and throughout the world. Hosted by Duncan Steer Carlton Kirby's Cycling Lock-In Radio Days Events Sports NOV 24, 2021 London live show preview! Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Youre at the finish line, essentially watching the TV albeit with extra screens.. Please enter your email so we can keep you updated with news, features and the latest offers. "Beware everybody, he is well and truly back!" yelled Carlton Kirby on Eurosport commentary. 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. She talks about the background to the petition, which you can sign here, in this video. Terms and conditions of use. Its the art of illusion. Nah, Harmon is clued up. VN:Whats it like calling a race from back home at the studio? 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. Bridport cycles. All material FarrellyAtkinson (F-At) Limited, Unit 7b Green Park Station BA11JB. Having spent over 25 years in the field, he has seen a lot, as many other countless commentators have seen. We caught up with Kirby to learn what is gained for the telecast and what is lost from these two very different broadcasting scenarios. We have a quiet conversation about who is going to win today. It is irretrievable. A football match lasts for hardly ninety minutes, a rugby match is over in eighty minutes, whilst a basketball game takes only thirty-eight minutes to finish. At least King Kelly is still there despite Harmon's departure. We saw that on the Tour of Catalunya - a useless piece of motorcycle protocol. and clearly was totally clueless. Utterly self-absorbed: he had already decided who'd won. But I do allow people to believe Im always on-site. I just wish we had Liggett and Kelly doing the Grand Tours. But, Kirby has to do that, without fail. Advertising, commercial: sales [at] road.cc You could hear a pin drop. 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. 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. You get a sense of the weather a bright morning, going up this morning in a hail storm, and the hailstones are this big. Every stage of the Tour de France LIVE on British Eurosport HD. Especially on the downhill runs which is a crazy situation. I've decided and bought a '21 Revolt which is nigh on identical in stack and reach to the Defy, only differences being a slacker front end and Well if you ever go to Chesterfield you will be called "youth" however old you are. Anyone but dreary Declan Quigley please! All the news from the site and beyond as we start a new week, Thomas De Gendt bosses Volta a Catalunya opener and solos into 3-minute overall lead. But not today in the Vuelta or yesterday, and this is the first time I have heard Kirby commentating. So, our information can be slightly second-hand. It just stays online forever. Eurosport's lead cycling commentator's weekly guide to what's not going on in cycling during the lockdown. If youve watched Eurosport cycling, you'll know. 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. 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 not something thats learned, or something you can prepare for. Kittel is not a broken man, but his supremacy has tumbled because Mark Cavendish has only gone and won four stages here. Carlton's voice is familiar to fans of Motorsports and Cycling both on British Television and throughout the world. VN:What do you talk about differently when youre in the studio? The blokes an insult to all cyclists. Helen Blackman (@HelenBlackman) March 24, 2019. So, what is Scottish Cycling / British Cycling doing about this? 35m is 100ft. CK:As a commentator, you dont have a great deal of contact with the riders. 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. Rob Hatch is apparently also good but he doesnt do very much that I've seen. How can someone who watches so much cycling know so little? 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 . 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. On rest days we circulate to meet with everybody. And we have managed to cover his view on it. I think it is just individual race directors who decide who gets to ride these bikes. The races are only on GCN/Eurosport. That is the way it appears. And its only the past year that we even get to see more than the Tour de France. Carlton Kirby: 'Joo Almeida, who won't worry anyone in the General Classification'. Hes done it four times, and I think he might want to do it again on the Champs-lyses. He said from the rider's perspective, motorbikes get far too close to the race. The schedule and time duration work differently for every sport. Riders having to get close to a motorbike just to take a corner. Following a two year broadcasting secondment with the United Nations in the South Pacific he joined ITV as TVams overnight Sports Producer and Reporter. It was a dreadfully high price to pay in my opinion to high but the suffering couldnt go on. One of the most adaptable voices on British Television, as can be seen from hisworking synopsis, Carltons range is wide. He is rubbish Eurosport have many other far better options we need a decent commentator not Carltons partridge esque musings. I am very sorry but he is just nowhere near the standards of messrs. Liggett, Boulting, Miller and Hatch. Owned by Warner Bros. That doesnt portend his job has not become a whole lot harder. My Ultimate Commuter, rebuilding her at the moment, everything external. But it was here he developed the ability to call a sprint. He has poor knowledge and really just annoys everyone. Ive fallen off the Galibier. 27/8/22: Stage 7 of the Vuelta, Herrada wins the sprint and has his arm in the air in celebration. 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. VN:When youre at the race, who are you talking to regularly to get your intel for the broadcast? And to be honest, most of us are scared of losing Carlton Kirkby in case Ant McCrossan takes his place. During a long interview, the legendary veteran commentator of Eurosports shares some of his knowledge about the job. Theres no doubt about it, the most difficult thing to do is cover nothing, he says. Riders have lost their ability to race, says LeMond, Nacer Bouhanni handed penalty, fined for shove. Carlton Kirby: 'Joo Almeida, who won't worry anyone in the General Classification'. I think you need to be a specialist to be a cycling commentator, yet he covers several sports on Eurosport. Among an awful lot of distractions, as Carlton Kirby explains, commentating on cycling is an arduous process. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. . 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. 2.4K views, 20 likes, 3 loves, 5 comments, 3 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Eurosport: "The pictures were all over the news. All the news from the site and beyond as we start a new week. 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 I remember being impressed during the Giro at his ability to identify riders. 26/8/22: Stage 6 of the Vuelta, Kirby informs us (clearly based on nothing) that Mark Padun is 'a master' at descending in the wet (at that precise moment, Padun is descending very gingerly, taking pretty poor lines). Star names like Sagan getting knocked off and knocked out of races. OK. And then, we wait. 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. Are you sure? But it is also true that there isnt a dearth of genuine fans of Kirby who really appreciate his vast knowledge on the field. What is his cycling background ? Well, Ill tell you: It makes your view of the race verifiable when youre there. It's their commentators or silence. Carlton Kirby As a Post Graduate Broadcast Journalist Carlton's Television career began with the BBC as a News and Sports Reporter. 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. There are some other sports, like cycling, where the commentary has to be complete. 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. In my ear I have a producer telling me when we have interviews, drop-in features, ad breaks and cue points.. Hence, talking on something is difficult without matter. 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. You can use your lens. Carlton Kirby discusses the art of commentary, says thank you to those who enjoy listening to him. 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. Carlton Kirby: 'Yates is the heart and mind of this breakaway group'. Let us know what you think in the comments. or maybe you,re a relative ?? She got hit by a car and thats someones mum, not just a cyclist. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. They have produced some merchandise like cycling caps and badges, they get together at Carltons events. 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 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. If she wins so does everyone else. Painting a verbal picture of a five-hour race is stream of consciousness, and to be able to do that effectively, you just need to be there. Well over a 1000 signatories on that petition now. And suddenly some feel like a part of the race. 2008present unless otherwise stated. Also, I would say many of his criticisms are unfair and/or cruel. Also, Kirby criticises riders in almost every race. How much longer do the cycling public have to suffer the idiotic commentary from Carlton Kirby ?? This is the video I showed Trinity School in Lewisham this morning. We get to see our own output with our team interviewing the riders. VeloNews: Whats the biggest difference for you when youre commentating on a race from back home, instead of attending the event? The unrelenting, inane chatter (did any of us want to know that his wife had their third child by caesarean section? You only need to listen to him to get that he has no time for Johnny Foreigner. As is seen in most cases, the primary action of any game takes place during the outset and ending parts. Bit harsh, Quigley is a lot more knowledgeable. Kirby tells us that Batistella is punching his handlebars in celebration. And then, you hang a look at anyone who is there to find out if theyre going to listen to you. 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. 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". 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. What blasphemy is this? It means sometimes were not actually commentating from the finish line because the Tour de France is so huge theres about 8,000 people attached to the Tour. 2023 Eurosport, a Warner Bros. Its windowless. My primary issue with Carlton Kirby is that he doesn't commentate on what is happening (he rambles whatever is inside his head). Kittel did win stage four, but then Cavendish beat him again on stage six. To my mind, the motorcycles are the most dangerous because they have the least ability to stop. That is exactly what has happened now. But he's British and that's all that matters to Kirby. 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. He's fine when it's all action but flounders when it's a longer stage. As for the Sky Team Fans member - you wouldnt actually be Mr Kirby would you ???? From dealing with the never-ending frenzy of action, and incessant radio announcements, to having to tackle the director. 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. It is all well having experience, but at some of the smaller races who are the guys riding these bikes? Harmon's attitude can best be described as 'wogs begin at Calais'. 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. When we drive to the finish well usually get on the course, because were badged up to do it, and then make notes. Strade Bianche 2023, March 4, one-day classic (men's & women's), 78th Omloop Het Nieuwsblad: February 25, 2023, UAE Tour 2023, February 20-26 (women's race February 9-12), O Gran Camio 2023, Spain, February 23-26, 49th Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta (2.Pro) // February 15th - 19th 2023, Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne 2023 February 26, 196 km (1.Pro). 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? But, being in the studio means there is a considerable loss of interaction. And it is at that point, Cav comes out of the shadows to mug him at the line. Or at least diminished. I speak no language other than English. Mark is already the greatest sprinter there has ever been. Controversial! pic.twitter.com/TkvUUUeBXs. Me too. "Commentating on cycling is not like snooker or tennis," says Carlton Kirby, principal commentator for Eurosport's cycling coverage, who has worked in the sport since 1996. Page 6 - Get up to date with the latest news, scores & standings from the Cycling News Community. To know that, you simply have to do a Google Search and you will know why. 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. Eurosport's Carlton Kirby and cycling legend Sean Kelly reacted like the viewers at home - at first incredibly concerned, then mightily relieved. 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. We had a heated debate about the incident and then the person drove away. Well ride that sympathy and see how far it takes us up the beach. 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. Tony Martin scared everybody with his breakaway, says Etixx chief. The demands of media and multimedia these days make it more of a serious problem. 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. Simon Yates drops back to the Peloton in the last 2km - Carlton Kirby: 'Yates has decided this isn't worth the candle' - i.e. Always the hardest and most challenging role in such types of games is of a cycling commentator. 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. The rest is very monotonous and quite naturally the onus of filling that gap falls on the commentator. Fantasy Cycling: game [at] road.cc Get the latest race news, results, commentary, and tech, delivered to your inbox. For me Kirby has the key ingredient I need from a commentator. Especially on unstable surfaces. 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". There are many great cycling commentators around at the moment, Im afraid Kirby isnt one of them. why must us cyclists have to tolerate a commentator who has no knowledge of professional cycling. American racers headed to Italy chime in. Eurosport is a group of pay television networks in Europe and parts of Asia. You are calling the race as you see it on the screen. Its a case of trying to keep everybody amused. Without any editing, moderation, or credibility, it is all out in the name of fate. When youre on-site, even though youre there, youre still watching a monitor, Kirby says. Your Tour de France telecastwill look the same this year, but it may feel somewhat different. He came off the corner leading, it was a right hand to the finish in Villars-les-Dombes. Colnago is using social media to tease the arrival of its new E64 Performance, which well go out on a limb and guess is the companys attempt to tap into the rapidly growing e-bike market. In the early 1990's he became a freelance commentator. 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. Log in or register to join the conversation. When youre part of the race caravan, all you talk about is the race. Cycling is a sport where there are no time limits and there are no constant action-packed sequences to speak about. Ive just turned Catalunya on and hes already come out with I think he fell victim to his agent, so now hes at x team. Kirby says he opens the Tours road book (the bible for riders and media alike) first and foremost, having to change all of the notes to match his commentary notes and the on-screen graphics counting down the kilometres, rather than up as the book does. I can walk or drive the technical approach to the finish, which is gold. And, one can understand the enthusiasm that has kept him going despite the setbacks and even criticism from people. Thats one of the vagrancies of Eurosport.. #cycling @carltonkirby whatsonreading.com Carlton Kirby True Tales of the Tour de France | What's On Reading 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. 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? CK:I think not many people will notice. For example, I know that Jakob Fuglsangs last name means bird song, which is a nice little thing. 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. Tech in brief: new gear from Shimano, Park Tool, Wahoo and more Tech in brief: new gear from Shimano, Park Tool, Wahoo, Tortec and more Vitus launch three bikes for cyclo-cross season. Set the scene for us. Kirby laughs. 4th in last year's Giro d'Italia. On the last Vuelta a Espaa, Tinkhoff threatened to pull his team out because two of his riders - one of whom is Peter Sagan - were hit by vehicles. 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. Its quite nice at the Tour de France that we have a roadbook and a history book of everything were going through. At other broadcasters you still have cue points, but its usually after youve finished making a point [because youre the only commentary team]. It is crazy. 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. "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. What you are talking about is a place in history. https://t.co/rFjZ7dTFUE. Well then I propose a CN forum audio livestream for the tour de france. For me, Carlton is the perfect commentator for the 'early shift' on long, flat grand tour stages. 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. 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. 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. 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? . Creativelyreplacing it witha Trek 1.2, Jack mostly rides this bikearound local cycle paths nowadays, but when he wants to get the racer out and be competitive hispreferred events are time trials, sportives, triathlons and pogo sticking - the latter being another long story. Thats when it down to you and not the riders.. How do you call one of the biggest sporting events on the planet? All rights reserved. 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. It is all kinds of stuff. 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. This is why he often cracks jokes and laughs heartily. And he has outthought Marcel Kittel here. -"Looks like shit. 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. 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. The man, the myth, the chosen son. 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. 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. 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, you have to ask yourself: What is different, and why is it worth it to actually go on-site? I think there seems to be a bad feeling against cyclists and its really strange because theyre only people, he continued. Next time you watch, ask yourself how many of his critiques are aimed against non-Anglophone riders. Quite often you are talking while being handed a note, being spoken to by the director, and listening to race radio at the same time as well, says Kirby. He also never tells you who the riders on screen are - and if he does, he's usually wrong. I have - again - sent this to Eurosport (23/2/23, with 1,871 signatures - and 1,400 people taking the time to comment!).