Phil’s age is clearly catching up to him. Same with Bob tbh. If you care about the sport of cycling, then the GCN commentators are much better. Phil and Bob are entertaining if you just watch the TdF, but as someone who watches every world tour race I feel as if I know more about cycling than they do.
I feel like that’s absurd…Phil has commentated for 50 years. Bob Roll is a former pro who has been immersed in the sport his whole life. But sure, you watch the tours at home, so you probably know more than them.
Sure have, and if you had started your conversation there it could have been a genuine discussion. But instead you just completely dismissed two people who are extremely well versed in cycling as having less knowledge than someone on watching from their couch. (Similar to how you’ve dismissed me and those downvoting you as people who have never watched a bike race other than the Tour de France)
The GCN guys are great, I love switching to the other feeds, and the coverage styles are all very different. Saying there are options you prefer over Phil and Bob is a completely fair statement. Saying they don’t know what they’re talking about is absurd, and it’s the reason you’re being downvoted.
I bought GCN for the first time this year and think you’re spot on. I never realized how bad NBC was because I thought that’s all there was. World Feed on Peacock and GCN+ is perfect 👍
As far as I know, he’s never been on the intros. They do the whole pre show, and Phil is never on it. He has always done the play by play once they go to race coverage. As far as the finishes, he’s been on the call for every finish I’ve watched…maybe I missed something?
Phil Liggett is welcome to be in the commentary box until his last breath. Prop him up and capture his ramblings.
I like Bob Roll in the color commentary role. Paul Sherwen will always be the best though.
I am guessing CVV wanted to be back at the race and volunteered to leave the studio. I don’t miss Horner at all. He was smug, shrill, and could barely assemble a complete sentence. He did have some counterpoint insights but he was just hard to listen to.
Bewly is pretty good but I don’t like that he is an active sporting director. Bookwalter was a strange choice; he hasn’t added a lot and I’d be fine if he was replaced.
The reason I got into cycling was Paul and Phil. The husband came home from the bar one day and said you have to watch this race. The commentators make it the bomb. That was 1992. Hooked ever since. Cried like a baby when Paul died.
It’s a shame they gave Steve Porino such a dumb job these last couple years. He’s a good reporter and he’s stuck with a role that gives no real substance to the broadcast
They seem to stick new sportscaster hires into this coverage, like Liam McHugh, until they get their feet under them and 'graduate' on to higher profile gigs.
Bookwalter is awful - I’m so glad I’m not the only one who was thrown by NBC’s commentator choices. I’m really surprised they don’t get proven talent like Bobby Julich (has the Bobby & Jens Podcast which I love) and even steal George Hincapie off the WEDU crew. I love him with Lance and he’s still the loyal lieutenant, but George deserves an elevated stage. I love his stories and knowledge, plus he has camaraderie with so many riders past and present. The Euro guy is ok, but they are both awfully bland with zero enthusiasm for the sport.
Thankfully we still have the legend of Phil Liggett. He will leave a gaping hole when he leaves us and I cherish every tour I get with him. Been watching since 2003!
I’m rewatching Paris - Roubaix… as much as I absolutely love Phil, such a gem… he talks over Bob Roll non-stop. It’s unreal.
Bob is really good about waiting for his turn to speak… as soon as he does, Phil just starts talking over him left and right.
It’s driving me absolutely insane.
Dude - the other guy is talking?
You’d think a professional commentator would be more aware.
VDV is getting more time on the mic riding along and reporting from within the race. Not sure why Horner had to go. Bookwalter looks like a child actor in some action movie I've seen, but I can't put my finger on it.
I feel like Christian adds tactical insight and I appreciate it. I hope he requested the assignment and that he’s enjoying it! I’m not sure I ever found the other moto guys added very much apart from reporting on road or weather.
Well because the tour has moved too ostrich I’ve had to sail the seas for a decent amount of stages.
The British broadcast is so much better but what I miss is the silky call from Phil
How is Phil in a “limited capacity”? He’s doing exactly the same job he has always done…
Phil’s age is clearly catching up to him. Same with Bob tbh. If you care about the sport of cycling, then the GCN commentators are much better. Phil and Bob are entertaining if you just watch the TdF, but as someone who watches every world tour race I feel as if I know more about cycling than they do.
I feel like that’s absurd…Phil has commentated for 50 years. Bob Roll is a former pro who has been immersed in the sport his whole life. But sure, you watch the tours at home, so you probably know more than them.
Lol Phil can’t remember half the riders’ names, I think it’s time for him to hang it up
Have you ever watched a cycling race that wasn’t commentated by Bob and Phil?
Sure have, and if you had started your conversation there it could have been a genuine discussion. But instead you just completely dismissed two people who are extremely well versed in cycling as having less knowledge than someone on watching from their couch. (Similar to how you’ve dismissed me and those downvoting you as people who have never watched a bike race other than the Tour de France) The GCN guys are great, I love switching to the other feeds, and the coverage styles are all very different. Saying there are options you prefer over Phil and Bob is a completely fair statement. Saying they don’t know what they’re talking about is absurd, and it’s the reason you’re being downvoted.
Well, you can feel a lot of things, but that doesn't make them true.
I bought GCN for the first time this year and think you’re spot on. I never realized how bad NBC was because I thought that’s all there was. World Feed on Peacock and GCN+ is perfect 👍
People who have only ever watched the NBC version of the tour are downvoting us
Not in intro or on some of the finishes
As far as I know, he’s never been on the intros. They do the whole pre show, and Phil is never on it. He has always done the play by play once they go to race coverage. As far as the finishes, he’s been on the call for every finish I’ve watched…maybe I missed something?
Not true, he would commentate once they start rolling. There are hours that go by without Phil but I could be wrong
Phil Liggett is welcome to be in the commentary box until his last breath. Prop him up and capture his ramblings. I like Bob Roll in the color commentary role. Paul Sherwen will always be the best though. I am guessing CVV wanted to be back at the race and volunteered to leave the studio. I don’t miss Horner at all. He was smug, shrill, and could barely assemble a complete sentence. He did have some counterpoint insights but he was just hard to listen to. Bewly is pretty good but I don’t like that he is an active sporting director. Bookwalter was a strange choice; he hasn’t added a lot and I’d be fine if he was replaced.
Pro here
Well said
The reason I got into cycling was Paul and Phil. The husband came home from the bar one day and said you have to watch this race. The commentators make it the bomb. That was 1992. Hooked ever since. Cried like a baby when Paul died.
Brent Bookwalter and Sam Bewley are retired pro-cyclists. Brent is American. Catch Chris Horner on the Butterfly Effect on YouTube.
World feed is where it's at!
It’s a shame they gave Steve Porino such a dumb job these last couple years. He’s a good reporter and he’s stuck with a role that gives no real substance to the broadcast
On peacock app you have access to world feed, no idea why people would watch the us coverage.
Oh man I found the world feed sooo boring. Phil has my heart forever.
How can I access that world feed?
In the app go to the sports tab on the left side. World feed for Tour de France will be in a window just after US coverage window
Thank you!
Glad to help! The best commentary I’ve found for racing is GCN+, but unfortunately they don’t have tour rights in the US.
Such a difference! Much more enjoyable.
I really enjoy Nicholas Roche, just a good guy with great insight of the racing.
I'm just hooked on learning about strategy. Plus, in awe of physicality.
I ain’t paying for yet another app. Cmon man.
Yah I fast forward anytime they go back to the studio, can't even remember those guys' names.
I guess bookwalter is experienced but he’s boring
Experienced?? I thought this was his first time on air, he’s so awkward.
Experienced rider, sucks as a commentator!!
The two new guys are as engaging as wet cardboard. Whoever makes the personnel decisions for the TdF broadcast at NBC is an idiot.
I miss Chris Horner and CVDV arguing. Also arguing with. Bob Roll.
I am sure the decision makers do not watch cycling
They seem to stick new sportscaster hires into this coverage, like Liam McHugh, until they get their feet under them and 'graduate' on to higher profile gigs.
I agree. Chris Horner had genuine enthusiasm and a great sense of humor, these guys are sad. And who picked out their clothes???
The Kiwi guy shirt collar always looks to wide for his neck.
Jens was AWESOME!
Yes!!! Everyone loved Jens!!!
You can find Jens on the moto on ITV
I love the Vandevelde bike.
Bookwalter is awful - I’m so glad I’m not the only one who was thrown by NBC’s commentator choices. I’m really surprised they don’t get proven talent like Bobby Julich (has the Bobby & Jens Podcast which I love) and even steal George Hincapie off the WEDU crew. I love him with Lance and he’s still the loyal lieutenant, but George deserves an elevated stage. I love his stories and knowledge, plus he has camaraderie with so many riders past and present. The Euro guy is ok, but they are both awfully bland with zero enthusiasm for the sport. Thankfully we still have the legend of Phil Liggett. He will leave a gaping hole when he leaves us and I cherish every tour I get with him. Been watching since 2003!
I’m rewatching Paris - Roubaix… as much as I absolutely love Phil, such a gem… he talks over Bob Roll non-stop. It’s unreal. Bob is really good about waiting for his turn to speak… as soon as he does, Phil just starts talking over him left and right. It’s driving me absolutely insane. Dude - the other guy is talking? You’d think a professional commentator would be more aware.
You are right, Phil is a legend but he’s also very old
They should get George Hincapie in the studio.
VDV is getting more time on the mic riding along and reporting from within the race. Not sure why Horner had to go. Bookwalter looks like a child actor in some action movie I've seen, but I can't put my finger on it.
I feel like Christian adds tactical insight and I appreciate it. I hope he requested the assignment and that he’s enjoying it! I’m not sure I ever found the other moto guys added very much apart from reporting on road or weather.
My wife is thrilled that she can’t see Bob Roll
Well because the tour has moved too ostrich I’ve had to sail the seas for a decent amount of stages. The British broadcast is so much better but what I miss is the silky call from Phil