BBC News, Sunday, 10pm

[BillytheKid]

I was being ecumenical; there are a lot of Americans on here, although admittedly most still picking their scab in the clinic.

Really? I hope it gets the top bill. The Open would be confusing to us poor cousins because there is The U.S Open as well, but I'm probably the only Yank to post this thread. The Ball-Sport Press must be defeated!

 

[djlovesyou]

ITV4 are claiming a 33% increase in viewing figures every year since they won the broadcasting rights. There's also 30,000-40,000 who watch the stages on British Eurosport and more than likely a similar number on Eurosport HD. An upward trend that will hopefully continue. There is huge potential to expand the viewing figures for cycling, for example The men's Wimbledon final had 16.9 million viewers, every F1 race shown on the BBC gets 5-6 million.


Pete

Wow, is that all that watch it on Eurosport?

It's pretty sad that the vast majority of British cycling fans have to put up with Phil and Paul these days. I imagine most of them think they're wonderful, as I know an awful lot of Americans think that they're the best commentators of any sport worldwide.

My Tour would be sadly lacking without Sean Kelly.

 

[William H]

We are assuming Wiggo doesn't have a nightmare and become Scottish

Nah, if he has a disaster he'll become Belgian-Australian

 

[JetSet]

Wow, is that all that watch it on Eurosport?

It's pretty sad that the vast majority of British cycling fans have to put up with Phil and Paul these days. I imagine most of them think they're wonderful, as I know an awful lot of Americans think that they're the best commentators of any sport worldwide.

My Tour would be sadly lacking without Sean Kelly.

The main problem is that Eurosport isn't free to air in The U.K, and isn't part of The Sky Sports package either. You have to take out a further subscription for The Sky Entertainment package at £26 a month. Although I watch Eurosport and have done since the early 90's , I do sometimes flick over to ITV4 when the ad breaks are on . Phil and Paul aren't too bad but I guess we'll get stuck with Hugh Porter for the Olympics.

Pete

 

[Pricey_sky]

The main problem is that Eurosport isn't free to air in The U.K, and isn't part of The Sky Sports package either. You have to take out a further subscription for The Sky Entertainment package at £26 a month. Although I watch Eurosport and have done since the early 90's , I do sometimes flick over to ITV4 when the ad breaks are on . Phil and Paul aren't too bad but I guess we'll get stuck with Hugh Porter for the Olympics.

Pete

To get basic Sky you have to pay £21 a month anyway not just a further subscription. Eurosport is then on the extra pack that cost's £5 per month but comes with another 90 channels included in the pack.

More people are subscribing to Sky however there is still a majority with just standard freeview in which you get ITV4.

 

[Maroon Heaven]

Spoke with a few senior BBC sports journalists I know yesterday - Asked them this question - All came back with "Depends on who wins the Open"

 

[Waterloo Sunrise]

No one English in with a shot of the Open, so short a Tiger victory it should be cycling up front.

 

[Apollonius]

If Jenson Button snatches victory in the GP in the closing laps the Beeb will be spoilt for choice for British sport success stories today!

Wiggins should get the top spot though - it's the greatest achievement in modern times for a British sportsman, I just don't think the bulk of the football obsessed idiot British public will grasp that though.

 

[Waterloo Sunrise]

There's no 10pm news tonight (1030 instead) but at the 7pm news, it's the number 1 news item full stop.

Nice.

 

[Waterloo Sunrise]

Sadly at the end of the segment which took up nearly half the news, they announced he is the worlds best TTer, so he better make sure he's ready for the Olympic TT or there are going to be some disappointed fans.

 

[Caruut]

And I can confirm that the opening story was indeed Wiggins. Cavendish came 2nd, now we're having some talking heads. Now David Cameron is praising him.

 

[Richeypen]

And I can confirm that the opening story was indeed Wiggins. Cavendish came 2nd, now we're having some talking heads. Now David Cameron is praising him.

Hello-hurrah - what a nice day..............

 

[happytramp]

Despite my anti-Wiggan's bias and general level of Irish begrudgery I can't help but feel happy that it's getting so much attention.