Bob Roll's comments

[TigerFish]

I like Phil

 

[Maxiton]

I'm starting to think your poster name is your IQ.

How can you tell?

I remember seeing goofy advertisments in Mountain Bike Action with Bob Roll back in the early nineties. Parts of it read "....Bob Roll, 3-time Tour de France participant".

Back then, I found this hilariously thin. And even more now. Just saw his complete palmares in Wikipedia. His "palmares" consists almost enterely of "participation" in races. Three wins in his career. Only one in a European race.

*impressive* character....

Yeah, there are only two strong Frenchmen . . . and both of them could kick Roll's ass all over the countryside. Come to that, assorted French grandmas could send him packing, too.

An American commentating for Americans - and you expect what?

Oh, I dunno. A voice from somewhere other than the sewer, maybe? Would a thoughtful perspective be too much to ask? Versus is a rotten joke. Thank god for the internet.

Look, I think we all get it. We are going to get a bias in favor of Americans. But just because it's that way doesn't mean our intelligence has to be insulted every 5 seconds.

Doesn't that tell you what they think of us? And Bob is by far the worst offender. Like I said, outside of cycling, Lance and euro-bashing, he actually is a good storyteller and has had more than his share of crazy moments or at least can embellish boring stories to the point of being funny. But his commentary on cycling makes me wonder if he even pays passing interest in the race.

He works from a narrative no matter how far what is happening on the screen diverges from it. And then when he tries to relate what is happening at the moment to his Lance-is-God-narrative you have to question the man's awareness of reality.

His comments tonight about team Astana being weak made me stop and tell MY SLACK-JAWED 9 YEAR OLD that the man who was on TV was suffering from some sort of mental illness.

+1. Funny stuff. Funny thing is, your nine year old would likely do a better job than those Versus idiots.

 

[benpounder]

But just because it's that way doesn't mean our intelligence has to be insulted every 5 seconds.

Watching most of what is available on the tely (especially News) insults my intelligence, consequently, I've stopped paying attention - mute is a wonderful feature.

Doesn't that tell you what they think of us?

No, it tells me what you think they think of us.

Having watched both the live broadcast with Phil and Paul in the early morning, and the primetime replay with Bob and ____, they both make the same mistakes. I was screaming at Phil yesterday (likely because his eyes were buried in something other than the live feeds) when he was sure that Gesink, Menchov, and Leipheimer were behind the LA group. Any sentient being knew that group had already dropped Armstrong and Basso. I've seen the repetition of mistake too much to blame Roll.

 

[cyclestationgiuseppe]

Versus "commentary" is such a joke it is hard to stomach. All 4 of these guys are LA's personal enemas.

I admit though I have to watch, much like a big crash. It hurts, but, I cannot look away.

Phil, Paul, Bobke and Hummer are the biggest tools on TV.

Can't wait for next years TOC so I can boo them all personally. (I will be wearing my dopers suck t-shirt)

 

[hiero2]

Pick on bobke as a boob - that's fine, but respect the man

You can pick on bobke as a boob - that's fine. But, respect the man.

He was racing in Europe when most American racers couldn't hold the wheel of the continental club racers. Ask the Stetina boys - they'll tell ya (and I don't mean the current crop, I'm talking about Dale and Wayne). Bobke was one of the few riders, of ANY nationality to FINISH the Gavia blizzard stage - the same stage where Andy Hampsten took the lead in the Giro. Andy went on to win that Giro - the only time an American has ever done so. Bobke earned his chops the hard way. Ask Andy - he'll tell ya.

Bob Roll might be a boob to you, and that's fine, he's always seemed to enjoy playing that role somewhat, but he loves cycling. He is a bicycle racer, then and now. And, hmmmmm - how many bicycle racers do you know that are known for their scintillating wit and intelligence? Lance, even tho I'm NOT a fan, comes about as close as any, in a sport where the ability to speak in public is, ahem, less than common?

 

[Burnette]

Touche' Perdant

Haters hatin' on America. Sweet. Nice, really nice. I guess the French forgot who saved their country that they wouldn't die for and who saved their precious Tour that they cannot compete in.
The French sound like the Aussies who do the "what if dance" with Cadel and shake their fist at Lance/America for their hero's short comings. Easier than taking personal responsisbility and admitting the truth, that yes he is a goood rider but not a Tour winner. It's all background noise behind Thor Hushovd, Mark Cavendish, Andy Schleck and Alberto Contador. Are any of those guys French? No, they are winners.
Lance said he wasn't going to spoil the Bastille holiday then they send a team mate down the road to take the stage win. If the French don't like it then they stop them and win themselves. This hate and whining makes them sound petty and out of step as to how to progress. Continue to only whine and not prepare and you will continue to suck.
At the end of the day boys, what is important is what goes in the history books and the record books. The French can't win the Tour again for the same reason they sucked at the World Cup.

 

[Johnalex13]

Bob Roll is ***.

He called the Irish rider Nicholas Roche

"Knee-Cola Roche"

Bob you dumb phuck he is from Ireland not Russia!

 

[powderpuff]

Haters hatin' on America. Sweet. Nice, really nice. I guess the French forgot who saved their country that they wouldn't die for and who saved their precious Tour that they cannot compete in.

The ANZACS !!

 

[Hugh Januss]

I like Phil

Yeah he's cute, like your old grandpa who can't remember anyones name anymore, and keeps telling the same stories over and over.

 

[Moose McKnuckles]

Haters hatin' on America. Sweet. Nice, really nice. I guess the French forgot who saved their country that they wouldn't die for and who saved their precious Tour that they cannot compete in.
The French sound like the Aussies who do the "what if dance" with Cadel and shake their fist at Lance/America for their hero's short comings. Easier than taking personal responsisbility and admitting the truth, that yes he is a goood rider but not a Tour winner. It's all background noise behind Thor Hushovd, Mark Cavendish, Andy Schleck and Alberto Contador. Are any of those guys French? No, they are winners.
Lance said he wasn't going to spoil the Bastille holiday then they send a team mate down the road to take the stage win. If the French don't like it then they stop them and win themselves. This hate and whining makes them sound petty and out of step as to how to progress. Continue to only whine and not prepare and you will continue to suck.
At the end of the day boys, what is important is what goes in the history books and the record books. The French can't win the Tour again for the same reason they sucked at the World Cup.

Hey look, roadfreak44 is back.

 

[mrmoore]

Moronic schtick aside, Roll does have a semi-point. The French don't have a top level competitive climber, time-trialist, or sprinter besides those two. I think he's even being generous to Fedrigo. The French do seem to lead the league in rouleurs though. Casar, Dumoulin, Moinard, Lemevel, Ladagnous - the list goes on and on.

WRT Versus, I know Paul and Phil brought me into cycling when I first saw the OLN broadcast in 2003. While Phil makes a ton of mistakes, I do enjoy the commentary - it's like watching with friends. All the shilling they do - it's all part of trying to expand the American audience. Regardless of the commentators, I think we would all agree that a larger audience would mean more and better broadcasts.

 

[jaylew]

I guess the French forgot who saved their country that they wouldn't die for and who saved their precious Tour that they cannot compete in.

Uh, they kinda saved us too
Not sure who "saved" the Tour. Was it going away?

 

[dolophonic]

What a silly argument. Obviously none. but then how many riders did the US start out of the 197? Try going through the percentage of wins a nation has verses how many riders they send. Then factor in what team they ride for and what that team's over all and specific stage agenda is.

FWI, lest I missed any, there are 7 Yanks on 3 teams. Those teams are BMC, Garmin, and RadioShack. Prior to the trip over the easy side of Col de la Madeleine, just what were those team's ambitions?

Finally, before you continue bashing Roll for giving a decidedly North American bias on a North American brodcast outfit, listen to the Spanish (or Italian, or German, or Dutch or...) broadcast, factor how many riders they have in the race, and on which team, and what that team's ambitions may be, then look at how many wins they have in this year's tour.

Like I said, it is a silly argument.

It wasn't an argument. It was a question, made in reference to Bob Roll's calling the French riders weak.
i do listen to other broadcasts when i can. I actually prefer to listen to the English edition...

 

[2wheels]

Uh, they kinda saved us too
Not sure who "saved" the Tour. Was it going away?

I was going to make a similar remark-- but for this poster, we'd better spell it out it clearly and in small words: This is a reference to the Revolutionary War, when France helped the fledgling USA gain freedom from England.

(To go a bit deeper, if not for the English being damn lucky and getting a ton of help from the Dutch and the Iroquois Nations, we'd probably all be speaking French in this country today-- even Georges Bush la deuxieme!)

 

[montagna lunga]

"the french" despise americans...they are honestly arrogant dumb *** (sorta like the posters in THIS thread too!)

I never noticed Roll disguising his disdain for "the french" ...
til the past couple of broadcast years...it's his mealticket, lops, get over it!

AND......you lops would be happier if you ate more oatmeal

 

[oncehadhair]

...hate and whining makes them sound petty ...QUOTE]

Does doesn't it.

 

[Cerberus]

I was going to make a similar remark-- but for this poster, we'd better spell it out it clearly and in small words: This is a reference to the Revolutionary War, when France helped the fledgling USA gain freedom from England.

(To go a bit deeper, if not for the English being damn lucky and getting a ton of help from the Dutch and the Iroquois Nations, we'd probably all be speaking French in this country today-- even Georges Bush la deuxieme!)

Phhh, all so-called "history" before WW1 is nothing more than a communist plot. Do not be fooled!

 

[flicker]

I remember seeing goofy advertisments in Mountain Bike Action with Bob Roll back in the early nineties. Parts of it read "....Bob Roll, 3-time Tour de France participant".

Back then, I found this hilariously thin. And even more now. Just saw his complete palmares in Wikipedia. His "palmares" consists almost enterely of "participation" in races. Three wins in his career. Only one in a European race.

*impressive* character....

I never followed him in Europe but he must of been good to have a job as a pro. I do know he was a top class domestic rider. Not everyone can be Lance. Ask jonathon Boyer.

 

[flicker]

Could I add that as a Brit living in Boston until 2012 Versus coverage is really bad. Even though I can watch it on a 50" tv in HD I choose watching Eurosport on my laptop listening to David Harmon commentating. The reason for this is Versus have advert breaks every minute & every interview or profile has to have 'brought to you by' in large graphics blocking out some of the action on screen. How can Euro & Brit tv stations show programs & cover such events as the TDF & soccer World Cup with 60% less ad breaks? Is it just money grabbing to the detriment of viewing pleasure by US TV stations? Bob Roll really does not help because he does not have that much insight into something he should know everything about. Lastly Phil Liggett & Paul Sherwen also supply the commentry for ITV in the UK & the program they put out on ITV everyday is superior in every aspect. Come on Versus put some effort in & produce a broadcast that is up with the best & not where you are at the moment the lanterne rouge.

Hey if you have insight get inspired and ask Versus for a job. I have been watching TdF on Tour tracker. Well worth the 30 bucks. Sean Kelly is a whiney prat!

 

[auscyclefan94]

I loved liggetts commentary the other day! Once casar crossed the finish line. He screams

"THERE'S THE FINISH LINE"! I was like, we know you moron the lead group has crossed it.

What did Bob "beaver" Roll do in his career?

 

[rhubroma]

What a silly argument. Obviously none. but then how many riders did the US start out of the 197? Try going through the percentage of wins a nation has verses how many riders they send. Then factor in what team they ride for and what that team's over all and specific stage agenda is.

FWI, lest I missed any, there are 7 Yanks on 3 teams. Those teams are BMC, Garmin, and RadioShack. Prior to the trip over the easy side of Col de la Madeleine, just what were those team's ambitions?

Finally, before you continue bashing Roll for giving a decidedly North American bias on a North American brodcast outfit, listen to the Spanish (or Italian, or German, or Dutch or...) broadcast, factor how many riders they have in the race, and on which team, and what that team's ambitions may be, then look at how many wins they have in this year's tour.

Like I said, it is a silly argument.

Yes ,well, Pounder Head, they actually have qualified commentators. And none of them make stupid Yank comments by stupid Americans such as Roll did.

In any case digging on foreign nations in a public sports commentary such as the Tour is just simply in poor taste, and is not the habit of those with some class.

 

[joe_papp]

I loved liggetts commentary the other day! Once casar crossed the finish line. He screams

"THERE'S THE FINISH LINE"! I was like, we know you moron the lead group has crossed it.

What did Bob "beaver" Roll do in his career?

ROTHFLMFAO

I vaguely remember watching WCP videos in the mid-90's, but don't recall Phil making so many mistakes as he does now...it's surreal, but worst of all are the ad breaks. Having the Tour in HD is actually a big mind-f*ck thanks to VS - they never show enough continuous footage to allow me to enjoy the racing before cutting to commercial. Even fast-forwarding through the DVR'd footage doesn't help b/c there's no continuity...

 

[ergmonkey]

The biggest issue concerning this post is simply why the original poster isn't watching eurosport online...does anyone willingly watch the versus coverage?

Amen. I can understand wanting to take advantage of the high def images on VS, especially since the only things def about the webcasts are that the video quality will def. be sub-par and somebody with respect for international copyright law will def. try to shut the feed down.

But, one can at least cover up the VS audio with something from the net. Rather than listening to those four chuckleheads on VS, I'd much rather pick up on about 2% of what the Flemish guy on Sporza says and then laugh out loud every time he shouts "OOOyoyoyoyoyoy!" whenever a guy takes a sketchy line through a hairpin.

 

[Tangled Tango]

What a silly argument. Obviously none. but then how many riders did the US start out of the 197? Try going through the percentage of wins a nation has verses how many riders they send. Then factor in what team they ride for and what that team's over all and specific stage agenda is.

FWI, lest I missed any, there are 7 Yanks on 3 teams. Those teams are BMC, Garmin, and RadioShack. Prior to the trip over the easy side of Col de la Madeleine, just what were those team's ambitions?

Finally, before you continue bashing Roll for giving a decidedly North American bias on a North American brodcast outfit, listen to the Spanish (or Italian, or German, or Dutch or...) broadcast, factor how many riders they have in the race, and on which team, and what that team's ambitions may be, then look at how many wins they have in this year's tour.

Like I said, it is a silly argument.

I do listen to European broadcasts. I live in Europe. I don´t know about the French, Italian or German comentators, but the Spanish do not bash the other nationalities to their home base. They are unapologetic when it comes to rooting for their own, but they don´t put down the other nations. That isn´t just bias, that´s ugly Americanism.

 

[personal]

It seems that some of his TdF reports have been removed from Road Bike Action page - in one he called Andy Schleck Austrian.