Here is a post on the Eurosport Forum which sums up Carlton Kirby's incompetence at cycling commentary.
"Since I heard M Carlton Kirby’s comments during the Quebec-Montreal Grand Prix Cycliste 2011, I have to admit I got so shocked I did not wait till the Grand Prix was over to unsubscribe to this sport channel.
Mr Kirby does not seem to know much about Canada's history nor about the Quebec region and the people living there. Nevertheless, a lack of knowledge is good enough to spread pejorative remarks about the History of Canada, the people of Quebec and also wrong details regarding the culture and the landmarks of the city.
First of all. Mr Kirby described the Chateau Frontenac, a hotel built by the Canadian Pacific (a british colonial company) in 1896, as an ancient french fortress. He also described the Jardins de Merici, a luxurious condominium complex, as the "University of Quebec". He said there was a big pool in the middle but: "hey, universities have big pools, right?".
Also on the second day of the race, he stipulated that the people of Quebec City do not like English speakers because the British won the Eight-Years War against the French in 1763. Nonsense! Quebec City is one of the most beautiful cities to visit in North America. It is safe, clean, with a great history and filled with english-speaking tourists all year long. Quebec City has even an english-speaking community. But since the majority is Irish and not English, perhaps it explains why he did not consider the ‘irish-speaking’ people in his comments.
Were these sarcastic remarks filled with resentment towards the Canadians and their History made purposely to hammer down on the Quebec province? Were they showcased viciously on an international sport channel so that anyone watching this race would not dare to visit Quebec? Perhaps that would never be Eurosport intentions but how about Mr Kirby’s ones?
There are so many examples like these regarding Mr Kirby’s comments during the Quebec-Montreal Grand-Prix race. While the people of Quebec strived to organize an international cycling event, which Eurosport is surely proud to showcase, Mr Kirby seems to have used his international tribune in order to spread his offensive views on air. I just could not believe Eurosport would allow and tolerate such a behavior.
Since the creation of the Modern Olympics, sports events are a way for nations to compete on a non-political basis, no matter the origins of the athletes, their race, their religion or their political views. The athletes learn that as they strive for the best but how about sport commentators?
Honestly, I felt really sorry for the people of Quebec. I believe Mr Kirby owes them a public apology. Let me know when it will be on air. I shall subscribe back exclusively to hear that.
Meanwhile, I will keep the second day of the Grand Prix Cycliste Quebec-Montreal as my last experience on Eurosport. If Monsieur Kirby knows as much about cycling as he knows about those cities and nations he describes, cycling on Eurosport is definitely not worth. Afterall, wouldn't such comments be anti-sportive by nature?
Mr Kirby is the last things cycling around the world need to promote races. Through his subjectivity and lack of knowledge, we can only hope he does not reflect the true image and character of the English people towards the world, especially with the coming London 2012 Olympic Games. "
I would like to have Kirby and David Harmon submit their PALMARES and let the cycling viewing public vote if they should be commentating on Professional Cycling - rather than the school sports day.