Matthew Keenan appreciation

[The Barb]

I've posted similar things after previous Tours, but I think this warrants repeating annually ...

Matthew Keenan is freakin' outstanding.

Commentating cycling is so different to every other sport I can think of, because of the range of paces it requires, that it must be incredibly difficult to do well. e.g Five hours of gentle, quiet, county-cricket type commentary where very little happens, followed by five minutes of frantic action like commentating a horse race.

When it's slow-paced, he is interesting, perceptive and easy to listen to. When it's hectic, he speaks clearly and (most importantly) is accurate with his descriptions of the action and rider identification. It's a shame we don't get to hear him at the end of stages more often (but I guess that's a topic for the Phil and Paul thread).

If you read this Matt, then thanks again for another great three weeks.

 

[Llewellyn]

Agreed, I'm quite a fan of Matt's commentating too. I like that he doesn't feel the need to talk for every single second of a race, especially when there's nothing interesting happening. For me, he is cycling's answer to Martin Tyler....says something when there's something to say and stays quiet when there's nothing worth saying.

There must be an ex-pro that SBS can team up with Matt as a replacement combo for P & P. I've heard good things about Dave McKenzie but haven't heard him a lot myself.

 

[El Imbatido]

I like Matt Keenan as well. For the recent coverage of the Giro i believe they used Matt Keenan with Aus ex-Track Pro Scott McGrory.

 

[bangnz]

+1 We get him here in NZ for the 1st 1-2 hours then it switches to P&P then back to Matt at the end of the stage..

 

[auscyclefan94]

Yeah, Matt Keenan is great. He does a good job considering he rarely has someone to commentate with and he is generally commentating the most boring parts of the stage.

 

[markjohnconley]

My wife even sits down and watches until matt finishes then she disappears.
The commentator she dislikes the most is Sean Kelly, that voice!

 

[Yingge]

If I understand correctly, Keenan is actually employed by ASO to provide English commentary, which we hear until P&P start work. Is anyone aware of any TV outlets that take him for the full duration of a Stage?

And yes, I find him very easy to listen too, no drivel or stupid stuff.

 

[therealtimshady]

His voice alone makes him impossible to listen to - give me phil and Paul, harmon and Kelly any day. Itv 4 had numerous complaints about Keenan at last years vuelta

 

[movingtarget]

His voice alone makes him impossible to listen to - give me phil and Paul, harmon and Kelly any day. Itv 4 had numerous complaints about Keenan at last years vuelta

I agree, it gets on my nerves and he never shuts up. He's like the Wikipedia of cycling commentators. He might know his history and riders and makes less mistakes than P and P but he does not offer the insights of other commentators. He would be better co-commentating with others. Give me Eurosport any day.