Cycling’s Tour de France has become a little like the reality show The Bachelor. Guys jockey for position, shirts come off and go on again, and there’s the rare moment of drama in the winding, tedious ordeal that should have ended weeks ago. In the end, you really don’t care who wins, because there’s going to be a nasty breakup in the future anyway and the whole experience makes you feel sleazy. Such is the state of cycling in the age of doping scandals.
But, legitimate or not, the show will go on. The 98th edition of cycling’s Tour de France starts July 2 at Passage du Gois in western France. The race is made up of 21 stages covering a total distance of 3,471 km, with emphasis on the Alps. The 18th stage has the highest summit finish in the race’s history, at the top of the Col du Galibier mountain pass. The race ends July 24 on the Champs-Élysées in Paris. Last year, Spain’s Alberto Contador won his second straight Tour and third in four years.
Versus begins its coverage live July 2 at 8am ET. NBC’s coverage begins July 2 at 2pm ET and July 3 at 2pm ET. Versus continues with live coverage daily at 8am ET.
Below is the press release from NBC Sports Group highlighting Tour coverage on TV, online and social media channels:
NBC SPORTS GROUP GIVES CYCLING FANS 360-DEGREE ACCESS TO THE GREATEST CYCLING EVENT OF THE YEAR – 98TH ANNUAL TOUR DE FRANCE
Multi-platform Coverage Available On-Air, Online at NBCSports.com and Through Mobile Apps
For the First Time Ever, NBC Sports will Air Stages 1-2 on July 2 & 3; VERSUS to Average 14 Hours of Coverage Each Day
“This year’s race is built for the climbing specialists. Everyone is expecting a battle for a third straight year between Alberto Contador and Andy Schleck, but there is every indication that this will not be the case. This has the makings of a vintage Tour.” – NBC Sports Group’s Phil Liggett
NBC Sports Group, the exclusive television home of the Tour de France in the U.S., will begin its coverage of the most grueling event in all of sports on VERSUS on Saturday, July 2, at 8 a.m. ET, live at the grand start from the Passage du Gois in France. Additionally, for the first time ever, NBC Sports will broadcast coverage of the opening two stages on July 2 at 2 p.m. ET and July 3 at 3 p.m. ET, respectively. VERSUS will air an average of 14 hours of race action per day in full HD throughout the 21-stage competition that covers more than 2,000 miles, including live coverage every morning of competition at 8 a.m. ET.
VERSUS’ production continues to evolve, and this year’s daily coverage will have a new look and feel to the race action. The most notable changes will be to the enhanced primetime show each night from 8-11 p.m. ET, which will feature a combination of race coverage and cycling insight as well as highlights from some of the compelling stories throughout the Tour. Each show will include interviews with the riders at the start and finish lines, analysis and strategy segments as well as other content designed for cycling fans and those who are new to the sport. Additionally, the network will collaborate with Gripped Films, producers of the critically acclaimed Tour de France documentary “Chasing Legends,” for daily, behind-the-scenes footage from the team that wins each day’s stage, to the night before they start in the next day’s competition.
The network will also give viewers the best coverage with bonus features such as: cameras on many of the team’s buses, including Garmin-Cervelo, HTC-Highroad, RadioShack, and Leopard Trek; a pointer feature which will easily identify and focus on one rider in the 195-plus peloton; exclusive, in-depth profiles and features on teams and riders; and advanced on-screen statistics/biometrics to illustrate the intensity at which the riders are competing; among others.
Legendary announcers Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen, the undisputed voices of cycling, will once again call all the race action for both the live and nightly shows, with Robbie Ventura and Craig Hummer contributing as field reporters. New host Liam McHugh and analyst Bob Roll will contribute to the pre-race coverage and helm the primetime studio show each night with contributing analyst Todd Gogulski. Gogulski, a former professional cyclist, has covered various cycling events, including the Giro d’Italia, the Vuelta a España and the World Road Championships for Universal Sports since 2009.
Tour de France All Access: VERSUS will surround its on-air coverage with Tour de France All Access, unprecedented cycling content on many different platforms, including tourdefrance.nbcsports.com for the first time since NBCSports.com and VERSUS.com combined forces to create a single, robust destination for sports fans. The network will offer users both a free and premium-subscription product which gives fans a multi-platform, all-encompassing viewing experience to the greatest cycling event of the year. Tour de France All Access offers live streaming video of every stage in full HD, with the ability to pause, rewind and slow-mo the image. While watching live coverage online, viewers will also have access to a live GPS tracking map, to follow the riders’ progress or to see an enhanced interactive map for each stage. Also, subscribers can personalize their Tour experience by choosing their favorite riders and teams to track throughout the Tour. Additionally, all the features of the NBCSports.com online experience will be mirrored in the Tour de France All Access apps for the iPhone, and for the first time this year, on iPad and Android devices.
There are also many free elements available to cycling fans at NBCSports.com and through the mobile apps, which are listed below.
Before the Tour:
- Stage-by-stage descriptions and previews, featuring historical stage information, technical information and interesting travelogue vignettes
- Breakdown of top contenders
- Historical top 10 lists
- Look back at the best of the 2010 Tour de France
Once the Tour begins:
- Recaps and highlights of the day’s big events and story lines
- Expert predictions for each stage
- Route previews
- Interviews with the top riders
- Video highlights of each stage
- Live stage results
- Detailed standings, including overall and classifications
- Rider profiles by country and team
- Course and stage maps, elevation profiles and stage descriptions
- Live news stream during every stage
- Photo slideshows
- Tour de France Twitter stream, which will showcase the top race authorities, including riders, analysts, officials and fans
Additional Features and Elements (more information available at tourdefrance.nbcsports.com):
- Aquaphor Le Tour Challenge: Users can ride their bikes on any given day of the Tour de France to see how they compare to the pros and other cyclists from around the world. They can create a team, join a team, or ride solo, and enter to win great prizes.
- Travelers Fantasy Cycling Challenge: A traditional fantasy game where users select their own team of cyclists and compete with others for daily prizes and grand prize trip to the 2012 Tour de France.
- IZOD Race for the Podium Watch & Win Sweepstakes: During each stage, VERSUS viewers are given an on-air code word that they can use for a chance to win a trip to the 2012 Tour de France and Cervelo Bikes.
Social Media: Fans can also keep up with the Tour de France through VERSUS’ social media platforms throughout the race. Content will include:
- Behind the Scenes: Through the VERSUS Cycling Facebook page and @VSCycling on Twitter, fans receive exclusive behind-the-scenes photos, interviews and video.
- Commentator Tweets: VERSUS commentators Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen will provide Twitter content throughout race.
- Fan Questions: Fans will have the opportunity to ask questions to VERSUS commentators, including Bob Roll in the “Ask Bobke” segment, via Facebook and Twitter.
- News: Fans can follow VERSUS Cycling Facebook and VSCycling Twitter accounts to receive the most up to date reports and stories from around the cycling world.
Tod Gogulski and Liam McHugh did the coverage for NBC Universal,looks like the Versus guys were the casualty.
BRING BACK CRAIG HUMMER! Man I hate NBC, there executives are just plain stupid. Just had to throw their weight around and replace Craig. This liam guy is an idiot. What a joke. I have stopped watching the race commentary because of him. I dvr right past it and just watch the race. I watch Craig on the tour and on pbr bull riding. He is fantastic analyst and it is stupid to replace him. Everything NBC touches turns to crap. I am sad to say they are already sinking versus. It is too bad really. Was my favorite channel… What idiots…
NBC you need to get rid of all your exec’s, they suck. We love you Craig and are sorry you have been mistreated by the small minded NBC guys. Let us know where you end up we will follow you. You suck NBC. Yea they did not want a forum this year, no comments about their card board liam idiot. What a joke. Bring back Craig.
I want to also voice my opinion in how disappointed I am that Craig Hummer is not anchoring the Tour De France coverage and has instead been relegated to a field reporter position. Frankly I was utterly shocked to “see” him reporting and not in the booth (used loosely because so far I haven’t even seen him, just heard him during interviews). I am also very disappointed in the change in format from what Versus had presented over the last 3-4 years. When I lived in San Diego I would get up early every morning to watch the ceoverage and loved the dialogue and rapport between Craig, Bob Roll, Phill Liggett and Paul Sherwen. I would also turn back to Versus to watch the nightime show as much as I could. I was enthralled with Versus’ coverage and they had my complete viewing attention while the Tour was on. Morning and Night.
Now I see some guy named Liam McHugh. He may be a nice enough person, but he comes across the screen as a bland, blah, piece of cardboard. No presence whatsoever and from my perspective the booth has completely lost their fire. I have no idea how anyone at NBC thought he would be a better choice than Craig Hummer. Whatever anybody said on messageboards in the past about Craig Hummer (not me btw) it is very clear to see how much he is missed this year and how NBC needs to re-evaluate how they present the Tour or they will lose all the great fans Versus worked so hard to create.
P.S. – I don’t see any viewer forum on this year’s website. Interesting.
This is what I sent to NBC
To Whom it May Concern-
We absolutely live for the annual 3 weeks of hell that is the Tour de France. In the past, Versus did an amazing job bringing both the Tour to life as well as the incredible human interest stories about the riders and teams to light. I had expectations that with NBC coming aboard that things would be even better– but, I could not have been more wrong!
Versus had a finely honed, well-oiled machine in place with Craig Hummer hosting with Bob Roll, Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen providing analysis. The relegation of Craig Hummer to field reporting is a huge mistake. Over the past 3 years he has become very well-versed in all things relating to cycling and had developed a great rapport with the guys (Roll, Liggett, and Sherwen). Watching the pre-stage show was always a highlight with the guys making predictions– this year, McHugh continues to say no one cares what he has to say and doesn’t participate. He made sure that we don’t care. He is aloof and just simply doesn’t have the cycling insight that Hummer developed.
I am very disappointed in the coverage– PLEASE REPLACE LIAM MCHUGH– HE IS NO CRAIG HUMMER!!! LET THE VERSUS PEOPLE DO WHAT THEY DO BEST.
I love sports and Versus is the gold standard for cycling coverage. Please let them do what made them successful.
Sincerely,
Joy and Todd Millam
I agree. Why was Craig Hummer demoted to doing after race interviews? I feel Liam is almost making fun of the event. Last year was the best coverage I can remember. I watched the Team Time trial yesterday and one minute they are showing highlights then Phil with live coverage then showing really old footage. They don’t have time to show Rabobank or the podium ceremonies, but they have time to show old 7-11 footage again. Please bring back the old format. I look foward to the TDF every July.
Why are Craig Hummer and Bob Roll not doing prime time commentary for the tour? These guys were excellent together. Thanks for screwing up a winning combination NBC. Could not just leave it alone, could you??? I can only imagine what the 2012 Olympics coverage are going to be like…..
NBC Nothing but Crap
I agree. Put Mr. Hummer back as host.
Allow Versus to control all coveage.
To bring back the original format.
sorry for multiple postings but trouble finding the right email link:
nbcsportshelp@nbcuni.com
please disregard my former post, apparently feedback @ versus.com is now closed.
Please email to :
nbcsports@nbcuni.com
this is corporate to NBC, and the only way for our voices to be heard. Happy 4th everyone!
I can’t believe they have relegated Craig Hummer to the back of the pack as a “field reporter” and replaced him with this new “no talent”, “no personality”, “no charisma” clown, Liam McHugh. This kid keeps tripping over his words, has no clue about the sport. He is horrible.
Craig is witty, always had great insights into the race and clearly looked comfortable and looked at ease when talking with Phil, Paul and Bob about the race. NBC has really screwed up on this format change!!
Please drop Liam and bring back Craig Hummer!!!!!
Well as much as I sort or surprise myself, I too miss Craig. The fab foursome was the best cyclobabbleteam on the Tour.
BRING CRAIG BACK and KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF WHAT WORKS
I am very disappointed with the coverage this year. I loved the primetime coverage in the past. During the primetime show Craig and Bob gave more information and it was fun to watch both the live version in the morning and the primetime coverage at night since it was different. Craig Hummer was awesome and I am disappointed that he was demoted. What happened? Where is the ask Bobke segment? Where is the yellow jersey prediction segment? What about the tech segments? This year coverage is terrible. I liked it much better with Craig, Bob, Phil and Paul. Don’t add new people and mess up a good thing. NBC – I hope you are listening.
My husband and I have the same opinion as expressed above. We watch every day of the tour. Love it. We are missing Craig Hummer and I don’t care to watch much without the old format. Please contact feedback@versus.com and let them know how you feel!
unfortunately this is not the venue to have changes made, they need to be directed to the following email address:
feedback@versus.com
please email all your wonderful above comments to versus and parent company NBC at this address so we can hopefully have an impact~~
In the past I would often watch both the morning and evening broadcast. Phil and Paul are great but Bob and Craig would often have a different point of view that would make the race seem fresh and worth watching again. Versus had covered the tour for years, it might be wise for NBC to try not to change what has been a good format
OH, AND THE CODE OF THE DAY AND WEBSITE ARE ALSO A COMPLETE AND UTTER LET DOWN AND MESS AS WELL. YOU HAVE TRULY MANAGED TO MAKE A DISASTER OUT OF EVERYTHING!!!
TERRIBLE…..
DITTO TO ALL OF THESE COMMENTS.
SO SAD NBC. GIVE US BACK CRAIG HUMMER AND THE PROFESSIONAL COVERAGE THAT WE ARE USED TO WITH VERSUS. GOING TO TAPE IT, FF THROUGH COMMERCIALS AND ALL OF THE DISAPPOINTING COVERAGE AND FILLER, AND GET THROUGH THE RACE TO DELETE IT.
LAST YEAR, I SAVED MANY PARTS OF THE TOUR TO RE-WATCH OVER AND OVER. NOT THIS YEAR. BRING BACK CRAIG AND THE OLD STYLE VERSUS COVERAGE. THANKS FOR NOTHING NBC. I WILL DEFINITELY NOT BE LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT YEAR’S 2012 TOUR LIKE I HAVE THE PAST.
SIGNED,
DISAPPOINTED AND LET DOWN
This is my favorite sport. I wait very eagerly every year for this tour. NBC, you have utterly messed this up bad. I hate when Big Wig companies step in and try to revamp something that just does not need it.
Where is Craig Hummer? He had excellent knowledge of the sport and with the fabulous 4, things went smoothly. As an avid cyclist, I enjoy the commentators vast knowledge of the sport and am so disappointed with your choice of Liam. He seems like a great, likable guy, but appears lacking in cycling knowledge. I count on these gentlemen (Bob, Craig, Paul and Phil) knowing this sport and enjoy hearing their predictions and comments.
As an advertiser, I would certainly be disappointed and concerned about these comments. It appears that many will either lose interest and turn it off, or DVR it and push the fast forward button through all of the lacking coverage as well as the advertisements that companies paid top dollar for.
I am not sure why the change, but please put it back the way it was.