The English voice of world cycling...
Before leaving Italy we toured Western Europe. While in France, we saw a mountain-stage finish of the 2007 Tour de France. Being an avid amateur cyclist, I've watched grand tour coverage (Tour de France, Giro d'Italia, Vuelta a España) on television for years. My favorite commentators are the team of Phil Liggett, Paul Sherwen, and the lovable goof ball, Bob Roll. When I learned that the 2007 Giro d'Italia would stop again in Spoleto, I sent a message to Phil inviting him and the other commentators to dinner at our home (Anne-Marie is a great chef). He replied saying that regrettably they couldn't attend because they would be covering the tour only on weekends from their studio (using a satellite feed). He also mentioned that if we were to come to a stage of the Tour de France that we could find him at the portable studio trailers (but come early before security gets too established).We got up early on the day of Stage 8 Tignes and slowly worked our way around the security people to where all the TV trailers were stationed. There we found Phil and Paul and Bob (and several others). When we introduced ourselves to Phil, he invited us to attend a taping of the TV segment they were doing. So, we all went up to the outdoor studio (on the roof of one of the trailers) and saw exactly how they tape these shows. It was not only interesting but also exciting to see behind the scenes (somewhat like a back stage pass to a concert). Phil was the perfect gentleman. I hope one day to meet him again, and this time bring him some of Anne-Marie's gorgeous lasagna (another term from our British friends).
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