I think you are right Rob, it’s making for a more interesting TTT, with intriguing tactics & decision making as challenges unfold - the Onley mechanical was so disappointing, they were flying & Kev V might have sneaked yellow. Certainly a stage win at the very least.
I like the 'traditional' format if only because it best reflects that cycling is also a team sport. It still allows for different pacing strategies and can encourage the strongest teams to bring fewer 'pure' climbers to Grand Tours which I think can work in favour of more exciting mountain stages, when leaders are isolated sooner and need to rely more on getting satellite riders in the break. I also reckon a newcomer watching a P-N style TTT might be very confused seeing some teams finish with 5 riders, and other teams coming across the line one or two at a time.
Yes, can completely understand why people also prefer older rules. As entertainment, spectacle generally is, it's subjective. As a broadcaster, I'm enjoying the new rules more, but can appreciate all that goes in to the traditional TTT, too.
After Paris Nice G and Luke had a very interesting discussion on their podcast. Essentially the new rules mean that each team will be operating to different tactics depending on the team make-up and their goals. Steve Cummings referred to this a bit during commentary. I think these rules makes it more interesting for viewers but more difficult for you as commentators to explain what is happening. The picture choices often don’t help - perhaps the only time the multi screen would help.
Personally I love a TTT, I think it makes a team think and select differently and that’s a good thing. It can be a good leveller and opportunity for smaller teams to get exposure and also lesser known specialists to get a podium spot.
That said I pray there’s no weather carnage like last time. We don’t need the tour to be over before it gets going.
Will be crossing everything for the storms to stay away. With traditional weather patterns, they'll be less likely at the start of July than at the end of August and start of September, at least. Finger crossed!
Keep doing what you do Rob, Alison and I love listening to your commentary and your educational content.
I always look forward to “The King” and his views on the day whilst leaving the neutral zone. A master of his craft and what he does not know about it isn’t worth knowing!
I think the rule change presents an interesting tactical conundrum. Pogacar could gamble and decide to save his legs on stage 1 in Barcelona and so maybe do a v limited pull and then he could just trundle round (just mindful of any time cut) and then rely on his team mates to put him in a good GC position. Or does he put a good shift in, taking turns to help ensure his team get a good time and then hand the advantage to Vingegaard who has done option 1. Maybe I am being a bit too simplistic and putting a good shift in is better in the long run in any event.
I don't think anyone will be holding anything back. I'm not sure you can in a TdF. However the point about the tactical conundrum in so much as who you use in your team at what point, plus whether you keep riders up as much as possible on GC to play as alternative cards, is fascinating.
Basically any race that you give the commentary on is automatically a more exciting race. Chapeau! More broadcasts with the “Rob Hatch Rule” please.
Very kind, but it's the riders that make the racing. We just do our best to do those performances justice.
quite enjoyed it!
Let's hope the TdF opener is as good if not more entertaining!
I think you are right Rob, it’s making for a more interesting TTT, with intriguing tactics & decision making as challenges unfold - the Onley mechanical was so disappointing, they were flying & Kev V might have sneaked yellow. Certainly a stage win at the very least.
It certainly opened up a new storyline there with Kev V's comments after the stage, too!
I like the 'traditional' format if only because it best reflects that cycling is also a team sport. It still allows for different pacing strategies and can encourage the strongest teams to bring fewer 'pure' climbers to Grand Tours which I think can work in favour of more exciting mountain stages, when leaders are isolated sooner and need to rely more on getting satellite riders in the break. I also reckon a newcomer watching a P-N style TTT might be very confused seeing some teams finish with 5 riders, and other teams coming across the line one or two at a time.
Yes, can completely understand why people also prefer older rules. As entertainment, spectacle generally is, it's subjective. As a broadcaster, I'm enjoying the new rules more, but can appreciate all that goes in to the traditional TTT, too.
After Paris Nice G and Luke had a very interesting discussion on their podcast. Essentially the new rules mean that each team will be operating to different tactics depending on the team make-up and their goals. Steve Cummings referred to this a bit during commentary. I think these rules makes it more interesting for viewers but more difficult for you as commentators to explain what is happening. The picture choices often don’t help - perhaps the only time the multi screen would help.
Yes, we're often at the mercy of pictures from host broadcasters, but I hope we'll be able to tell the story properly for you come the 4th July.
Love the Freddie Mercury/Montserrat Caballé reference!
The image of Barcelona to a certain generation!
Personally I love a TTT, I think it makes a team think and select differently and that’s a good thing. It can be a good leveller and opportunity for smaller teams to get exposure and also lesser known specialists to get a podium spot.
That said I pray there’s no weather carnage like last time. We don’t need the tour to be over before it gets going.
Will be crossing everything for the storms to stay away. With traditional weather patterns, they'll be less likely at the start of July than at the end of August and start of September, at least. Finger crossed!
Keep doing what you do Rob, Alison and I love listening to your commentary and your educational content.
I always look forward to “The King” and his views on the day whilst leaving the neutral zone. A master of his craft and what he does not know about it isn’t worth knowing!
Thanks a lot, Steve - you've made my day with that!
Not far from your point of view: https://andrescanovas.substack.com/p/lo-de-la-crono-por-equipos?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=5cj6kn
De acuerdo tb con lo tuyo - ha sido un acierto total.
I think the rule change presents an interesting tactical conundrum. Pogacar could gamble and decide to save his legs on stage 1 in Barcelona and so maybe do a v limited pull and then he could just trundle round (just mindful of any time cut) and then rely on his team mates to put him in a good GC position. Or does he put a good shift in, taking turns to help ensure his team get a good time and then hand the advantage to Vingegaard who has done option 1. Maybe I am being a bit too simplistic and putting a good shift in is better in the long run in any event.
I don't think anyone will be holding anything back. I'm not sure you can in a TdF. However the point about the tactical conundrum in so much as who you use in your team at what point, plus whether you keep riders up as much as possible on GC to play as alternative cards, is fascinating.
Paree-Nice is a commentary problem for king Kelly! Needs to work on pronunciation and remember Visma are not Jumbo any more 😂
Sean practically *owns* Paris-Nice! We'll let him say what he wants - the absolute best!