It’s going to be pretty different this year without Paul Sherwen doing color and telling me about the abbeys, chateaux, and other sights and sites on the tour. Whom can they get with as much knowledge? Has anything been announced as to who will pair up with Phil Liggett this year?
Bob Roll will move from the desk to the booth with Phil and Chris Horner will take Roll's spot on the desk with Christian. Not thrilled about that combo to be honest. I also wouldn't be shocked if at the end of the Tour Phil announces it was his final one.
Blech. I was afraid someone would say that. Bob Roll, IMO, is a poor choice. He may know cycling, but he just strikes me as a little dumb sometimes. There was just something about Paul telling me about the scenery that made the tour a bit more special for me.
I still can't believe Paul Sherwen's not on the mike this year, but so far, I'm OK with Bob sitting in with Phil. I think Bob's sense of humor brings out Phil's humor moreso than Paul was able to do, but I do agree that Paul was so much better at describing the scenery and landmarks throughout France. Christian Vande Velde provides good analysis and Jens Voigt is knowledgeable and funny. So far, this year's Tour de France has been much more enjoyable than recent years. In the past, you felt like the race winner was already known after Stage 5 or 6; not so this year.