My opinion is that we're well beyond just being happy that cycling is on TV at all and that we're entitled to have expectations. We're also entitled to express our displeasure when our expectations aren't met. It's not like Nine has saved us from a blackout re the TDU. SBS have done it every year since it's inception and were keen to continue their association with the TDU.MichaelB wrote:Crikey, how soon we all forget.
Whilst there is little doubt that a cycling based team (SBS) would have done better, it wasn't that long ago that we got NOTHING.
Now at least, thanks to SBS, and hopefully Nein, we will continue to get more.
Nein only just got the rights, so maybe next year will be better, given the stick they have received, and the potential 'help' from ASO.
I'm sometimes a glass half full guy.
Let's not forget that SBS have been delivering cycling coverage in some form since the 80's and that their commitment to the sport continues to grow....
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SBS_Sport
There's no need to go cap in hand to Nine and give thanks for just putting it on, it would have been on TV anyway and we could have had the added bonus of Matt Keenan, a knowledgeable, passionate and articulate cycling fan.
I only hope that Voss and the Nine crew that worked on the TDU report back to Nine management about the genuine buzz there is about the race and that Nine try to make improvements next year and spend a little more promoting it. As someone has already said, they have a good product on their hands.