Versus and NBC Sports’ coverage of the Tour de France began Saturday. Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen, the undisputed voices of cycling, will be working their 26th Tour de France together.
I spoke to Sherwen about the many storylines that surround this year’s race, including who are some favorites to watch.
JW » How do you think this year’s Tour will handle all the controversy around the doping issues?
Sherwen » The Tour has run without incident, including during two world wars. So it will survive this controversy. There is no doubt that our sport needs to do all we can to stay clean, and I have always encouraged the Tour to do the most extensive drug testing possible. That said, I really feel that we are dealing with the issues and that the Tour 2011 will be, as always, one of the great spectacles in all of sports.
JW » Who are this year’s favorites?
Sherwen » Alberto Contador of Spain of Team Saxo Bank-SunGard has to be considered the favorite as the two-time defending champ. He will get plenty of competition from Andy Schleck of Luxembourg of Team Leopard-Trek, who is his biggest rival and also is super on the mountains. I also like Ivan Basso of Italy with Team Liquigas-Cannondale. He was the winner of the always tough Giro d’Italia, and this could be a breakthrough year for him. Cadel Evans of Australia of Team BMC might be a dark horse, along with Bradley Wiggins of Britain.
JW » What are the things you enjoy most about covering the Tour de France?
Sherwen » What Phil and I enjoy most is telling stories that draw in the casual fan. We love to talk about what makes each town along the tour route so very interesting. Maybe you will hear about the Alps and the amazing role that they have played in the history of Europe. We can’t go anywhere here in France without meeting fans who come up and talk to us from the United States who say: “We have enjoyed watching the race and decided to come over and enjoy the race.” The Tour de France is still part sporting event and part travelogue. No matter if you are a fan of cycling or not, the Tour is great television.
Examiner columnist Jim Williams is a seven-time Emmy Award-winning TV producer, director and writer. Check out his blog, Watch this!
