|
How good was Paris-Roubaix.
On a personal level, it was very satisfying to finally see the world's
most unique sporting event live on Australian television.
This race has been running since 1896, yet it's taken 112 years to bring
it into our lounge rooms and give us a better understanding what this
marvellous race is all about.
I'm sure you'll agree, the drama, suspense and battles of survival makes
this a gladiatorial event.
These elite riders, who race over the centuries-old cobbled-stoned
surfaces and stay upright, are possessed with amazing racing skills.
The team-work involved with support staff who follow the race is a
logistical exercise in itself - and what about the thousands of
spectators that line the ancient roads?
This showpiece has attracted many Australians in recent years, none
better than Stuart O'Grady.
Stuey's ambitions were clear once the leaders left the Arenberg Forest.
He gave the race another nudge and I thought for a moment he was going
to make it back-to-back victories when he rode to the front with
reigning Belgian champion Stijn Devolder.
I must admit I was a little disappointed with the finish of the race.
After 259 kilometres, it was decided by a relatively lame sprint from
Tom Boonen - the Belgian got a clear run to the line when Fabian
Cancellara and Alessandro Ballan raised the white flag.
Nonetheless, we were exposed to the many reasons why cycling is such a
wonderful sport.
There really isn't anything else that matches it and the Roubaix Classic
proves this.
If only an event such as this was idolised and widely supported in this
country as it has in Europe for more than a century.
People often ask if pro-cycling will ever become a mainstream sport
appreciated by the public-at-large?
I'd like to think attitudes among sports lovers has changed in the last
15 years, but there's still a battle to be won in convincing editors of
various media outlets that this sport has a place among the masses.
That discussion can be saved for another time.
For now, to think the Paris-Roubaix was an appetizer for things to come
is tantalising.
Bring on the Tour de France - it can only get better!
Michael Tomalaris
Journalist/Presenter/Producer
+61 2 9430-3043
+61 (0)414 586052
OFFICIAL BROADCASTER
2010 FIFA World Cup
2008 Tour de France
ASSOCIATE BROADCASTER
2008 Olympics Games
|
