The world s greatest race, Tour de France on SBS

The world's greatest race, Tour de France on SBS

June 16, 2014

News Release

2014 has been a monumental year in sport and sports broadcasting for SBS, and now all eyes turn to France for the biggest race on the world's cycling calendar - the 2014 edition of the Tour de France.

SBS will show every stage of the Tour de France live and exclusive, as well as twice daily highlights in the morning and evening, starting from Saturday 5 July.

SBS Director of Sport Ken Shipp said; SBS has just launched the 2014 FIFA World Cup and hot on its heels comes the next epic worldwide sporting event, the Tour de France. Each year we bring audiences up to the minute coverage of this spectacular test of endurance, all 21 stages as they unfold across three weeks. For sports fans, SBS is simply the only place to be at the moment.

The 2014 Tour de France begins in Leeds, Yorkshire for three stages taking in the iconic landmarks of the United Kingdom. In a historic move, the race has a special departure from the cobblestone streets of Ypres in Stage 5 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of World War One. Six mountain stages across a rare three ranges - the Vosges, the Alps, and the Pyr n es, provide the endurance test the Tour is famous for. A time trial set for the second last stage is shaping up as a thrilling battle for the yellow jersey all the way to the finish line in Paris.

Australian fans have plenty to cheer for with Australian team Orica GreenEDGE looking for stage wins in France with Simon Gerrans, and sprinter Michael Matthews making his Tour de France debut straight from six days in the leader's jersey at last month's Giro d'Italia. Other Australian talent to watch includes Rohan Dennis who will be gunning for the white jersey for the best young rider and Richie Porte riding for Team SKY.

In the general classification it will be a show down of the giants of cycling, with defending champion Chris Froome the favourite to take out the yellow jersey, but two-time Tour de France winner Alberto Contador dangerously back in form, and Vincenzo Nibali hot on their wheels.

SBS's coverage of the 101st edition of the Tour de France will be hosted by award-winning cycling journalist Michael Tomalaris in his 19th year covering the Tour de France. He will be joined by SBS Cycling Analyst David McKenzie, and other special guests including former professional cyclist Baden Cooke on the ground as they follow the iconic race through France. Calling the race will be international voice of cycling Phil Liggett, cycling veteran Paul Sherwen and Australia's Matt Kennan.

Despite the late nights, the big bike race in France attracts an Aussie audience fascinated by a worldwide sporting spectacle, said SBS cycling host Michael Tomalaris. The television viewing habits of Australians in July have changed as a result of the commitment SBS has provided to the Tour de France since the networks inaugural broadcast in 1991. Apart from the pushing of pedals, SBS viewers are enthralled by everything the Tour has to offer. From the magnificent scenery to the fascinating history, food and culture, the Tour de France is a complete package.

SBS will broadcast a Live Review Panel Show on the Tour de France's two rest days, and also before the commencement of the final Stage 21. Host David Basheer will be joined by former professional cyclists Henk Vogels, Annabelle Drew and other special guests to review and analyse all the latest action from the Tour.

For an entr e to the live racing each night, popular segment Taste Le Tour with Gabriel Gat returns for its tenth year. Join Gabriel on a gastronomic journey as he follows the route of the twenty-one stages of the 2014 Tour route, stopping along the way to discover and cook the local specialties of each unique region.

SBS will provide comprehensive multi-platform coverage of the Tour de France via the award-winning website, www.sbs.com.au/tdf, the SBS Social Hub and the interactive Tour Tracker app. All of the stages will also be available in their entirety for catch up via www.sbs.com.au/tdf and SBS On Demand.

Coverage of the 2014 Tour de France begins at 8.30pm, Saturday 5 July on SBS ONE.

Full broadcast schedule is detailed in attached release here

LINK:	http://www.sbs.com.au/aboutus/news-media-releases/view/id/898/h/The-wo...
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