For the perfect balance of annoyance and repetition...(Tour thread)

[pll]

Even though they are old, I still like the Specialized ads (like Paolo Bettini's... "la velocitÃ* è tutto") and the Cannondale to a certain extent. The Saab commercial is indeed unbearable and I cannot see the one with crashes. I tend to get up and do stuff around my place during commercials.

I'm sick of hearing about this "new era" of the tour. It must be at least the 4th consecutive tour to the same tune and I'm a big skeptic. I'm sure a couple more dopers will be caught in the days to come, many won't. However, being a skeptic does not help with the disappointment each time a rider is caught.

[tulip]

How is Caisse d'Espargne prounounced? In last year's pronunciation, they didn't say any of the three s's. This year they don't seem to be able to make up his mind.

Kess depargne. Kindof nasal "gne" at the end.

[bluebug32]

Another favorite is the "Leaky Gas Boys." According the Phil and Paul, they've been leaking for years now! Must be hard to draft them...

[Lifesgreat]

Do you suppose the Versus announcers get a bonus each time they mention George Hincapie?

Not George Hincapie, but Big George Hincapie.
Never hear him mentioned w/o the word "big" in front of his name.

I have Comcast DVR so I zoom through the commercials, but DH slogs through the show. I like the JV commercial though. DH is "Saabed" out and I keep thinking the bike crash in the Versus commercial is part of the stage I am watching-it is always right before the Tour broadcast resumes and looks like part of the race when on fast forward.

[VeloVT]

Saab commercial makes me CRAZY.
I personally hated the riding backwards commercial. This is going to be hard to explain in one sentence, so I probably shouldn't try, but I thought it was disrespectful of the riders shown -- it not only trivialized their effort (which was pretty impressive even if they were doping) but also suggested they were somehow an anomaly -- and I just don't buy that "a few bad apples" theory in regards to doping in cycling (at least in the past). Ever notice how uncomfortable the old guys get when doping comes up? Bobke suddenly gets really vague...

I am also coming to really like Bob Roll. I hated him last year -- thought he was just a big meathead. Now, next to Craig Hummer (who reminds me of one of the vapid new guard of TV news anchors like Brian Williams or Stone Phillips, who drive me crazy), I really appreciate Roll's experience and perspective.

I would rather have Al Trautwig than Craig Hummer, I think.
Continue to love Phil & Paul.

[bmccasland]

Anyone notice that Bobke is pronouncing it "tour de france" - in french, instead of "tour DAY france" (american pronounciation of the country). Has he forgiven them?

[short cut sally]

Bluebug beat me to it..i had to see how many times in like one viewing did they say "leeky gas" vs liquigas..I actually lost count when they pronounced it right for the first time..I chuckle every time-its that infantile kid in me that hasn't grown up yet. I dispise that Saab commercial now. I miss the commercials from last year for Specialized and Cervelo, I have not seen any commercials advertising bikes yet. AND I certainly can not take the TapOut and WEC commercials..I can't stand that crap on a good day let alone having to watch the commercials for it. BUT they are making it possible for me to watch the tour..after all, that's why I pay for the upgrade on my dish and the only reason is so I can watch the tour.

[arielmoon]

I agree. Enough of the Saab commercial and TapOut/ WEC commercials. I cant wait to change the channel but then I come back late and miss something... grrr!

I did notice Bobke pronouncing it right cause I used to make fun of him the whole time... no more fun... oh well.

[OakLeaf]

I saw a Cervelo commercial today. Mostly I've been zapping all the commercials. DH, who doesn't ride much, laughed at the line in the Cervelo commercial, "We build bikes for everyone."

What Liza said about the "riding backwards" trailer. Plus, I thought it's just bad marketing. Why not portray excitement and a positive attitude about the future of the sport? I can't imagine them getting back any viewers with that melancholy, apologetic approach.

[Lifesgreat]

Bluebug beat me to it..i had to see how many times in like one viewing did they say "leeky gas" vs liquigas..I actually lost count when they pronounced it right for the first time..I chuckle every time-its that infantile kid in me that hasn't grown up yet.

I can't find it on the internet anymore, but Dave Z would do "one minute interviews" in the peleton. One time he asked a Liquigas rider if he had "liquigas". A short conversation ensued that third grade boys would have loved, if their mothers would let them read it. . .

[Jones]

I would rather have Al Trautwig than Craig Hummer, I think.Continue to love Phil & Paul.

+1.

[Kalidurga]

I can't find it on the internet anymore, but Dave Z would do "one minute interviews" in the peleton. One time he asked a Liquigas rider if he had "liquigas". A short conversation ensued that third grade boys would have loved, if their mothers would let them read it. . .

I am soooo missing DZ this year. The Tour needs some wackiness, and it's a shame to see how well Chipotle's doing and know that he's not able to be a part of it. I hope he's recovering thoroughly and enjoying his new little WZ. Can't wait to see him race again.