MICHAEL TOMALARIS
The sports commentator, 59, heads the team covering this year’s Tour de France (starts Sat., Jul. 6 at 9.30pm; SBS).
What are the biggest challenges in covering the Tour de France? Traversing an area the size of NSW and Victoria combined has its challenges. Apart from travelling up to 7000km in three weeks in a motor car following Le Tour, producing a polished product is paramount. Oh, and trying to find time to sleep.
Who are you tipping to win?
It’s an open Tour in 2019. The unexpected unavailability of four-times winner and hot favourite Chris Froome, because of the severe injuries he suffered from a recent crash in a warm-up race, has made it difficult to pick a winner. I have my fingers crossed Tasmania’s Richie Porte will enjoy some good fortune. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if he follows in the footsteps of Cadel Evans, Australia’s only winner? For people who have never watched, what’s your hard sell? It takes some time to understand the intricacies of a three-week bicycle race. Patience is the key. As is usually the case for new viewers, the penny will drop and you will become addicted to the tactics. But viewers don’t have to understand the complexities to enjoy the Tour’s delight – it combines magnificent scenery, history, cuisine and athleticism in one complete package
Do you get time off to enjoy the European summer?
Not usually. I view working on the Tour as my annual working summer holiday. I’d like to think the SBS coverage takes viewers on an escape journey when the weather in Australia is cooler during July. It’s a holiday without the cost.