Advertising by the Commentators

Homer J

I noticed today that over on itv4 whenever George Hincapie came into view Phil L would keep dropping his “Easton” wheels into the sentence, I think one was like “he’s putting power into those Easton wheels” or something similar.
Is this the norm or is Phil on a bung?

finchy

They mention the new clean double-ended bottle every single day.

Garry H

Homer J wrote:

I noticed today that over on itv4 whenever George Hincapie came into view Phil L would keep dropping his “Easton” wheels into the sentence, I think one was like “he’s putting power into those Easton wheels” or something similar.
Is this the norm or is Phil on a bung?

He mentioned the same on Ballan's bike the other day.

gethmetal

Just another reason not to watch them, the wh0res.

tomb8555

There was a shoutout for 'Trek' the other day as well.

gsk82

harmon says canyon make very good bikes

Orleandrew

I don't mind them doing that. Why shouldn't they point out the different kit? It's not exactly advertising to mention the names that are emblazoned all over the bikes.

Greggyr

I don't mind either

Most folk who are watching want to hear about the kit I think...whether it's wrong in terms of free plugging I don't know

rick_chasey

Greggyr wrote:

I don't mind either

Most folk who are watching want to hear about the kit I think...whether it's wrong in terms of free plugging I don't know

For me that's the single biggest change in cycling.

There's a much larger emphasis on equipment. People who make kit understand it's the best form of publicity, and there's been an explosion in amateurs buying expensive sports kit across all sports over the last 15 years.

Teams like Cervelo being the most explicit.

Homer J

yeah, it doesn't bother me, as you say it's good to see what kit they are using. Just found it a little strange mentioning the wheel brand as i've never heard him say , " zipps, ksyriums, etc"

greasedscotsman

It's going back a few years now, but Paul always would mention the "Castorama Raleigh cycles team" rather than the "Castorama team" as he was working for Raleigh at the time...

morstar

And on a similar note. Most teams are referred to by some abbreviation of their team (sponsor) name.
The 3 digit abbreviation for Columbia is THR for Team High Road. Any idea why this is?

gsk82

morstar wrote:

And on a similar note. Most teams are referred to by some abbreviation of their team (sponsor) name.
The 3 digit abbreviation for Columbia is THR for Team High Road. Any idea why this is?

i'd guess highroad is the parent company, like slipstream is to garmin.