BBC coverage of European Champs at Luhmalen

R

retired eventer

Member
Joined
15 April 2011
Messages
29
Location
Norfolk
Visit site
Fabulous coverage by the BBC on Sunday. What a shame to spoil it right at the end by letting that idiot sports presenter interview Tina Cooke and express extreme disappointment on behalf of all eventing fans that the Brits only got a bronze medal ! Clearly knows totally nothing about eventing. We are all just thrilled that they got round safely and home in one piece. The Germans were amazing, but took some huge chances on the cross country - they were just very very lucky. Luck was not on our side this time. Thank goodness William and Tina were positive and looking on the good side. You could see Tina wondering what on earth was this idiot chap talking about (and smiling because his knowledge of eventing was obviously zero). Nikki Watson was brilliant too - very positive and so happy at her horse's performance - poor Piggy a bit hard on herself. Thanks BBC for this most excellent coverage but please next time could you provide someone who at least knows what they are talking about.
 
The guy that was presenting, Rishi, normally does the racing for the Beeb so usually interviews only the winners.

This is the first time I have watched eventing for many, many years and only caught the last 3 or 4 xc rounds. William Fox Pitt and the German guy who rode last are both very good, quiet riders. But the 2 riders before them - what on earth were they doing with their arms?!? Trying to lift off and fly the horses round the course? I've never seen such busy riders - driving finishes in racing are more refined and less flamboyant!

Not having a go or thinking I can do better, as I know I can't, I just couldn't quite believe my eyes seeing how the youngsters rode compared to the old school jocks. It is obviously very effective but it fair takes up the eye.
 
I dont post often but can't you be gratefull that the BBC covered the eventing. I would think Risihi would be one of the first to admit that his knowledge on eventing is limited and remeber that their not just reporting to those that know about it. Ive seen Clare Balding dumd down racing questions that she obviously knows the answer to so that the general public can understand. I dont think he's wrong talking about dissappointment as I think most people felt that team GB had a strong chance of a Gold medal as you say eventing is a lot of luck and lets hope next year the luck's on our side. Also while your talking about knowing nothing about eventing can you reread your post and Ill stand corrected but isn't it Nicola Wilson not Nikki Watson.
 
Agree with Zero. Given GB's stellar record in these championships and the pre-event expectations, I think the presenter's line of questioning re the results was quite reasonable.

And at t least the Beeb showed a sizeable chunk of the Luhmuhlen event -I believe GB's European dressage performance merited about five minutes squeezed into the Olympic preview programme ?
 
The BBC pleasantly surprised with its broadcast of Luhmuhlen. Complete coverage of XC and more SJ than we usually get too. However, I do wish that commentators would learn how to pronounce names (especially Belgian ones) properly. At one point Mike Tucker said something like 'oh, it's one of those horrible Belgian names'. How would he like it if a Belgian commentator said that about a British name? And Tina Cooke refused to say a name (also Belgian). Very unprofessional in other words and not the kind of service I would expect for my licence fee. Besides, Dutch isn't as hard as you'd think. My sister lives in Moorsele (home of the Zilveren Spoor) and has found the language not as difficult to learn as she first thought. Ask a lot of Dutch speaking people and they'll say how hard they find English!

Anyway, I am disappointed that Britain didn't get silver, but bronze is a whole lot better than not getting a medal at all. Also glad that there were no serious injuries over the course of the event.

Too bad there will be stuff all coverage of Burghley next weekend.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top