Paris-Roubaix LIVE on SBS
This is the SBS Media release as emailed directly from Mike Tomalaris (cylcing media guru)
IF you are a fan of cycling hten this is a race not to be missed.....
MEDIA RELEASE
2 April 2008
O’Grady tackles the Hell of the North
LIVE ON SBS
In 2007, the country celebrated when local cycling hero and Olympic and Commonwealth Games gold medallist, Stuart O’Grady, became the first Australian to win the ‘Queen of the Classics’, the Paris-Roubaix.
The tenacious South Australian raced for over six hours on punishing cobblestones and rough terrain, fought off assaults from fellow cyclists, dealt with high temperatures, a puncture and crash, before securing his historic win.
“To race on centuries-old, narrow cobblestone roads, which date back tothe Napoleonic era, is a challenge in itself but to finish and be declared the winner is an honour never forgotten,” said SBS presenter and cycling expert, Michael Tomalaris.
“The 2007 Paris-Roubaix winner, Stuart O'Grady, has that honour and he'll always be put on a pedestal as the first Australian to conquer the Hell of the North.”
In a network first, Australians can watch the race LIVE as O’Grady, and his team member and fellow Australian Matthew Goss, battle the world’s best cyclists to retain his crown. SBS will broadcast the 2008 event LIVE on Sunday 13 April from 10:10pm (AEST).
The LIVE coverage will be hosted by SBS’s Michael Tomalaris, who will be joined in the studio by former Australian cycling professional, David McKenzie, and respected cycling journalist, Rupert Guinness. Prominent international cycling commentators Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen will provide the race commentary.
“Australian television viewers have been transfixed to SBS's livecoverage of the Tour de Francefor many years, now the cycling psyche willextend to the greatest one-day classic of them all,” said Mr Tomalaris.
In the lead up to the 106th edition of the Paris-Roubaix, relive Stuart O’Grady’s thrilling win in the SBS produced documentary Conquering Roubaix. Hear from Stuart O’Grady, team mate Allan Johansen, team Sporting Director Scott Sunderland and renown cycling photographer Graham Watson as they take you through the gruelling and action packed 160 kilometres of Stuart O’Grady’s 2007 epic race.
Watch the emotional Conquering Roubaix documentary on Thursday 10 April at 11:15pm, with a replay on Sunday 13 April at 11:00am, before the LIVE Paris-Roubaix action commences Sunday evening at 10:10pm (AEST). Check local guides or sbs.com.au.