In yesterday’s post I talked about my options in following the 2011 Tour de France from here in Canada. As I write, the first stage in nearly complete and here is what I did.
Without digital cable to watch the TSN2 television coverage in Canada, I have resorted to web coverage – and it hasn’t been bad. Without subscribing to the NBC All Access Pass I have not been able to follow the commentary of Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen [I just noticed that the all access pass is restricted to U.S. residents only so that option wouldn’t have worked anyway]. What I have been watching is the english language UK web feed from Eurosport via fromsportCOM. The biggest drawback to the web feed is the small display window – but it is fine for sitting right in front of the computer screen. Pleasantly, I am finding the commentary on this feed to be good – Phil and Paul are not the only capable commentators.
Not only am I tuned in to the video/commentary feed but I also have a number of other browser windows open for various info on the Tour. Here are the websites I currently have open:
- Steephill TV for finding a variety of feeds
- le Tour de France official web site
- NBC Sports
- TSN
Who am I picking to win this year’s Tour? There would seem to be half a dozen contenders and I think it will come down to the breaks – the good and bad luck of teams and individual riders. If Contador plays it safe and smart, he should be a favorite. Personal I am pulling for Andy Schleck this year. After a couple of second place finishes I’d love to see him come out on top this year. I also wish the best for Canadian rider, Ryder Hesjedal and in terms of teams, I’m cheering for Team Radio Shack. We will see what happens.
Zen Cyclist 
Hi there
Found the same issues with NBC All Access.
Watched via FromSport as well. Just takes a bit to get used to the commentators but I thought they did a great job.
It’s too bad TSN does not air online.
Have a good tour!
Thanks for the comment. Yes the commentators did a very good job. I was especially impressed at how quickly and effectively they covered when the main commentator’s feed was lost near the end of the stage.