More Live Tour action on SBS in 2008 than ever before

In its 18^th year showcasing the Tour de France, the worlds most prestigious and celebrated cycling event, SBS will broadcast more LIVE action than ever before.

Viewers across Australia will enjoy an increase in the LIVE stage coverage with SBS broadcasting from the earlier time of 10:00pm (AEST) most evenings. The Tour de France begins on SBS at 10:00pm (AEST) Saturday 5 July and ends early Monday morning, 28 July on the Champs-Élysées.

“In 2007 we had a record audience watching the LIVE Tour de France coverage on SBS,” said SBS Head of Sport, Ken Shipp.

“Last year over 1.2 million viewers tuned in to watch Stage 19 as Australian cycling hero, Cadel Evans, battled for the yellow jersey. With the tenacious athlete keen to go one better and secure his place in history, the 2008 Tour promises another dramatic race broadcast exclusively LIVE on SBS.”

Host Michael Tomalaris returns to cover his 13^th Tour for SBS and reporter, John Flynn, will report on all the news and stories from France. Former pro-cyclist, David McKenzie, joins the presentation team as an expert cycling analyst and internationally renowned cycling commentary duo, Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen, will provide race commentary.

Each day during the 21-stage race, SBS will show a morning update at 7:15 of all the overnight action and a half hour highlights program at 6:00pm. French Chef, Gabriel Gate, returns to host ‘Taste le Tour’, a three minute mouth-watering segment showcasing the culinary delights along the 2008 Tour de France route.

Late June SBS will launch its official comprehensive Tour de France website featuring breaking news, profiles of all 21 stages including route maps and stage analysis, exclusive video content, minute-by-minute live stage reports, complete results and race standings, expert blogs, recipes and much more.