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@Velocio
I hadn't seen it so I've just watched it on ITV player (the one with the mini-velodrome in it).
It doesn't look bad at all, a little rushed and the interviews/conversations don't really flow. The narration is a bit sketchy too... but overall I think it's a good thing.
I found the momentary interviews with the public quite nice. They spoke more confidently then the presenters. And their love of cycling comes across more. Maybe the presenters will get into it more over the season.
The sofa format is a bit "Top Gear"... maybe the remit was "Top Gear for bikes".
Ignoring the different media, I recently came across http://www.privateer.cc/ magazine. And I love how it makes you want to ride.
I also love the Privateer's strapline "The magazine for riders who already know the obvious".
I guess for me I found chunks of the show a little patronizing, and "educational". I think cyclists by and large, even the commuters, know a lot but may not be confident in expressing their knowledge.
And whilst the Cycle Show probably is aimed at fairly new cyclists... I think I'd much rather see in-depth stories of individuals taking cycling further. Full episodes focusing on one thing. Be it following someone's first stab at LEJOG, or a documentary tracking a BMX rider learning new tricks, or the organisation and instance of a cyclocross race.... stuff like that.
The cycling world is huge, and instead of scratching the commuter surface with "what
to do when you get a puncture", I'd love to be inspired to cycle even more. And I think that works for all levels of experience. And this isn't "we're at Le Tour", it's "these are some cyclists in the UK, and look what they're doing.". Hell, even the bridges ride or Dunwich Dynamo could be covered.
There's tons happening and so much of it is invisible to someone who doesn't know where to look. Be great to put that in front of people... the stuff that anyone can pretty much go do, and show them how (in a non-patronizing way).
Perhaps it's just me that would like that.
I think it's good though. I don't feel like the target audience, and I don't think I know anyone who is the target audience. But I think it existing is a good thing, as I'm of the view that every little helps.