230. Phil Liggett: The Voice Of Cycling; movie review

 

 

PHIL LIGGETT - THE VOICE OF CYCLING

Cert TBA

114 mins

BBFC advice: TBA

Those of us of a certain age remember the great commentators such as Richie Benaud and John Arlott (cricket), Bill McLaren (rugby union), Eddie Waring (rugby league), Dan Maskell (tennis), Peter Alliss (golf) etc etc.

Phil Liggett belongs to this higher echelon who have a unique tone combined with wonderful authority about their sport.

He has been the voice of cycling since before most of us can remember.

Indeed, according to Nickolas Bird and Eleanor Sharpe's movie, he has been describing the Tour de France on television since the 1970s.

But their documentary reveals there is more to the man than his passion for bike racing.

Liggett lives in the Kruger National Park in South Africa for several months a year and he and his wife, Trish, are fervent environmentalists who are at the forefront of the campaign to save the rhino.

Therefore, much of this film is dedicated to that battle and his love of animals.

However, there is also a chronology of his life and career from the moment he fell in love with racing at New Brighton Cycling Club to becoming the voice of the sport.

He worked in Fleet Street, was director of the famous UK Milk Race and, by chance, entered the world of broadcasting.

There are also tragic moments when he lost his mentor and later his beloved co-commentator.

But there is only a light touch on the biggest controversy of Liggett's career - his support of Lance Armstrong, refusing to believe the rumours about taking performance-enhancing drugs, right up to the moment that the multi-Tour De France winner made a TV confession.

One has the impression that Liggett still struggles to accept the truth today.

But this isn't a film which courts debate - it is a tribute to the man and his dedication to cycling and the enviornment and, to that end, it does a thorough job.

Reasons to watch: Engaging biopic

Reasons to avoid: Doesn't delve too deep into the big controversy

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 7/10

Did you know? Since the establishment of the competition in 1903, nine British riders have led the general classification in the Tour de France at the end of a stage during one of the 103 editions of the Tours de France.

The final word. Phil Liggett: “People say, ‘You must be crazy looking at the same race every year but it’s not the same race. I mean there are other things I’d like to do, but I have no thoughts of retirement.” By James Raia

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