Curious about Matt Stephens as a commentator

[Llewellyn]

I've been watching, and thoroughly enjoying, a few of the Cafe Ride video's and Matt Stephens has mentioned that he commentates. I like him in the Cafe Rides but I'm wondering if anyone here has heard his commentary and what's he like as a commentator.

[BdaGhisallo]

Originally Posted by Llewellyn

I've been watching, and thoroughly enjoying, a few of the Cafe Ride video's and Matt Stephens has mentioned that he commentates. I like him in the Cafe Rides but I'm wondering if anyone here has heard his commentary and what's he like as a commentator.

He does a great job as an analyst. In fact, I think Matt combined with Ned Boulting is the best commentary team in the business.

They did the Giro together this year - for the feed that Flo had - and I thought they were fantastic together.

[ghammer]

Matt is one of my top 3 commentators. David Lloyd, Rob Hatch, and Matt Stephens are top-notch smart guys who have the magic mix of good diction, deep knowledge of the sport (tactics, racers' names, personal input), and passion.

Jose Been is next with Robbie McEwen, Adam Blythe, Carlton Kirby, and Brian Smith. Carlton Kirby thinks he's funnier than he really is but he's knowledgeable as well. Sean Kelly is very good but never bothered to clean up his accent.

I'd be remiss not to mention Phil Liggett, but I think he should retire as he constantly forgets names, mixes up teams, and misses moves. I feel bad for Bob Roll who has the ungodly task of correcting him.

But yes, Matt Stephens is excellent and has a great future as a commentator.

[Red Tornado]

Not yet had the pleasure of hearing Stephens as a commentator. Seems like he does OK from what I've read about him. Would like to give him a listen.

McEwen, Hatch and Blythe are all very good. I reallyy enjoy listening to Sean Kelly's strong Irish accent. It's a nice change from the Brits/Aussies, not that I have any issues with those. I think Bobke does alright, as well.

As much as Phil is the voice of American cycling, with all the mistakes it gets a little cringy for me. With all due respect, he needs to hang it up.

[cmg]

Stevens is a good presenter, keeps the conversation going. Presents background information when it's helpful.

[wc1934]

I never heard him commentate - but I thoroughly enjoy watching his cafe rides. He seems to enjoy the rides and doesnt take himself to seriously. At the end of the T Pidcock video he falls going uphill and states something like - I fell off and a little fart came out.

[JSL]

Originally Posted by BdaGhisallo

He does a great job as an analyst. In fact, I think Matt combined with Ned Boulting is the best commentary team in the business.

They did the Giro together this year - for the feed that Flo had - and I thought they were fantastic together.

They're an excellent combo. I think Matt isn't the best host, and find his pod a little flat, but he's excellent when paired with a good host like Ned. Their Giro pods are absolutely entertaining.

[Lovetoclimb]

My favorite commentator after Carlton Kirby.

[54ny77]

He ROCKS!!

[alastair]

Sean Kelly needs to “clean up his accent”?

[Fat Cat]

Originally Posted by alastair

Sean Kelly needs to “clean up his accent”?

I wonder if he would say the same of you ?

[alastair]

I was quoting someone above. I cleaned mine up years ago after I moved to NJ from Belfast and couldn’t so much as buy a sandwich without causing a stir 😅

[Elefantino]

Stephens is good, very insightful. He's also a really nice man.

I rank the lead comms people as

• Rob Hatch
• Carlton Kirby
• Matt Stephens
• Jez Cox
• Jose Been

And color comms as

• Adam Blythe
• Sean Kelly
• Dani Rowe
• Robbie McEwen
• Brian Smith

[Hindmost]

Jose Been's language skills are admirable. Robbie McEwen is surprisingly articulate for a former sprinter.

[Elefantino]

Originally Posted by Hindmost

Jose Been's language skills are admirable. Robbie McEwen is surprisingly articulate for a former sprinter.

I like Robbie but ... sometimes he just talks too much. Less is occasionally better.