Ever since, news broke last year that live coverage was coming towards the TT Races for the first time, anticipation was huge to see how the live online, TV aspect would get across the uniqueness of the world’s most famous road race.
On Saturday 29th May, the live coverage began on the TT + channel.
Let’s be honest at first, there was teething issues and responses post first qualifying about TT + were mixed to put it nicely.
As practice week went on though, the responses, comments from road racing insiders, fans became more positive.
Nothing can replace watching trackside competition around the fabled, mythical Mountain Course but for those who couldn’t travel across, couldn’t afford to make the journey to Manx shores, TT + proved an absolute gem.
You could enjoy your own ‘TT Day’ in your living room, in your back garden, in a café, watch on a train via a phone, I-Pad, laptop.
The commentary overall from Dave Moore, David Johnson, Patrick Farrance and Alan Founds was excellent.
If I had any gripes about the coverage, it would be subtle details.
In my opinion the presenting was over saturated.
Also, it would have been nice to see more of the unsung heroes, privateers, grass roots racers gaining coverage.
I understand the difficulties in terms of covering each competitor but from listening to the views of the paddock at large, they felt coverage on the whole was tailored towards the top 10, top 12 riders.
As with lots of new aspects at the TT Races, it depends on your circumstance in terms of how much it benefits you.
TT+ benefits in bucket loads fans worldwide and helps the TT reach new audiences it might have not found.
TT+ benefits of course the main event sponsors, aforementioned top teams, riders.
Does TT+ get across the true TT spirit?
This is a difficult question to answer, at the end of the day live coverage has to start somewhere and I think on the whole it’s a job well done to all those involved.
The sheer task of producing live coverage around a 37 and three-quarter miles long road race circuit, shouldn’t be underestimated.
One final note, I can’t the TT+ theme song out of my head! Counting down the days till TT 2023!
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou