HIGHER CALLING

Pro cycling commentary is a formidable skill that Ned Boulting and Matt Stephens make look easy. Andy McGrath drops in on their booth at this year's Giro d'Italia to learn their secrets

- Andy McGrath

Pogačar conquers one of the most famous climbs of all," Ned Boulting roars. "Tadej Pogačar takes a bow in front of the Italian fans. What a victory, he will be in the maglia rosa tomorrow." The crowd outside below Santuario di Oropa is at fever pitch, the commentary box windows muffling the roar. Next to Ned, Matt Stephens is on his feet, watching the Slovenian ride over the finish line, physically about 30m away, several seconds ahead of the monitors in front of them. Very meta. "What a win, a difficult situation he turned around. This man is on a different level," Matt says into his headphone mic.

This is the briefest snippet that the listeners heard during the finale of stage 2 of the 2024 Giro d'Italia from two of the finest commentators in the game, but there's an awful lot that you don't see. The headphones on their ears, carrying occasional countdowns from a producer into pre-recorded route spots and segues. The laptop screens with Pro Cycling Stats open, a reference book and the array of color-coordinated, highlighted notes in front of them.

The yoghurt pot, empty espresso cup and bottle of water, sipped sparingly: Boulting has not been to the toilet for the last five hours.