‘The Ultimate Job’ competition finalists

by Wade Wallace - June 5, 2014

While I was riding my bike around Japan last week (yeah, tough gig) hundreds of you were hard at work getting your applications together for "The Ultimate Job". For those of you that missed it, we're sending a team of two to the Tour de France with Bikestyle Tours to report on the spectacle from a fan's perspective. Yes, another tough gig.

First and foremost, I’d like to thank every single one of you that took the time and effort to submit an application. I was thrilled to see each submission come through and it blew me away to see the creativity and effort behind each one.

This week we’ve spent a considerable amount of time going through all the outstanding applications and have picked a handful that are in the running.

The following submissions have caught our eye because of the creativity that went into them, and even more so because they gave us confidence that their style of content is achievable. Not only that, but these entries were within the framework of what we can publish on our platform.

Some of the submissions that didn’t make it were absolutely superb, but perhaps too polished and unrealistic to produce in the Tour de France environment.

Here are the submissions that have caught our attention and give us the confidence that an awesome job will be done. Who to choose?

Chris Riordan

Paul Le Fevre and Franc Tomsic

“

What we would bring to Cycling Tips at the Tour de France:

- Lots of very dry humour
- Plenty of overseas travel experience
- Creative and accurate writing skills
- Total enthusiasm - we love cycling to death
- We both have high quality SLR cameras and would hire or buy a suitable HD camcorder
- Paul studied photography at RMIT
- High level knowledge of IT and software
- Fresh ideas about how to experience the Tour
- Paul can speak a little French, German, Spanish and Italian (contrary to claims made in the video…)
- We’re both fit and well and love riding in the mountains
- Two very big smiles

Kathryn & Renata

Hollis Duncan and Dario

“

While “Pick Us” doesn’t represent our work or what we intend to shoot in France, it does suggest how Dario and I think and approach projects with an open mind. We heeded CyclingTips’s advice and just tried to have fun; we think Wade especially will appreciate where we found our inspiration.

Dario and I met walking the Camino de Santiago in 2004. We vowed to pay over double what a 6-pack of Coopers Original Pale Ale should cost to celebrate in style should we get to discuss our ideas over the phone with CyclingTips next week which is our first of two goals. So with that in mind please take a minute to glance at our portfolios below to see our photography chops.

www.hollisduncan.tumblr.com
www.dariorumbo.com

Look forward to chatting about our game plan to deliver Hors Catégorie content for CyclingTips this July.

Matt McCullough and Stefano Ferro

Damian Ruse and Alex Krill

Honourable mentions

Ed Green

Calle and Marcus

Shaun Black and Mark Dumbell

“

Hi Guys,

Great website that I always enjoy reading each day and a great competition. With the flattery out of the way let’s get down to business and discuss the Ultimate Job.

You need look no further, the employees you’ve been looking for are here.

To showcase our credentials and what we can offer check out Too Long Between Tours our photo story highlighting how we will uniquely cover Le Tour from a fan’s perspective for CyclingTips.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Chris Komorek and Michael Roelink

Max Young and Riley Sparks

“

Hello,

Here is my entry for the Tour de France competition.

Portfolio websites of contest applicants for more examples of our work:
Max Young
Riley Sparks

Cheers!

James Walsh

“

Hey guys,

Love your site and this competition is a great idea.

I’m a film maker based in Cape Town, South Africa and our last three films involved bicycles. So we kinda love them!

So for our entry here’s to short film pieces:
Baisikeli teaser: https://vimeo.com/57480104
Kunye: https://vimeo.com/59221422

And to prove I can string a sentence together, attached is an article that was published last year.

Good luck wading through all the applications.

Thanks!

Anders Mogensen

“

The time zone between Europe and Australia offers the perfect opportunity to produce, and prepare, a series of 5-10-15 authentic images from the previous day - added some old fashioned telegram style copywriting. A combination of something old, something new. A bit like me and my bike, that is.

WHAT YOU GET:
a Spanish based (Danish) cyclist, professional photographer and copywriter capable of capturing the essence of the Tour de France on camera, or video.

MY TEAM:
The chosen team mate immediately turned down my idea, as holiday in Tuscany was already booked. However, I would like to offer ANY Australian cyclist, young or old, my guidance during the two weeks, playing the role as home turf European Tour de France Guide. And who knows, maybe next year I could visit TDU and experience the Willunga Hill atmosphere in exchange.

Luke Pegrum

“

My name is Luke Pegrum. I’m a cyclist, a traveller and a journalism student.

But mostly, I’m an adventurer.

On Sunday night i’m heading to Norway, just me and my bike, to follow in the footsteps of your Roadtripping article, before continuing on through Norway an onwards; to where I’m not sure yet.

You see, I don’t function well at home. I fall into the rut of daily life — forget what really inspires and excites me. I forget that uni, and work, and everything else that injects stress and anxiety into our day-to-day lives is just a means to an end.

But when I’m on my bike, wind in my hair, blood pumping through my veins and cold air in my lungs, that’s when everything makes sense.

When I’m pushing those pedals, everything else is swept away. It’s a beautiful thing — ignore the abstract, its just you and your bike and the pain in your legs and its incredible and real.

CyclingTips, pick me.

I’ll be raw, I’ll be passionate and I’ll cover this bike race like its the first time its ever been raced.

I’ll get back to the basics of it; the infallible grace of Contador digging in his toes and leaving those around him to simply look on and admire; the pain of defeat writ large across the face of his tortured competitors as they watch the maillot jaune slip away; and the unbridled joy when he crosses the finish line and exhaustion turns to elation.

Photos from my last adventure

What are your thoughts?

Tags: Tour De France, Ultimate Job Competition

Jay F.

My vote is for Chris Riordan - he comes across as humble, professional and his idea is actually interesting. The others come across as a lot more egocentric and well.. less convincing. Second place to Ruse and Krill - excellent cinematography.
- Chris Riordan
  
  Thanks a lot Jay. I’m actually a pretty horrible person in real life…but I hide it well on camera.
- Marcus Le Count
  
  +1 for Chris from me too. Straight forward, professional and I get confidence that his reporting will be about the race and nothing else. All entries were very good in their own way.
David Cifelli

I met Kathryn (of “Kathryn and Renata”) in Firenze last year at the Worlds. I then started following her blog and have followed it ever since. I am not surprised to see her submission in your group of finalists! She really deserves it. From spending just a little bit of time with her in Italy, it was immediately evident what a great rapport she has with the riders in the Pro Peloton. She has so much experience doing this already, she really connects with the riders (and sometimes their families) and the fans alike, and as a world traveler she easily understands the bigger picture of cycling and the beauty of the sport. Her posts tell great stories through her concise writing and photography. As a longtime reader of Cycling Tips, I can confidently say that Kathryn and Renata contributions to your site would be compatible to your format and relevant to and exciting for your readers. She is a polarizing character who is becoming a mainstay on the World Tour circuit and she has so much to offer your site. She’s experienced and professional, can produce content, and while some others have ideas of what they’d like to do, Kathryn’s actually done it. I would highly recommend her for this job and would love to see her content on Cycling Tips every day.

+1 for Kathryn and Renata
- Pete
  
  Kathryn and Renata might want to practice their riders names a bit… I’m pretty sure that Gerro’s name wasn’t even close.
  - Prento
    
    I think she’s getting her Simon’s mixed as I heard ‘Simon Geschke’.
    - Hurtin’ Albertan
      
      She definitely says Geschke. I had to watch it twice. On the second view I realized she’s just naming names. They don’t necessarily match who is on the screen. Just happens to say Geschke wit Gerran’s image. She also says ‘Cav’ with an image of Tuft and ‘most of Orica Greenedge’ with images of Hesjedal and Martin. I’m sure she couldn’t have messed it up that bad.
    - Kathryn
      
      Kathryn here! It’s just how the timing worked out but don’t worry, I’ve never mixed up Geschke and Gerrans!
Eric

Ok, now that we’re knocked out I can give feedback.

I’d knock out Chris Riordan - seems a bit of a loner, Paul and Franc - went over the specifications (they did a video and text), Kathryn and Renata - seems that they’ve already lived the dream, Hollis and Dario - went overboard and provided text and video.

Matt and Stefano have a cool video, but not sure if they’ve proved they can provide good content.
Damian and Alex are cool too, but they spent too much time on the racing, the bit on the end was cool and shows they thought about what they could provide.

I’d go Damian and Alex.

If you do choose Chris, then you’d need to pick someone like Anders or Luke.
- Chris Riordan
  
  I am not a LONER! *Slams door on secluded cabin…returns to work on manifesto*
TDF frother

Solid! They’re all pretty damn good, but for me Damian and Alex would have to be the stand outs. Polished production with some quirky humour thrown in. I’d be keen to check out their content everyday
Scott

Loved Francos and Pauls work. Bit of humour goes a long way and the work they put in the video was sensational. Would love to hear their reports!!
MarkP80

It has to be Damian and Alex for me! Damian’s enthusiasm really shows through and with Alex, they make a great team
Rob

Damian Ruse and Alex Krill get my vote. It would be fun to watch them
Anders Erikson

My vote goes to Damian & Alex! Cheers!
Jodie Gardam

I vote for Franc Tomsic and partner. They look like they would bring a very wacky view to the commentary and are definitely the type of characters I’d be drawn to for entertainment value.
dcapira

Damian Ruse and Alex Krill + 1
Richard

I like the Eminem guy.
Marcus

+1 for Ruse and Krill. Also like Chris Riordan’s clip, though who’s his partner? Downvote for Kathryn and Renata - given Kathryn seems to have done it all anyway, would be nice to get someone with fresh perspective - there’s enough old hands already covering the Tour. Also their video and pics seemed low quality.

Some good entries though!
Rune Stølan

My vote goes to Damian & Alex!
Jo

You said CREATIVE right? Definitely Franc and Paul
Nicholas John McAlinden

Damo and the Krillmeister all the way!! I listen to semi pro cycling and maybe it’s because those dulcet tones have helped me through some tough times on the bike, and helped me go to sleep after a day spent in the hurt box or the pain cave! I vote for the hippest pod casting moustaschioed cycling dude on the planet. and S-Krill-ex!
Steve H.

I like them all. Although, I’d like to see Kathryn and Renata as correspondents so as to get a ladies perspective on the Le Tour 2014.
Shiffon

I go for Luke, because he can actually write very well… and isn’t that
important here? Being a blog? Or are we going to have a video-log of
the Tour?? Count me out if that’s the go! I much prefer reading a story
rather than watching some people goof around on video. And we’ve got
highlights on SBS already right? We read CyclingTips because we like
reading, yes?

As they say in Eurovision- douze points to Luke Pegrum!!
DW

Matt McCullough and Stefano Ferro FTW
- Matt McCullough
  
  Cheers - We assumed everyone got the reference - if not - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzPq0hDdDhs
Mary Beth

I vote for Kathryn and Renata! I love their enthusiasm and would love to see their women’t perspective on the race.
daveed76

Definitely Kathryn and Renata! Kathryn’s enthusiasm is obvious and on her blog she has a knack for capturing the atmosphere at races from a fan’s perspective as well as describing the action.
Kathleen

Kathryn and Renata, hands down! Until I began following
Kathryn’s blog, I had very limited knowledge, or enthusiasm, for the world of
cycling. All that’s changed, thanks to Kathryn’s willingness to share her amazing
knowledge, unique perspective, and genuine passion for the sport. – to say
nothing of her uncanny ability to develop a strong rapport with the cyclists,
their families and their fans. I find
myself looking forward with great anticipation to new postings on the blog, and
as such, I’ve become “a fan”! Please
give this amazing opportunity to Kathryn and Renata! They won’t disappoint!
Mark Minn

Damian and Alex!
Julian Kolstad

My vote goes definately to Damian and Alex. Professionally done, sweet pictures, good commentator and a bit of humour. I want to see more of this :-)
http://subcontinentalcyclist.wordpress.com/ Ankush Agarwal

Looked at all the entries and Chris Riordan is my choice. There’s too much going on at the Tour and it will be damn difficult to cover the whole race. Most of the fancy ideas are gonna flop. As my second choice, I would go with Matt McCullough and Stefano. If you are sending someone to cover, you might as well send a couple of racers who love the race. Third choice will be Damien and Alex.
Melissa K

Kathryn and Renata FTW!!
Carolyn

Definitely would vote for Kathryn and Renata!!!! It would be great to see a woman’s perspective on the sport. It is evident they are both full of excitement and enthusiasm for cycling. From reading Kathryn’s blog I know they would show the Tour from an interesting and engaging angle. They would do a fantastic job for you!
Daphne

I vote for Kathryn and Renata - I met Kathryn in 2011 and have been following her travels since. She’s clearly passionate and knowledgeable about cycling, and her personal blog posts on the cycling events she’s attended are well written, interesting and thorough.
Matt D

I met Kathryn during the 2013 Vuelta in Spain. I was quite impressed by her cycling knowledge, ebullience, and enthusiasm for all things cycling. I have red her blog quite frequently since I met her and found the content to be interesting and to the point. Her commentaries about cycling events are written as they actually happened. I stood next to her with my camera as she was able to get the riders to sign her flag. I think Kathryn will be welcomed by the cycling professionals in the peloton as they are able to recognize her face instantly. I witnessed first hand her rapport with multiple members of the peloton. I think Kathryn and Renata will do an outstanding job and go the extra mile for the fans and Cycling Tips.
Angela S.

My vote is for Kathryn and Renata. Kathryn seems like she is the biggest cycling geek ever and with her all her contacts in the different teams, she is sure to get some good coverage of the Tour.
- Corentin “tinkelboy” Leroy
  
  Coucou Angela !
Cam

My vote is for Kathryn and Renata! I think their enthusiasm and their knowledge for the sport really shines through. I also agree that it would be nice to get Tour coverage from women as it is not something you see too often. To me they are the hands down winners!
ErikHa

I would absolutely love to see more from Damian & Alex!
Susan Dalgetty

It has to be Kathryn and Renata. Having followed Kathryn’s blog for sometime, I can attest to the quality of the writing, the understanding of cycling and cyclists and the excellence of the photographs. Kathryn is able to speak to many of the riders in their own languages, even if only to say good luck, happy birthday or hello. Yes, it would be a pleasant change to have women giving their perspective too. However the important thing is the enthusiasm, knowledge and compassion for the riders and the sport that comes through in Kathryn’s blog. MY VOTE GOES TO KATHRYN AND RENATA!!
Sabrina

I vote for Kathryn & Renata!
Jibaro009

I vote for Chris and (Kathryn and Renata). I’ll leave the final decision to you guys. :)
BfastFan

Love kathryn and Renata’s style and passion!!! I vote for them 1000 times.
lolaopa

Oh, they’re all such good videos. I’d vote Kathryn and Renata, as they seem like accessible superfans. Also - ladies!
Joel K

My vote is for Kathryn and Renata- they will be superb!! I met Kathryn watching the Tour de France last year and she must be the worlds greatest cycling SUPERFAN! On leave from her profession as a teacher, she is a devoted and totally consumed fan and incredibly knowledgeable of pro cycling. Having read a few posts below that question her identification of some riders, I can assure you that she not only knows them correctly, but is on a first name basis with very many of the riders and will be able to offer unrivaled access to the riders for interviews and stories. Her blog at minibear travels is superb, and when Dan Martin recently came second in Flèche Wallone this year, she captured possibly the best image of any photographer in the race with Dan going head to head with Valverde on the Mur with meters to go. She is amazing!!
- carrie anne tocci
  
  I vote for Kathryn and Renata!
Eric R

Kathryn (of Kathryn and Renata) knows more about cycling than anybody I have ever met. She clearly has great communication skills with the cyclists, and her blog shows how interested she is in letting the world know what life is like for the cycling fan. Definitely choose Kathryn and Renata, you won’t be sorry.
Kay C.

Two sassy ladies with great style. While gearheads like my boyfriend might be into the technical mumbo jumbo of the race, I need a little more liveliness. Kathryn and Renata have got it. I agree with a previous comment: the built-in recognition Kathryn has may go further than others in getting prime interviews and comments from riders. Plus, her humour keeps me hooked. Kathryn and Renata.
Kelly

My vote is for Kathryn & Renata because cycling needs some strong ladies to make it more diverse!
Steve & Heather

We definitely vote for Kathryn & Renata - what enthusiasm!!!
Jonathan Scienceismylife Lessu

I vote for Kathryn and Renata!
- AndyVB
  
  You are sending missed messages with that avatar!
Remy-Martin Gratton

My vote is for Kathryn and Renata. I met Kathryn at TDF 2013 in Montpellier. My friend and I joined her for a few stages and travel days. Her knowledge and passion for cycling, along with the fact that many of the tour organizers and cyclist “know her” will undoubttedly make for a captivating and memorable story. Best candidate EVER.
Lori

I think Kathryn and Renata would definitely be the best. They are such devoted fans and I would enjoy seeing it from their perspective. Their enthusiasm for cycling is infectious! They get my vote!
Laura

My vote is for Kathryn & Renata. I know Kathryn as a
friend and as a colleague, and she is a super nice, smart, and professional
person. Everything she does, she does it to perfection and everyone likes her.
I’m not surprised to hear that she has so many fans among riders. She is also a
veteran writer since she is uber educated and had taught for many years. Both
Kathryn and Renata are enthusiastic people and will be wonderful contributors
to your site.
Joey MacSween

KATHRYN AND RENATA have my vote!!!!!!!!!
Martin P. Hoff

Damian Ruse and Alex Krill + 1
Brad R.

Kathryn and Renata…I love their ideas about showing fan stories (and Mini Bear)…and she’s already been to more races this year than most people will attend in a lifetime.
zinke

I am in full support of awarding Kathryn and Renata this amazing opportunity. Kathryn’s devotion of cycling comes through in every blog post she writes. And for Kathryn, while that devotion undoubtedly comes from an appreciation of the competition, the athletes and sport itself, it is also borne from a love of the cycling community, joy found in the experience of watching a stage, the euphoria that comes with cheering on the competitors. She loves cycling from every possible aspect, and that comes through in every blog post she writes. I have no doubt that she would bring the same conveyance of love for the sport should you select she and Renata to follow the Tour.
JB

hands down…kathryn & renata should go…i’ve seen them both at their best and their worst and their worst is better than most’s best…they’ll bring the thunder
GGE

+ for Kathryn and Renata… true fans and Kathryn has a great blog.
Joe F

Damian Ruse and Alex Krill - Perfect combination of cycling knowledge and entertainment
Daphne

My vote is for Kathryn and Renata ! They are tremendous fans and are the dynamic duo !
Don

You have great finalists. But I’ve followed Kathryn’s blogs with great pleasure, and that’s why Kathryn and Renata get my vote.
EBM - Portland, Maine USA

My vote is most definitely with Damian Ruse and Alex Krill. As a faithful follower of Damian’s Semi-Pro Cycling podcast for nearly two years- I can attest to Damian’s unparalleled skill and professionalism as a cycling commentator. Damian’s productions are always tightly produced, highly informative, and seasoned with wit and humor. As a cycling commentator, Damian delivers with all of the expertise and clarity of Phil Liggett infused with the hippest vibe to come out of Austrailia since Colin Hay.
I have often thought and wished that Damian would someday come to participant in and enliven the lackluster mainstream cycling media. Looks like this could be the start of it. I sincerely hope so!!
miniscus

I vote for Kathryn and Renata! Their passion is obvious.
Corentin “tinkelboy” Leroy

I vote for Kathryn & Renata, I’ve met Kathryn while traveling, she’s definitely someone who can make cycling interesting ! She’s an excellent speaker, she knows everyone on the tour de France and she just love it. De plus elle comprend le français. Don’t forget to get some energy before starting this journey !
Tracey

I vote for Kathryn and Renata. Kathryn has experience reporting on cycling from the fan’s perspective through her blog, and this would be a great way for her to do it for a larger audience in the service of Cycling Tips. She’s super knowledgeable about cycling and hilarious, and will be able to connect with the cyclists and fans alike, . Your readers will definitely be entertained!
Thomas Knowles

My vote is for

Kathryn & Renata. Kathryn is awesome and should definitely win.
thomas

my vote is for Katryn and renata. it s really awesome video!!!
Linda T.

I vote for “Kathryn and Renata”. I met Kathryn while traveling in Europe and she must be THE biggest fan ever of cycling. She loves the sport. She had her Canadian flags for signatures in her backpack and couldn’t stop talking about the upcoming races she was heading to. I also think it would be great to hear from two women!!
Chris Riordan

With such a high quality of finalists…surely the only fair way to decide would be to go by alphabetical order.
Darren

I think Kathryn and Renate should be the ones picked. I meant Kathryn at the tour down under earlier this year and l must say, she is one of the most dedicated cycling fans l have ever meant. She knows heaps about the sport, can always get access to the pro guys for autographs or photos and you just have to look at her “Mini bear travels” website/blog to see how crazy she is about the sport and sharing her passion with others. Its her calling! I vote for them!
Michael Allan

Damian Ruse and Alex Krill…. those guys are “SEMI-PRO”!! See you in Mulhouse Damian
Nan

Kathryn and Renata are the best. Some estrogen is good for cycling.
Anna Thompson

Renata and Katherine!!
Riddley_Walker

Some nice interesting and creative ideas up there. Some of them seem to be a little too “creative”. I would love to get more info from behind the scenes - it could hardly be possible to get worse commentary than we had on the Giro d’Italia, and although I like Liggett I’ve had just about enough of his Liggettisms.

My vote goes to Riordan. He’s got runs on the board with a range of interesting and insightful interviews, and a dry sense of humour that works well on the small screen.
miniscus

Kathryn and Renata!!
Jeff T

My vote is for Kathryn and Renata. Having experienced first-hand their excitement for the sport and their ability to involve all those around them including the riders they would be an excellent addition to your coverage. From them you can expect an insighful, well done job that would be enjoyed by all your readers. Their excellent blogs from previous races is evidence that they can be depended on.
Molly

Franc and Paul’s idea is hilarious! A definite way to keep viewers entertained, they have my vote
Erin L

My vote is for Kathryn & Renata! I have learned so much about cycling from Kathryn, she is extremely knowledgeable, well-traveled and friendly. She is an avid cyclist and fan and has been all over the world many times over, to follow the sport.
Lars Hugo

Damian Ruse and Alex Krill get my vote
Riddley_Walker

I posted a vote for Chris Riordan, but it seems to have disappeared into wherever lost posts go.
Viraj

Kathryn and Renata!
Benjamin Molineaux

Kathryn and Renata, hands down. Kathryn is your girl for the inside scoop on the Tour. She knows the tricks of the trade: where to be and how to get access there. They are both absolutely madly enthusiastic about cycling and the whole Tour experience. They also have a really upbeat and informative reporting style. You go girls!
Chowder

Kathryn and Renata get my vote!! +1 for them. I found a disturbing lack of small bears in the other videos. On a serious note, I have yet to meet another individual who is more genuinely passionate about following cycling than Kathryn. She reports in an animated and supportive fashion, and I really think she deserves this opportunity.
Alan r

I spent about 6 hours standing next to Kathryn at the finish line of the Team Time Trial, Belfast 2014 and she is (like me) cycling mad! Loved talking about all the teams, the riders and the Giro. Her knowledge is not superficial, but incredibly in-depth and historically accurate. I was actually thinking at the time that she would make a fantastic cycling journo! This was confirmed when a TV crew came up and interviewed her and I was really impressed with the way she handled her self like a tru pro! Go for Kathryn
http://terraincog.wordpress.com Aline Jewell

I’m voting for Kathryn and Renata because they’ve opened up the
fascinating world of cycling to me. Kathryn
is a charismatic fan and reporter. Her genuine knowledge and love for the sport
is contagious. I eagerly follow minibeartravels.com to know about the cyclists,
races, places and the extra info and excellent photos her amazing blog provides. I’m convinced KATHRYN and RENATA will do a FUN
and ENLIGHTENING REPORT of the Tour de France for the FANS and CYCLING TIPS!
Samuel Litherland

Kathrynnnn! Met her in Montpellier at last years’ tour. Instant friend. Mini Bear Travels is the ultimate, un-geeky geek space for cyclist fans. Good luck and I hope you win!
Katya

My vote is for Kathryn and Renata. They will do a fantastic job because of their passion for cycling and their awesome personalities.
Lisa Fragoso

My vote is for Kathryn and Renata….they’re amazing! Kathryn’s knowledge about cyclists is incredible. They are dedicated, very knowledgeable and would be fun to watch.
Howyadooin

I met Kathryn last year in Tours & couldn’t believe her knowledge on the cycling. Sure she even manage to convince Robbie (former canadian rider) to give her a lift in the orica team car from the end of the stage in Tours to the team hotel. I also have rarely (if ever) known someone who literally travels the world yo follow her heros. Even to Ireland to follow the Giro. All the best to her & Renata for the gig of a lifetime. Waves from Cork, Ireland :)
Matt

My vote is for Stefano and Matt. I had the pleasure of bringing Stefano on board for The Variety Cycle. The quality of his cycling photography work speaks for itself and there is never a more passionate and knowledgeable cyclist that you’ll meet. I haven’t worked with Matt, but their chemistry (and sense of humour for that matter) make them a great team…and one that I want to watch.
Siobhan

Kathryn, Renata & mini bear!!
They are fun quirky and clearly passionate about racing!
They will be the voice of REAL fans! They are unique and great trio that can’t be beat!
They look like they are there to have fun and be a part of the community not just observe and report back but get OUT and involved with everything around them. They don’t seem uptight or reserved and look like they are willing to put it all out there!
Go team mini bear!
steel

Shit form to get all your mates to come on here a vote for you.

Therefore I vote for anyone except Kathryn and Renata
- Marcus
  
  Exactly. They’ve just pushed people here from their blog, so you can pretty much ignore all votes for them.
Detlef Jumpertz

I haven’t met any of the contestants….but if I did I don’t think I’d be able to stand beside Kathryn and Renata for any length of time. Anyone else should get the gig.
Riddley_Walker

Given all the hype about Kathryn and Renata, I had look at the blog. To me it seemed mundane, shallow, pretentious, and the worst kind of “here I am with [insert famous person]” pseudo journalism.
Liz G

I vote for Kathryn and Renata for their enthusiasm for cycling, excellent writing and photography skills, and all-around good-nature!
Ewen Hill

I would vote for Chris Riordan as his Fyxo interview was not only a lovely story but Iwas also remember-able after watching it which is something in this day and age of cycling videos, photos, blogs, main stream content (sorry, I mean SBS) that stands out from the pack. His humour is well worth listening to and I hope he becomes the P.J O’Rourke of CyclingTips. All the best to all finalists as all would do the job well.
EVAN

+1 for Kathryn and Renata.
Kerry M.

Kathryn and Renata! I agree that it would be amazing to have a woman’s perspective!!
Alison Sippel

I vote for Alex Krill and Damian Ruse: great team! They delivered a finished product that was short, to the point, funny, entertaining and professional. Alex impresses as both cyclist and photographer, whereas Damian is witty and convincing as a commentator. I have watched them all; this one I watched over and over!!!
Jon Buttery

They are all good and very clever but Chris Riordan is more of an everyday person and will make me feel I’m there myself. Maintaining the pace will be a major challenge and he’s demonstrated a personality and low key format that I think will work.
Laura

I would vote for Chris Riordan, I’m always really interested to hear what goes on behind the scenes of these events, it makes you feel so much more involved with the event than when you just hear the headlines of who’s won which stage. It makes you feel like you’ve got special access and inside information, which really adds to your enjoyment of the event. I think Chris’ approach is balanced and insightful and I would definitely tune in to see what he had to say.
Jess Sperlich

Damian Ruse and Alex Krill have my vote! Damian is an inspiring cycling coach, the ultimate professional and exceptionally motivational… that and he knows more about cycling than anyone on the planet! Well produced video too! Well done :)
Frits K

Go for Chris Riordan, well produced video and intersting angle.
Luca

I’d vote for Damien and Alex. Great cinematography, and nice with a little humour thrown in there. And they have really put in an effort, a lot of the other videos seem rather thrown together, or they are just saying what they’d like to do. Alex and Damien went out there and showed us.