Behind the scenes of SBS' unprecedented Tour de France production

SBS, as always, brings you the coverage of the Tour de France and 2020 is no different. However, things may look a little bit different from previous years.

Mike Tomalaris (L) and Robbie McEwan on the set of SBS's Tour de France coverage Source: SBS

With the world in the midst of a global pandemic, it will be the first time in 25 years SBS won’t be there following the peloton to bring you coverage of La Grande Boucle.

And with the SBS commentary team split between Melbourne and Sydney it has made production of this year’s event a mammoth challenge.

With border restrictions and lockdowns still in place, production has been a monumental challenge split between the SBS studios in Sydney and in Melbourne.

The team has been required to work their magic so you don’t miss a moment from all 21 stages.

“The word of 2020 has been 'pivot' and that is exactly what we have been forced to do,” SBS Cycling commentator Matthew Keenan said.

“Temporary studios have been built at SBS’s Melbourne offices at Federation Square and I have Bridie (O’Donnell) here by my side to call the race.

“Robbie (McEwen) will be in Sydney so my shoulder won’t be as sore because when it comes to the sprints he usually gives me a bit of an elbow especially if Caleb wins.”

Host Mike Tomalaris is celebrating his 25^th year covering the Tour and while it is his first on home soil, he is looking forward to bringing the race to Australians as much as ever.

“In France, we normally travel between 6000 and 7000 Kilometres following the race so it will be nice to be in one location for all three weeks of the Tour,” he said.

“We’ve built a state-of-the-art studio from the ground up and it looks absolutely magnificent.

“I think this is going to be remembered for being one of the best productions in the history of SBS.”