The ‘Voice of Cycling’ Phil Liggett is set to head up live coverage of the first PTO Collins Cup event on 28 August 2021 in Samorin, Slovakia.
In another move showing just how committed the PTO is in making the Collins Cup a premier event from year one, the ‘Voice of Cycling’, Phil Liggett will serve as lead anchor for the race. Liggett will head a team of seven presenters at the unique event, which pits athletes from Europe, the USA and Internationals regions against one another in 12 one-vs-one-vs-one races.
Liggett is best known for his decades as a Tour de France commentator, a race he’s covered 48 times. He’s also reported on seven Commonwealth Games and 10 summer Olympics and five winter Olympics for networks around the world including the UK, USA and Australia. The Emmy-winning presenter was made an MBE on the Queen’s Honours list in 2005, was given a Lifetime Achievement award by the US Hall of Fame in October 2007 and was inducted into the British Cycling Hall of Fame in February 2010.
“The Collins Cup is poised to be the most exciting and innovative format for endurance sports that I have witnessed in my long career,” said Liggett. “I am looking forward to being part of a talented team of commentators as we make an effort to give a great platform that will engage not only those who love triathlon, cycling and endurance sports, but also to those general sports fans who crave the rivalries that will be put on display when the best athletes in the world enter the arena to do battle for the Collins Cup.”
While best known for his cycling commentary, Liggett is no stranger to triathlons, having previously anchored NBC’s coverage of the Ironman World Championships. A documentary film – Phil Liggett The Voice of Cycling – was recently debuted in Australia and is set to release in the UK later this year. Liggett also spoke to multiple triathlon world champion Greg Bennett on his podcast recently – an episode well worth a listen.
Liggett’s involvement in the Collins Cup is sure to raise the profile of the broadcast and add credibility to the PTO‘s flagship event from a global media perspective.
“We are thrilled to have Phil join the team as anchor for The Collins Cup, bringing his world class experience and broadcast pedigree to the sport of triathlon,” said PTO CEO Sam Renouf. “Having anchored award-winning broadcasts in globally recognised sports like cycling, he has a proven ability to drive innovative broadcast productions and keen insight in the performance of athletes at the highest levels.
“With performances of PTO Professionals like Lionel Sanders, who last year set the Canadian record for distance cycled in an hour, triathletes are now recognised as first-class cyclists, in addition to their incredible ability to swim and run as part of the same event. Phil will add 40 years of seasoned experience to the broadcast team and provide sports fans with an unparalleled analysis of the excitement live as it unfolds.”
The Collins Cup is set for 28 August and will take place at the x-bionic sphere in Samorin, Slovakia. Stay up to date with the latest team athlete qualifications at the PTO Stats website.
