David Duffield (sports commentator)

David Duffield (born 20 May 1931^[1]) is best known as a commentator on British Eurosport working mainly on the channel's professional cycling coverage for many years. In the 1950s Duffield was an accomplished amateur cyclist specialising on the tricycle earning himself the trike 100 mile record and in 1956, the UK End to End record with a time of 3 days, 12 hours and 15mins.^[2] In parallel with his racing and commentating careers he also worked in the cycle industry for most of his life. He had started in the advertising department of Philips Cycles before he was promoted to sales representative. He went on to become the marketing man who made the small wheeled Moulton bicycle a household name. He subsequently worked in several senior roles within TI Raleigh as well as for other British cycle manufacturers. He spent almost every weekend commentating at races, at the start, the finish and sometimes from a car along the route. His was the voice at the successful 'Skol' 6 Day races at Wembley in the 1970s. Apart from a non-stop flow of information for the many non-cyclists it attracted, he could explain the progress of a Madison clearly, no mean feat, and he was very successful at encouraging the crowd to contribute to extra prize-money for 'primes'. Riders like Hugh Porter and Barry Hoban were ever grateful for his efforts.

Style of Commentary

David Duffield's commentary style is quite literally unique. For this reason he has many passionate fans and indeed many passionate detractors.^[3]

Some believe he effortlessly and entertainingly brings to life what is essentially an often unexciting spectacle, while others bemoan him for irrelevancies and lack of observation. Typically Duffield, with his encyclopedic knowledge of the sport and its history, will make mention of past events or performances relating them to places encountered in a days Stage in a most interesting way. He often turns, what may appear to some, to be a dull afternoon of cycling for some men in tight Lycra, into an event of significance with ties to history, cycling legend and heroic performances from some forgotten cycling giant. Nothing would illustrate this natural ability more perhaps than the stunning tribute David would pay to British cyclist Tom Simpson whenever the Tour de France would occasionally revisit the slopes of the Mont Ventoux, the scene of Simpson's untimely death on Stage 13 of the 1967 Tour. In the midst of the spectacle and battles of the day on those famous slopes David could, in a stolen moment, and with a few sincere and heartfelt words, bring a lump to the throat and a tear to the eye, such is the passion of the man.

Duffield's credentials as a professional cycling expert are obvious and undeniable as evidenced by his commentary, peppered as it is with notes on everything from gearing and cadence, individual cyclists weight, to statistics and memories from long past Grand Tours or Classics from earlier in the season. However, it is his obvious talent for missing on screen action and appearing to be more interested in enlightening the audience as to the precise location of a 'nice little restaurant' where he once had a pleasant meal that causes some to despair. For example, significant moves or attempted breaks off the front of the Peloton are sometimes missed by David and more so when he is engrossed in a tale or anecdote. Often what we are seeing onscreen will play 2nd fiddle to his memories and recollections - which at times of low-drama in the bunch works superbly well as the viewer is entertained for an otherwise dull few minutes. But when something of note is actually occurring Duffield's insistence on ignoring it as he finishes his monologue is quite frustrating. For some this is unforgivable and unprofessional, for others it is excusable considering Duffield's clear ability to enlighten and entertain throughout hours and hours of some uneventful flat days Stage from a flat part of France to an even flatter part, a bit closer to Paris.

One disapproving cycling fan relates his experience of Duffield's commentary style thus:

My first ever experience of the man was the 1991 or 92 Milan San Remo when the bunch was strung out along the coast road before the Cipressa and Poggio, [the Peloton was] weaving in and out of parked cars, and he came out with, "Ooooh...mind that man's Porsche," which was how he interrupted an anecdote about being in Italy in the army. That was his occasional reference to the bike race, from which he then returned to his story.^[4]

'Duffieldisms'

Duffield is well known for his amusing "Duffieldisms" ^[5] - obscure phrases or sayings often sourced from his English Midlands upbringing. Some are archaic phrases that have otherwise gone out of fashion, some are simply unsuitable for family daytime viewing and others are just weird.^[6]

He is also known for mispronouncing riders' names, understandable perhaps with an only occasionally-mentioned Ukrainian domestique but sometimes well-known riders would become someone you have never heard of before, until you realise his mistake.

Duffield Anecdotes

Some annecdotes, which are usually related to at least once per cycling season:

David was at the photo/video shoot for the Tour de France inspired Queen single "Bicycle Race" where 65 naked women rode racers round Wimbledon Stadium. Duffield always relates how the day was great fun but that the cycle hire shop refused to take back the saddles from the bikes, citing hygiene reasons.

Bike Ride

David Duffield organises an annual Duffield's friends Bike Ride.

Current Work

David Duffield, now at an advanced age and after many years of intense seasons of cycling commentary, which would take him away from home, to far-flung places in Europe, from early in the year until the autumn Vuelta, has apparently retired from commentary and is no longer to be heard gracing the airwaves of British Eurosport. Some say it will never be the same again, while others rejoice. Now at 84, rejuvenated by a heart pacemaker, he still uses his exercise bike and walks or cycles daily. He retains a huge store of detailed memories with instant recall, from his nearly 70 years in cycling.

References