frtour1-8, Exercise 2: How television changed the racing

Model answer (check the details):

1. Timing and length: stages are planned to fit a broadcast window, with the decisive climbs and the finish in the late afternoon, and the live coverage of the whole stage has encouraged organisers to shorten very long stages. Evidence: stage lengths and start times over the decades; broadcast schedules.
2. Where the action happens: with cameras on motorbikes and helicopters, attacks are made where they can be seen and mountain summits are chosen for their scenery. Teams position riders to appear on screen for their sponsors. Evidence: the choice of mountain finishes, the proportion of stages with summit finishes, and sponsors' statements.
3. The shape of the race: more breakaway riders, who gain publicity for their teams, and tactics designed to create drama for viewers. Evidence: statistics on breakaways and the number of riders from small teams in them (check), and interviews.

Other points: the use of race radios, the growth of sports commentary and the status of the stars.

Care: television is one of several causes, along with training and equipment, so be cautious about attributing changes to it alone.