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This is the big debate @ the minute. sports personality of the year on Sunday night and these are the 2 favourites. Who's your pick ?

G Mac, he didn't need a horse.

A P he did not need a caddie

As a golfer i would have to say McDowell. (Cant stand this G Mac stuff, sorry!). Although McCoy is undoubtedly an amazing sportsman, for me he is just a bit too nondescript to be Sports Personality Of The Year. On the other hand dont actually know if McDowell should win it seeing as he is American    ;)

i knew i would get sensible answers on here  :D

Quote from: leaveherinsir on December 15, 2010, 11:29:56 PM
As a golfer i would have to say McDowell. (Cant stand this G Mac stuff, sorry!). Although McCoy is undoubtedly an amazing sportsman, for me he is just a bit too nondescript to be Sports Personality Of The Year. On the other hand dont actually know if McDowell should win it seeing as he is American    ;)

good point. Give it to A.P and GRAHAM can have the overseas one

A.P. - Speaks Norn Iron.

AP.

He is arguably the greatest jockey we've ever seen.

McDowell isn't even the best golfer in Britain this year.

Quote from: TacadoirArdMhacha on December 15, 2010, 11:33:20 PM
AP.

He is arguably the greatest jockey we've ever seen.

McDowell isn't even the best golfer in Britain this year.

Who is? Westwood? Golfers are judged on their majors.

McCoy's the boy

Westwood has a case, first man in years to be World No 1 other than the Tiger boy. Have always thought the "Personality" part of this award is not rewarded. You could argue Poulter has been the best Personality in golf this year, love him or loathe him he is always newsworthy.
No harm to Ryan Giggs, for example, but he doesnt really have that great sportsman aura, probably "Sir Alex" doesnt allow them a personality!
Freddie Flintoff was a good winner a few years back, you could admire the man, brilliant cricketer and turns up at 10 Downing St half cut for the oul meet the Prime Minister m'larky
;)

Mc Coy.


I read an article on what he eats every day in order to keep his weigh down.

A bird would eat more.

Quote from: leaveherinsir on December 15, 2010, 11:29:56 PM
As a golfer i would have to say McDowell. (Cant stand this G Mac stuff, sorry!). Although McCoy is undoubtedly an amazing sportsman, for me he is just a bit too nondescript to be Sports Personality Of The Year. On the other hand dont actually know if McDowell should win it seeing as he is American    ;)

WTF?

He's definitely superscript.

AP who?....Think McDowell should get it hands down...he's had a phenomenal year and came out of nowhere to do it as well, and a hell of lot more to come I'd say  :)

Quote from: TacadoirArdMhacha on December 15, 2010, 11:33:20 PM
AP.

He is arguably the greatest jockey we've ever seen.

McDowell isn't even the best golfer in Britain this year.

How many titles has Westwood won this year in comparison to McDowell?

Two words about the credibility of this award.

Princess Anne.

If it follows on in the same vein as last year AP will win it. McDowell deserves to win it for the year he's had though.

McDole has what - three or four wins this year? AP has 134. So far.

If McCoy doesn't win it this year he never will. He's won it all and been at the top of his game for 15 years on the bounce, G Mac has had a great season but it feels very like a flash in the pan year to me! Plus if you had to listen to an acceptance speech McCoy should win on that basis alone!

Quote from: screenmachine on December 16, 2010, 10:11:37 AM
If McCoy doesn't win it this year he never will. He's won it all and been at the top of his game for 15 years on the bounce, G Mac has had a great season but it feels very like a flash in the pan year to me! Plus if you had to listen to an acceptance speech McCoy should win on that basis alone!

For that reason he deserves to win. It's sports personality of the year not a life time achievement award.

Quote from: Geoff Tipps on December 16, 2010, 10:43:52 AM

Quote from: screenmachine on December 16, 2010, 10:11:37 AM
If McCoy doesn't win it this year he never will. He's won it all and been at the top of his game for 15 years on the bounce, G Mac has had a great season but it feels very like a flash in the pan year to me! Plus if you had to listen to an acceptance speech McCoy should win on that basis alone!

For that reason he deserves to win. It's sports personality of the year not a life time achievement award.

Why did Ryan Giggs win it last year then?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/racing/article-1338948/Tony-McCoy-Im-driven-fear-longer-champion.html (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/racing/article-1338948/Tony-McCoy-Im-driven-fear-longer-champion.html)

Quote from: passedit on December 16, 2010, 09:37:48 AM
Two words about the credibility of this award.

Princess Anne.

Another two words - Ryan Giggs

Quote from: Hardy on December 16, 2010, 09:48:51 AM
McDole has what - three or four wins this year? AP has 134. So far.

McCoy has been on a horse that has won 134 races this year. 

Quote from: Geoff Tipps on December 16, 2010, 10:43:52 AM

Quote from: screenmachine on December 16, 2010, 10:11:37 AM
If McCoy doesn't win it this year he never will. He's won it all and been at the top of his game for 15 years on the bounce, G Mac has had a great season but it feels very like a flash in the pan year to me! Plus if you had to listen to an acceptance speech McCoy should win on that basis alone!

For that reason he deserves to win. It's sports personality of the year not a life time achievement award.

McCoy rode the winner of the Champion Hurdle, the Aintree National, the Midlands National, the Melling Chase, the Tote Gold Trophy, the Swordlestown Chase and the Galway Plate this year as well as being Champion Jockey for the fifteenth consecutive season. This shouldn't even be a contest.

Quote from: Archie Mitchell on December 16, 2010, 10:51:24 AM

Quote from: Geoff Tipps on December 16, 2010, 10:43:52 AM

Quote from: screenmachine on December 16, 2010, 10:11:37 AM
If McCoy doesn't win it this year he never will. He's won it all and been at the top of his game for 15 years on the bounce, G Mac has had a great season but it feels very like a flash in the pan year to me! Plus if you had to listen to an acceptance speech McCoy should win on that basis alone!

For that reason he deserves to win. It's sports personality of the year not a life time achievement award.

Why did Ryan Giggs win it last year then?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/racing/article-1338948/Tony-McCoy-Im-driven-fear-longer-champion.html (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/racing/article-1338948/Tony-McCoy-Im-driven-fear-longer-champion.html)

Yeah he shouldn't have won it.

Quote from: nrico2006 on December 16, 2010, 09:20:20 AM

Quote from: TacadoirArdMhacha on December 15, 2010, 11:33:20 PM
AP.

He is arguably the greatest jockey we've ever seen.

McDowell isn't even the best golfer in Britain this year.

How many titles has Westwood won this year in comparison to McDowell?

The rankings say Westwood is a better golfer.

I don't think there's any point in focusing on the "Personality" aspect. Its always been considered to go to the most deserving Sports Person in each year.

Quote from: nrico2006 on December 16, 2010, 10:52:28 AM

Quote from: Hardy on December 16, 2010, 09:48:51 AM
McDole has what - three or four wins this year? AP has 134. So far.

McCoy has been on a horse that has won 134 races this year.

A Horse? Good figures, wish I'd been following him.

I reckon Westwood will win just by force of numbers - being English when English people number 80odd% of the UK population.  McCoy is obviously the superior candidate, closely followed by Phil Taylor (then Cavendish), but the Golfing media mafia will also have their say.   

I agree that it really is a joke of an award but I'll vote for the first time ever in it and hope McCoy wins it.

Quote from: nrico2006 on December 16, 2010, 09:20:20 AM

Quote from: TacadoirArdMhacha on December 15, 2010, 11:33:20 PM
AP.

He is arguably the greatest jockey we've ever seen.

McDowell isn't even the best golfer in Britain this year.

How many titles has Westwood won this year in comparison to McDowell?

Wouldn't matter if Westwood won twenty titles if he hasn't won a Major (cue 'Twenty Major' puns). The US Open - first European winner in 40 years - trumps any amount of regular titles.

Still think Tony McCoy should win it though. Winning at Aintree was merely the most high profile success in a ludicrously successful career. And I can't stand horse racing

Quote from: bennydorano on December 16, 2010, 11:07:58 AM

Quote from: nrico2006 on December 16, 2010, 10:52:28 AM

Quote from: Hardy on December 16, 2010, 09:48:51 AM
McDole has what - three or four wins this year? AP has 134. So far.

McCoy has been on a horse that has won 134 races this year.

A Horse? Good figures, wish I'd been following him.

I reckon Westwood will win just by force of numbers - being English when English people number 80odd% of the UK population.  McCoy is obviously the superior candidate, closely followed by Phil Taylor (then Cavendish), but the Golfing media mafia will also have their say.   

I agree that it really is a joke of an award but I'll vote for the first time ever in it and hope McCoy wins it.

I don't think voting for your own is anywhere near as important to the English as it is to the rest of us.

Mc Coy is God!

Westwood has no chance and if he wins it will be nearly as big a farce as Gigss winning it, I really want McCoy to win it, in fairness McDowell would be a worthy winner too.

Quote from: AFS on December 16, 2010, 11:18:31 AM

Quote from: bennydorano on December 16, 2010, 11:07:58 AM

Quote from: nrico2006 on December 16, 2010, 10:52:28 AM

Quote from: Hardy on December 16, 2010, 09:48:51 AM
McDole has what - three or four wins this year? AP has 134. So far.

McCoy has been on a horse that has won 134 races this year.

A Horse? Good figures, wish I'd been following him.

I reckon Westwood will win just by force of numbers - being English when English people number 80odd% of the UK population.  McCoy is obviously the superior candidate, closely followed by Phil Taylor (then Cavendish), but the Golfing media mafia will also have their say.   

I agree that it really is a joke of an award but I'll vote for the first time ever in it and hope McCoy wins it.

I don't think voting for your own is anywhere near as important to the English as it is to the rest of us.

I'd like to see you or anyone else prove that point. I take it you've read the Sun before, watched commentary on an England football game, read the Times coverage of cricket or golf?  Shouldn't underestimate base instincts and the English are as base as anyone else. 

If they don't give it to AP this year they never will!! The truth is that there are other years when he was far more deserving off it, however, its all about public perception and although the lottery that is the national is far from the clasiest race on the calendar, it is the one that grabs the publics attention and even the unwashed and illinformed would have an idea that he has missed out on it so many times before. G Mac had a superb year, but holing the winning putt in the ryder cup should be more than enough additional reward for him. I really hope that people can see just what a driven talent that AP is and give him his just reward.

His ride on Witchita Lineman at Cheltenham in March is worthy of the award by itself.

Quote from: bennydorano on December 16, 2010, 12:17:53 PM
His ride on Witchita Lineman at Cheltenham in March is worthy of the award by itself.

That was 2009. WL died at Fairyhouse that April.

The ride on Drill Sergeant at Haydock back in October was pretty decent!:

http://horses.sportinglife.com/Video/Racing/0,27770,403084,00.html (http://horses.sportinglife.com/Video/Racing/0,27770,403084,00.html)

Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on December 16, 2010, 10:55:53 AM

Quote from: Geoff Tipps on December 16, 2010, 10:43:52 AM

Quote from: screenmachine on December 16, 2010, 10:11:37 AM
If McCoy doesn't win it this year he never will. He's won it all and been at the top of his game for 15 years on the bounce, G Mac has had a great season but it feels very like a flash in the pan year to me! Plus if you had to listen to an acceptance speech McCoy should win on that basis alone!

For that reason he deserves to win. It's sports personality of the year not a life time achievement award.

McCoy rode the winner of the Champion Hurdle, the Aintree National, the Midlands National, the Melling Chase, the Tote Gold Trophy, the Swordlestown Chase and the Galway Plate this year as well as being Champion Jockey for the fifteenth consecutive season. This shouldn't even be a contest.

And the Ryanair. There's at least two majors in there, so he trumps Graham here too.

Quote from: TacadoirArdMhacha on December 16, 2010, 11:05:12 AM

Quote from: nrico2006 on December 16, 2010, 09:20:20 AM

Quote from: TacadoirArdMhacha on December 15, 2010, 11:33:20 PM
AP.

He is arguably the greatest jockey we've ever seen.

McDowell isn't even the best golfer in Britain this year.

How many titles has Westwood won this year in comparison to McDowell?

The rankings say Westwood is a better golfer.

I don't think there's any point in focusing on the "Personality" aspect. Its always been considered to go to the most deserving Sports Person in each year.

Do rankings in any sport really carry that much weight? 

Are England the 6th best national team in world football?  Is Caroline Wozniacki the best ladies Tennis player in the world because she is ranked Number 1? 'NP' to both.  Is Westwood the best Golfer in the world - 'no'.  He has been rewarded for finishing respectively in alot of tournaments this year, McDowell has won more and what he has won has been pretty prestigious too.

Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on December 16, 2010, 10:55:53 AM

Quote from: Geoff Tipps on December 16, 2010, 10:43:52 AM

Quote from: screenmachine on December 16, 2010, 10:11:37 AM
If McCoy doesn't win it this year he never will. He's won it all and been at the top of his game for 15 years on the bounce, G Mac has had a great season but it feels very like a flash in the pan year to me! Plus if you had to listen to an acceptance speech McCoy should win on that basis alone!

For that reason he deserves to win. It's sports personality of the year not a life time achievement award.

McCoy rode the winner of the Champion Hurdle, the Aintree National, the Midlands National, the Melling Chase, the Tote Gold Trophy, the Swordlestown Chase and the Galway Plate this year as well as being Champion Jockey for the fifteenth consecutive season. This shouldn't even be a contest.

Surely he should have won it last year and the year before and so on then? Why this year?

Quote from: bennydorano on December 16, 2010, 11:58:39 AM

Quote from: AFS on December 16, 2010, 11:18:31 AM

Quote from: bennydorano on December 16, 2010, 11:07:58 AM

Quote from: nrico2006 on December 16, 2010, 10:52:28 AM

Quote from: Hardy on December 16, 2010, 09:48:51 AM
McDole has what - three or four wins this year? AP has 134. So far.

McCoy has been on a horse that has won 134 races this year.

A Horse? Good figures, wish I'd been following him.

I reckon Westwood will win just by force of numbers - being English when English people number 80odd% of the UK population.  McCoy is obviously the superior candidate, closely followed by Phil Taylor (then Cavendish), but the Golfing media mafia will also have their say.   

I agree that it really is a joke of an award but I'll vote for the first time ever in it and hope McCoy wins it.

I don't think voting for your own is anywhere near as important to the English as it is to the rest of us.

I'd like to see you or anyone else prove that point. I take it you've read the Sun before, watched commentary on an England football game, read the Times coverage of cricket or golf?  Shouldn't underestimate base instincts and the English are as base as anyone else.

Yeah but I don't think the English make the distinction between themselves and the Scots, Welsh, etc to anywhere near the same extent as the Celts. We're all British as far as they might be concerned.

If Westwood were up for an award against some German or Australian you could expect that some jingoism might come into play, but against another Brit, another one of their own, I don't think it'll be an issue.

Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on December 16, 2010, 10:55:53 AM

Quote from: Geoff Tipps on December 16, 2010, 10:43:52 AM

Quote from: screenmachine on December 16, 2010, 10:11:37 AM
If McCoy doesn't win it this year he never will. He's won it all and been at the top of his game for 15 years on the bounce, G Mac has had a great season but it feels very like a flash in the pan year to me! Plus if you had to listen to an acceptance speech McCoy should win on that basis alone!

For that reason he deserves to win. It's sports personality of the year not a life time achievement award.

McCoy rode the winner of the Champion Hurdle, the Aintree National, the Midlands National, the Melling Chase, the Tote Gold Trophy, the Swordlestown Chase and the Galway Plate this year as well as being Champion Jockey for the fifteenth consecutive season. This shouldn't even be a contest.

McDowell won a major on American soil becoming the only Irish man to win the US Open.
Sank the winning putt in the Ryder Cup, the biggest sporting event this year outside the World Cup.
Went toe to toe with what many believe to be the greatest golfer ever and came out on top in the Chevron World Challenge.
Won the Welsh and Andalusian opens.
Shouldn't even be a contest.

Quote from: Geoff Tipps on December 16, 2010, 01:19:08 PM

Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on December 16, 2010, 10:55:53 AM

Quote from: Geoff Tipps on December 16, 2010, 10:43:52 AM

Quote from: screenmachine on December 16, 2010, 10:11:37 AM
If McCoy doesn't win it this year he never will. He's won it all and been at the top of his game for 15 years on the bounce, G Mac has had a great season but it feels very like a flash in the pan year to me! Plus if you had to listen to an acceptance speech McCoy should win on that basis alone!

For that reason he deserves to win. It's sports personality of the year not a life time achievement award.

McCoy rode the winner of the Champion Hurdle, the Aintree National, the Midlands National, the Melling Chase, the Tote Gold Trophy, the Swordlestown Chase and the Galway Plate this year as well as being Champion Jockey for the fifteenth consecutive season. This shouldn't even be a contest.

McDowell won a major on American soil becoming the only Irish man to win the US Open.
Sank the winning putt in the Ryder Cup, the biggest sporting event this year outside the World Cup.
Went toe to toe with what many believe to be the greatest golfer ever and came out on top in the Chevron World Challenge.
Won the Welsh and Andalusian opens.
Shouldn't even be a contest.

So he won a major. Padraig Harrington won 3 in 2 years, including 2 in a row. As for your only Irish man to win the US Open, without being pedantic I doubt that'll come in to play at the British SPOTY.
1 putt, all be it under a hell of a lot of pressure. Am I correct in saying he should have had that game sewn up long before the final hole? He wasn't the best player at the tournament, he was just in the right place at the right time to win it.
The greatest golfer ever, who last won a competition in...?

Ryder Cup biggest event this year out side the World Cup ::) Holy f**k.  :'( :'(

Quote from: Pat Mustard on December 16, 2010, 01:58:10 PM
So he won a major. Padraig Harrington won 3 in 2 years, including 2 in a row. As for your only Irish man to win the US Open, without being pedantic I doubt that'll come in to play at the British SPOTY.
1 putt, all be it under a hell of a lot of pressure. Am I correct in saying he should have had that game sewn up long before the final hole? He wasn't the best player at the tournament, he was just in the right place at the right time to win it.
The greatest golfer ever, who last won a competition in...?

He played the 72 holes in the fewest shots. Therefore he was the best player at the tournament. It was a monumental achievement

Quote from: Pat Mustard on December 16, 2010, 01:58:10 PM

Quote from: Geoff Tipps on December 16, 2010, 01:19:08 PM

Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on December 16, 2010, 10:55:53 AM

Quote from: Geoff Tipps on December 16, 2010, 10:43:52 AM

Quote from: screenmachine on December 16, 2010, 10:11:37 AM
If McCoy doesn't win it this year he never will. He's won it all and been at the top of his game for 15 years on the bounce, G Mac has had a great season but it feels very like a flash in the pan year to me! Plus if you had to listen to an acceptance speech McCoy should win on that basis alone!

For that reason he deserves to win. It's sports personality of the year not a life time achievement award.

McCoy rode the winner of the Champion Hurdle, the Aintree National, the Midlands National, the Melling Chase, the Tote Gold Trophy, the Swordlestown Chase and the Galway Plate this year as well as being Champion Jockey for the fifteenth consecutive season. This shouldn't even be a contest.

McDowell won a major on American soil becoming the only Irish man to win the US Open.
Sank the winning putt in the Ryder Cup, the biggest sporting event this year outside the World Cup.
Went toe to toe with what many believe to be the greatest golfer ever and came out on top in the Chevron World Challenge.
Won the Welsh and Andalusian opens.
Shouldn't even be a contest.

So he won a major. Padraig Harrington won 3 in 2 years, including 2 in a row. As for your only Irish man to win the US Open, without being pedantic I doubt that'll come in to play at the British SPOTY.
1 putt, all be it under a hell of a lot of pressure. Am I correct in saying he should have had that game sewn up long before the final hole? He wasn't the best player at the tournament, he was just in the right place at the right time to win it.
The greatest golfer ever, who last won a competition in...?

Harrington was subsquently voted the greatest Irish sportsman ever. It's a huge deal for a golfer to win a major in a truly worldwide sport.  You are incorrect in saying that he should've had the game sewn up before that, the guy he was playing had a two at a par four at the hole previous, Hunter Mahan was a tough competitor to put away.  I

Quote from: Pat Mustard on December 16, 2010, 01:58:10 PM

Quote from: Geoff Tipps on December 16, 2010, 01:19:08 PM

Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on December 16, 2010, 10:55:53 AM

Quote from: Geoff Tipps on December 16, 2010, 10:43:52 AM

Quote from: screenmachine on December 16, 2010, 10:11:37 AM
If McCoy doesn't win it this year he never will. He's won it all and been at the top of his game for 15 years on the bounce, G Mac has had a great season but it feels very like a flash in the pan year to me! Plus if you had to listen to an acceptance speech McCoy should win on that basis alone!

For that reason he deserves to win. It's sports personality of the year not a life time achievement award.

McCoy rode the winner of the Champion Hurdle, the Aintree National, the Midlands National, the Melling Chase, the Tote Gold Trophy, the Swordlestown Chase and the Galway Plate this year as well as being Champion Jockey for the fifteenth consecutive season. This shouldn't even be a contest.

McDowell won a major on American soil becoming the only Irish man to win the US Open.
Sank the winning putt in the Ryder Cup, the biggest sporting event this year outside the World Cup.
Went toe to toe with what many believe to be the greatest golfer ever and came out on top in the Chevron World Challenge.
Won the Welsh and Andalusian opens.
Shouldn't even be a contest.

So he won a major. Padraig Harrington won 3 in 2 years, including 2 in a row. As for your only Irish man to win the US Open, without being pedantic I doubt that'll come in to play at the British SPOTY.
1 putt, all be it under a hell of a lot of pressure. Am I correct in saying he should have had that game sewn up long before the final hole? He wasn't the best player at the tournament, he was just in the right place at the right time to win it.
The greatest golfer ever, who last won a competition in...?

Who would you vote for then?

Did Gmac even sink the winning putt for the ryder cup? I thought he was left with two putts for the win and he put the first putt close, so the Yank conceded?

He played his part in the Ryder cup win but you'd nearly think he beat the yanks himself the way it's bandied about.

The major was a fair achievement though, but I would still plump for McCoy.

Would be deadly craic to see McCoy winning the BBC award then declining it as he's not British  :D

Quote from: JohnDenver on December 16, 2010, 02:32:49 PM
Did Gmac even sink the winning putt for the ryder cup? I thought he was left with two putts for the win and he put the first putt close, so the Yank conceded?

He played his part in the Ryder cup win but you'd nearly think he beat the yanks himself the way it's bandied about.

The major was a fair achievement though, but I would still plump for McCoy.

Would be deadly craic to see McCoy winning the BBC award then declining it as he's not British  :D

If he didn't turn down the MBE or OBE I doubt this would happen  ::)

the AP G-Mac debate divides opinion on those who like horse racing and those who dont as far as i can see

The award lost all credibility when Giggs got it last year - it became a lifetime achievement award then so McCoy should get it on that basis

McDowell had an unbelievable year though, winning a major takes some doing - some great pros never got close to winning one, not to mention his Ryder cup displays and the other tournaments he won. Harrington was named best irish sportsman ever for winning 3 majors

Quote from: thebigfella on December 16, 2010, 02:41:16 PM

Quote from: JohnDenver on December 16, 2010, 02:32:49 PM
Did Gmac even sink the winning putt for the ryder cup? I thought he was left with two putts for the win and he put the first putt close, so the Yank conceded?

He played his part in the Ryder cup win but you'd nearly think he beat the yanks himself the way it's bandied about.

The major was a fair achievement though, but I would still plump for McCoy.

Would be deadly craic to see McCoy winning the BBC award then declining it as he's not British  :D

If he didn't turn down the MBE or OBE I doubt this would happen  ::)

Why would he decline it if he is not British?  You don't have to be British to win it.

Not to mention alienate half your competitors and friends on the tour.

There is a massive campaign within the sport of horse racing for AP to win to give the sport a much needed boost.

Quote from: Doogie Browser on December 16, 2010, 03:54:08 PM
There is a massive campaign within the sport of horse racing for AP to win to give the sport a much needed boost.

Is that tip reliable?

Quote from: nrico2006 on December 16, 2010, 03:45:08 PM

Quote from: thebigfella on December 16, 2010, 02:41:16 PM

Quote from: JohnDenver on December 16, 2010, 02:32:49 PM
Did Gmac even sink the winning putt for the ryder cup? I thought he was left with two putts for the win and he put the first putt close, so the Yank conceded?

He played his part in the Ryder cup win but you'd nearly think he beat the yanks himself the way it's bandied about.

The major was a fair achievement though, but I would still plump for McCoy.

Would be deadly craic to see McCoy winning the BBC award then declining it as he's not British  :D

If he didn't turn down the MBE or OBE I doubt this would happen  ::)

Why would he decline it if he is not British?  You don't have to be British to win it.

I think you do Nrico. Can't think of any non-British winners. They have an Overseas award for Johnny Foreigner.

You either have to be British or live in the UK or play alot of your sport there.

Quote from: nrico2006 on December 16, 2010, 04:20:13 PM
You either have to be British or live in the UK or play alot of your sport there.

Do you have to wear a poppy?

Quote from: TacadoirArdMhacha on December 16, 2010, 04:01:50 PM
I think you do Nrico. Can't think of any non-British winners. They have an Overseas award for Johnny Foreigner.

Barry McGuigan - although I think he got a British passport so he could fight in the British boxing championships

Quote from: deiseach on December 16, 2010, 04:26:12 PM

Quote from: TacadoirArdMhacha on December 16, 2010, 04:01:50 PM
I think you do Nrico. Can't think of any non-British winners. They have an Overseas award for Johnny Foreigner.

Barry McGuigan - although I think he got a British passport so he could fight in the British boxing championships

Well certainly he boxed for Northern Ireland in the Commonwealth Games, so must have claimed some sort of "British" linkage.

cant believe zara phillips hasnt received a slagging esp if giggs got a mention

Quote from: Geoff Tipps on December 16, 2010, 02:19:23 PM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on December 16, 2010, 01:58:10 PM

Quote from: Geoff Tipps on December 16, 2010, 01:19:08 PM

Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on December 16, 2010, 10:55:53 AM

Quote from: Geoff Tipps on December 16, 2010, 10:43:52 AM

Quote from: screenmachine on December 16, 2010, 10:11:37 AM
If McCoy doesn't win it this year he never will. He's won it all and been at the top of his game for 15 years on the bounce, G Mac has had a great season but it feels very like a flash in the pan year to me! Plus if you had to listen to an acceptance speech McCoy should win on that basis alone!

For that reason he deserves to win. It's sports personality of the year not a life time achievement award.

McCoy rode the winner of the Champion Hurdle, the Aintree National, the Midlands National, the Melling Chase, the Tote Gold Trophy, the Swordlestown Chase and the Galway Plate this year as well as being Champion Jockey for the fifteenth consecutive season. This shouldn't even be a contest.

McDowell won a major on American soil becoming the only Irish man to win the US Open.
Sank the winning putt in the Ryder Cup, the biggest sporting event this year outside the World Cup.
Went toe to toe with what many believe to be the greatest golfer ever and came out on top in the Chevron World Challenge.
Won the Welsh and Andalusian opens.
Shouldn't even be a contest.

So he won a major. Padraig Harrington won 3 in 2 years, including 2 in a row. As for your only Irish man to win the US Open, without being pedantic I doubt that'll come in to play at the British SPOTY.
1 putt, all be it under a hell of a lot of pressure. Am I correct in saying he should have had that game sewn up long before the final hole? He wasn't the best player at the tournament, he was just in the right place at the right time to win it.
The greatest golfer ever, who last won a competition in...?

Who would you vote for then?

AP. He finally completed the roll of honour this year after so many hardluck stories. He also won many other huge races, and is still the best in the game. He is the epitome of what a sportsman should be.

Quote from: Doogie Browser on December 16, 2010, 03:54:08 PM
There is a massive campaign within the sport of horse racing for AP to win to give the sport a much needed boost.

Also hear there is one against him by animal rights folk as a lot of his horses end up put down.  Think it was in one of the papers near the start of the week if not last weekend

Quote from: andoireabu on December 16, 2010, 07:04:44 PM

Quote from: Doogie Browser on December 16, 2010, 03:54:08 PM
There is a massive campaign within the sport of horse racing for AP to win to give the sport a much needed boost.

Also hear there is one against him by animal rights folk as a lot of his horses end up put down.  Think it was in one of the papers near the start of the week if not last weekend

Have never heard of a Caddie having to be put down...

Quote from: Hardy on December 16, 2010, 12:44:08 AM

Quote from: leaveherinsir on December 15, 2010, 11:29:56 PM
As a golfer i would have to say McDowell. (Cant stand this G Mac stuff, sorry!). Although McCoy is undoubtedly an amazing sportsman, for me he is just a bit too nondescript to be Sports Personality Of The Year. On the other hand dont actually know if McDowell should win it seeing as he is American    ;)

WTF?

Just an opinion! Horse racing in general as a sport is probably counting against McCoy winning this award. Would have no problem with either man winning, would be great to see a local lad win it, and both hail from not too far from myself. Obviously people will have different ideas on which are the greater achievements, but isnt that part of what makes sport so entertaining!

McCoy is a legend who has had a truly phenomenal year.

McDowell is a top class sportsman who has had a tremendous year.

My vote goes to the Fenian over the Prod  ;)

Quote from: sammymaguire on December 16, 2010, 10:23:29 PM
McCoy is a legend who has had a truly phenomenal year.

McDowell is a top class sportsman who has had a tremendous year.

My vote goes to the Fenian over the Prod  ;)

That would be the Fenian Tony McCoy OBE*?  ;)

Anyhow, if it's any kind of omen, AP has just been voted Sportsman of the Year by the Sports Journalists Association in their annual British Sports Award i.e. he beat allcomers in all other sports. Incidentally, Graeme McDowell was Runner-Up.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/horseracing/8189923/A-P-McCoy-on-a-winning-roll-after-being-named-Sportsman-of-The-Year.html

Anyhow, much as I respect McDowell for what he has done, and Amy Williams for being a bit of a babe er, entirely fearless, imo AP is head and shoulders above all the other candidates for the BBC Award.

P.S. I've just noticed in AP's wiki entry, that he has suffered 680 falls in his racing career to date, so maybe he isn't that good... :D




* - Superceded his previous MBE

I don't see why so many are against McDowell, comes across as a really likeable lad anytime he has been on the box.

Quote from: nrico2006 on December 17, 2010, 10:00:37 AM
I don't see why so many are against McDowell, comes across as a really likeable lad anytime he has been on the box.

Spot on, he seems very grounded.  I have no doubt a lot of people in the North don't like him cos he is a prod (albeit from a mixed marriage) but use the accent as an excuse to slag him off - the accent deserves a lot of stick though!! 

Quote from: Doogie Browser on December 17, 2010, 10:06:09 AM

Quote from: nrico2006 on December 17, 2010, 10:00:37 AM
I don't see why so many are against McDowell, comes across as a really likeable lad anytime he has been on the box.

Spot on, he seems very grounded.  I have no doubt a lot of people in the North don't like him cos he is a prod (albeit from a mixed marriage) but use the accent as an excuse to slag him off - the accent deserves a lot of stick though!! 

Are you serious? Is that the way a lot of people think up there?

Quote from: Hardy on December 17, 2010, 11:01:30 AM

Quote from: Doogie Browser on December 17, 2010, 10:06:09 AM

Quote from: nrico2006 on December 17, 2010, 10:00:37 AM
I don't see why so many are against McDowell, comes across as a really likeable lad anytime he has been on the box.

Spot on, he seems very grounded.  I have no doubt a lot of people in the North don't like him cos he is a prod (albeit from a mixed marriage) but use the accent as an excuse to slag him off - the accent deserves a lot of stick though!! 

Are you serious? Is that the way a lot of people think up there?

A GAY prod by all accounts!!!!!










(I'm joking, relax please relax)

Quote from: sammymaguire on December 17, 2010, 11:04:23 AM
A GAY prod by all accounts!!!!!










(I'm joking, relax please relax)

That'd be why the Prods would hate him

Quote from: deiseach on December 17, 2010, 11:07:48 AM

Quote from: sammymaguire on December 17, 2010, 11:04:23 AM
A GAY prod by all accounts!!!!!



(I'm joking, relax please relax)

That'd be why the Prods would hate him

:D  ;D very good. Whatever he is, he comes across like a true gent and he can hit a golf ball

Quote from: Hardy on December 17, 2010, 11:01:30 AM

Quote from: Doogie Browser on December 17, 2010, 10:06:09 AM

Quote from: nrico2006 on December 17, 2010, 10:00:37 AM
I don't see why so many are against McDowell, comes across as a really likeable lad anytime he has been on the box.

Spot on, he seems very grounded.  I have no doubt a lot of people in the North don't like him cos he is a prod (albeit from a mixed marriage) but use the accent as an excuse to slag him off - the accent deserves a lot of stick though!! 

Are you serious? Is that the way a lot of people think up there?

Ah Hardy you read enough crap on here to know that is exactly how a lot of people think up here.  I am a huge Gmac fan, a great ambassador for Ireland IMO.

Quote from: Doogie Browser on December 17, 2010, 11:18:23 AM

Quote from: Hardy on December 17, 2010, 11:01:30 AM

Quote from: Doogie Browser on December 17, 2010, 10:06:09 AM

Quote from: nrico2006 on December 17, 2010, 10:00:37 AM
I don't see why so many are against McDowell, comes across as a really likeable lad anytime he has been on the box.

Spot on, he seems very grounded.  I have no doubt a lot of people in the North don't like him cos he is a prod (albeit from a mixed marriage) but use the accent as an excuse to slag him off - the accent deserves a lot of stick though!! 

Are you serious? Is that the way a lot of people think up there?

Ah Hardy you read enough crap on here to know that is exactly how a lot of people think up here.  I am a huge Gmac fan, a great ambassador for Ireland IMO.

And he has a cracking set of man boobs, must get some credit for that too  ;)

Quote from: sammymaguire on December 17, 2010, 11:10:18 AM

Quote from: deiseach on December 17, 2010, 11:07:48 AM

Quote from: sammymaguire on December 17, 2010, 11:04:23 AM
A GAY prod by all accounts!!!!!



(I'm joking, relax please relax)

That'd be why the Prods would hate him

:D  ;D very good. Whatever he is, he comes across like a true gent and he can hit a golf ball

Aye, he seems like a good egg in interviews. As nrico2006 notes, what he does to rub people the wrong way is a mystery to me

Quote from: deiseach on December 17, 2010, 11:23:35 AM

Quote from: sammymaguire on December 17, 2010, 11:10:18 AM

Quote from: deiseach on December 17, 2010, 11:07:48 AM

Quote from: sammymaguire on December 17, 2010, 11:04:23 AM
A GAY prod by all accounts!!!!!



(I'm joking, relax please relax)

That'd be why the Prods would hate him

:D  ;D very good. Whatever he is, he comes across like a true gent and he can hit a golf ball

Aye, he seems like a good egg in interviews. As nrico2006 notes, what he does to rub people the wrong way is a mystery to me

I know a few people who know him from around the Coleraine area and they say he is very down to earth.  He bought his mum and dad a house with his first pay check when he won the Scandanavian Masters just after he turned professional.  Small change to him now but it was a good gesture at the time.

Accent is hilarious, but always seems to come across as a nice sort of chap. In that regard he'd be very much like AP. Apparently the wee belly and the moobs are contributed by the TV cameras as a couple of people who i know who have met him say that he is actually slim when you see him.

As regards people who don't like him cos he's a prod i'm sure there are some [maybe even many] of them about, but sure you get assholes everywhere, it's not exclusive to any one particular part of Ireland.

Quote from: Keyser soze on December 17, 2010, 11:37:38 AM
Apparently the wee belly and the moobs are contributed by the TV cameras as a couple of people who i know who have met him say that he is actually slim when you see him.

Yeah the camera adds 10lbs, just you keep telling yourself that tubby  ;)

Quote from: Doogie Browser on December 17, 2010, 11:18:23 AM

Quote from: Hardy on December 17, 2010, 11:01:30 AM

Quote from: Doogie Browser on December 17, 2010, 10:06:09 AM

Quote from: nrico2006 on December 17, 2010, 10:00:37 AM
I don't see why so many are against McDowell, comes across as a really likeable lad anytime he has been on the box.

Spot on, he seems very grounded.  I have no doubt a lot of people in the North don't like him cos he is a prod (albeit from a mixed marriage) but use the accent as an excuse to slag him off - the accent deserves a lot of stick though!! 

Are you serious? Is that the way a lot of people think up there?

Ah Hardy you read enough crap on here to know that is exactly how a lot of people think up here.  I am a huge Gmac fan, a great ambassador for Ireland IMO.

I think Hardy MAY have been trying a little sarcasm Doogie.

McDowell won the BBC NI SPOTY, does that mean McCoy will win the big one?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/golf/9270242.stm

I dont thiNk anyone gave a toss who won it any other year, why this year? Just because there are two Irish candidates? Will it validate either players careers? Two Royals have won it FFS.

Quote from: Doogie Browser on December 17, 2010, 11:40:41 AM

Quote from: Keyser soze on December 17, 2010, 11:37:38 AM
Apparently the wee belly and the moobs are contributed by the TV cameras as a couple of people who i know who have met him say that he is actually slim when you see him.

Yeah the camera adds 10lbs, just you keep telling yourself that tubby  ;)

GMac was lucky enough to meet me in Kellys last summer and I definitely wouldn't have said he was overweight. My judgement was somewhat impaired by drinking for the previous 12 hours or so.

AP into 2/5 for this!

Lets hope the moneyglass man gets the accolade!

Quote from: The Worker on December 19, 2010, 07:12:00 PM
AP into 2/5 for this!

Lets hope the moneyglass man gets the accolade!

Slapped on £50 with Power at that price.

Looking good !

Happy Days, but G Mac deserved a top three!!

GMac not placed. Turnip that.

Brilliant result. Well done AP.

BBC Sports Personality voting results:

1. Tony McCoy 293,152 (41.98%)
2. Phil Taylor 72,095 (10.33)
3. Jessica Ennis 62,953 (9.02)
4. Lee Westwood 58,640 (8.4)
5. Graeme McDowell 52,108 (7.46)
6. Tom Daley 50,763 (7.27%)
7. Mark Cavendish 44,170 (6.33)
8. Amy Williams 43,056 (6.17)
9. Graeme Swann 13,767 (1.97)
10. David Haye 7,538 (1.08)

You must have all had a lump in your throat when Sir Beckham was saluting the troops in Afghanistan.

Long overdue.

First saw him riding one of Bolger's up the Curragh about 20 years ago. He's come a long way since.

superb. great to see it. Well done A.P. If A.P wasnt in the running i would have been rooting for McDowell, disappointed he wasnt runner up.

I salute AP but that was a piss poor number of total votes for a country the size of the UK.

He won it by at least 8 lengths which was great.

Beckham took more of the adulation - and some of the punters on football365 never heard of him (McCoy that is).

McCoy getting this is exactly the same as Giggs last year. Absolute living legend of their sport for 15-20 years, one of the most decorated in history, yet have never won this award so they get it.

Obviously when one plays for Manchester United its a farce but its blind eye time (with one exception on this thead so far) otherwise.

Not a racing fan myself and quite like McDowell. I think the fact that he is not the best golfer in the world makes his acheivements with the US Open and Ryder Cup all the more remarkable. There are arguments from many angles on these awards and that's what the organisers want.

Quote from: Shamrock Shore on December 20, 2010, 12:22:28 AM
I salute AP but that was a piss poor number of total votes for a country the size of the UK.

He won it by at least 8 lengths which was great.

Beckham took more of the adulation - and some of the punters on football365 never heard of him (McCoy that is).

You make a good point about the number of votes. Sports Personality of the Year is hardly essential viewing now that we have 24 hour sport, especially since about five minutes of that is on the Beeb. As for people not having heard of him though, horse racing simply isn't that popular. Even McCoy referred to it when he said there were more people in the press room than would have been at the meeting he missed due to the weather. I mean, Ffos Las?

Quote from: magpie seanie on December 20, 2010, 02:17:28 PM


Not a racing fan myself and quite like McDowell. I think the fact that he is not the best golfer in the world makes his acheivements with the US Open and Ryder Cup all the more remarkable..

Agree with that

Quote from: magpie seanie on December 20, 2010, 02:17:28 PM
McCoy getting this is exactly the same as Giggs last year. Absolute living legend of their sport for 15-20 years, one of the most decorated in history, yet have never won this award so they get it.

Obviously when one plays for Manchester United its a farce but its blind eye time (with one exception on this thead so far) otherwise.

Can't agree with this. Tony McCoy was Champion Jockey last season and is miles clear again this term. Also out of the three most prestigious races in the jumps calendar (Champion Hurdle, Cheltenham Gold Cup, Aintree National) McCoy rode the winner of two and came second in the other.

He probably has deserved it other times in the past. 1997 and 2002 stand out. However I don't think it's comparable with Ryan Giggs. It's not like Tony McCoy had a so so year and only deserves the award for past achievements over his entire career.

Horse racing me arse,I'd rather watch paint dry.
Not that I care which British sportsman won this British award but McDowell has been brilliant this year.

You might prefer watching paint dry to horse but im sure there are as many, if not more ho would say the same about golf!

Quote from: ludermor on December 20, 2010, 05:05:29 PM
You might prefer watching paint dry to horse but im sure there are as many, if not more ho would say the same about golf!

But they would be wrong..

i see Stephen Watson has just claimed Barry McGuigan has being from Northern Ireland. HAs Clones moved ?

Well done AP, a thoroughly deserved award.

To compare it to Gigg's is laughable, if a Man Utd player was nominated every year, they'd probably win it every year as they'd be voted for in their droves by their drones.   

Quote from: Hoof Hearted on December 20, 2010, 06:52:28 PM
i see Stephen Watson has just claimed Barry McGuigan has being from Northern Ireland. HAs Clones moved ?

He brought the world title back to Fermanagh you'll find  ;)

Ryan Giggs is the most decorated player in the history of the most popular sport in Britain. On top of that he is a model professional, has avoided "being a bad role model" and seems a genuinely decent down to earth bloke. If that's a joke then your standards must be pretty high.

Quote from: magpie seanie on December 20, 2010, 08:46:46 PM
Ryan Giggs is the most decorated player in the history of the most popular sport in Britain. On top of that he is a model professional, has avoided "being a bad role model" and seems a genuinely decent down to earth bloke. If that's a joke then your standards must be pretty high.

Well then give him a lifetime achievement award like D-Beck got. The clue is in the title - sports personality of the YEAR and Giggs shouldnt have got it last year.

Quote from: magpie seanie on December 20, 2010, 08:46:46 PM
Ryan Giggs is the most decorated player in the history of the most popular sport in Britain. On top of that he is a model professional, has avoided "being a bad role model" and seems a genuinely decent down to earth bloke. If that's a joke then your standards must be pretty high.

Have there not been episodes of hitting girls and affairs (of the heart) during his decent bloke, down to earth, model professional years??

Have there? You tell me.

I suppose he's no David Beckham.  ::)

I do think a number of years ago he was splashed across the tabloids for allegedly hitting his girlfriend IIRC.

So are we talking one alleged case or many?

Oh I dont know, I was just putting in my understanding on the whiter than white view of Mr Giggs.

If either of them were true it hardly matters though, right?

I agree, its not the major issue. From my point of view the issue was saying Giggs award was a joke was unfair and incorrect.

It was a joke of an award, Tyroneboi called it right, a lifetime achievement award would have been a better call and even then, why would Giggs be more deserving than Scholes for example?  I've always said that if Scholes hadn't been an overly shy , very normal looking guy he would've been lauded a la Beckham (who isn't fit to lace his boots IMO), I always thought it was telling that Figo and Zidane picked him out as united's main man.

Quote from: magpie seanie on December 20, 2010, 09:45:05 PM
So are we talking one alleged case or many?

So its ok if he just done it the once then? Sure we all make mistakes sort of thing?

Quote from: bennydorano on December 20, 2010, 10:03:38 PM
It was a joke of an award, Tyroneboi called it right, a lifetime achievement award would have been a better call and even then, why would Giggs be more deserving than Scholes for example?  I've always said that if Scholes hadn't been an overly shy , very normal looking guy he would've have been lauded a la Beckham (who isn't fit to lace his boots IMO), I always thought it was always telling that Figo and Zidane picked him out as united's main man.

I agree it was a joke of a award,yes he deserved something like a lifetime achievement award but not Sportsman of the year award.

Just like AP McCoy so I suppose.

It's clearly not, AP is still top of his game, Giggs isn't nor hasn't been for quite a while., hence why his award was an award for past glories. Take the man utd blinkers off , just the once even. 

Quote from: bennydorano on December 20, 2010, 10:03:38 PM
It was a joke of an award, Tyroneboi called it right, a lifetime achievement award would have been a better call and even then, why would Giggs be more deserving than Scholes for example?  I've always said that if Scholes hadn't been an overly shy , very normal looking guy he would've been lauded a la Beckham (who isn't fit to lace his boots IMO), I always thought it was telling that Figo and Zidane picked him out as united's main man.

Henry also said it too.  As for allegations about Giggs hitting women, thats just trash talk that probably originated from Liverpool or the blue half of Manchester.

I was just looking at the list of previous winners for the lifetime achievement award, and I have to admit I find it shambolic that Beckham has got this award at his age when you look at the list of previous winners and what they achieved.  Beckham has hardly achieved anything extraordinary as a sportsman, but I guess the Beckham circus is more powerful than I thought as I also see talk of him being knighted - for what exactly?

Quote from: bennydorano on December 21, 2010, 12:03:33 AM
It's clearly not, AP is still top of his game, Giggs isn't nor hasn't been for quite a while., hence why his award was an award for past glories. Take the man utd blinkers off , just the once even.

Its you who needs to take the blinkers off. Giggs was actually playing very well, enjoying an Indian summer if you will as evidenced by him winning the PFA player of the year award that year.

Agree about Beckham. The 4th best player in that great United midfield of the late 90's/early 2000's but England's darling. He is probably going to get a knighthood from the British Queen as well.

Quote from: bennydorano on December 21, 2010, 12:03:33 AM
It's clearly not, AP is still top of his game, Giggs isn't nor hasn't been for quite a while., hence why his award was an award for past glories. Take the man utd blinkers off , just the once even.

:D There is more chance of Wayne Rooney giving up aul whores than that happening.
I do agree yer man AP winning and Giggs winning is totally different,even if I think GMac was more deserving than this McCoy fella.
Giggs might have deserved something like the award Beckam got but not the Sportsman of the year award or whatever its called,its a pity those red tinted goggles are so hard to remove from the day tripper Man United fan though... 

McCoy had probably his best season since taking the JP job ( and dough) so it was very much a now or never year for him. I dont think he is going to be riding for many more years ... he recently mentioned quitting when getting to twice Dunwoody's total ...barring injury that should happen  before end of 2011-12 season. He redefined the life of NH jockey ..much as his old boss Pipe changed training.

Not being deliberately contrary but IMO the WL ride at Cheltenham in 2009 wasnt in top 3 rides that week .

Quote from: bcarrier on December 21, 2010, 09:16:57 PM
McCoy had probably his best season since taking the JP job ( and dough) so it was very much a now or never year for him. I dont think he is going to be riding for many more years ... he recently mentioned quitting when getting to twice Dunwoody's total ...barring injury that should happen  before end of 2011-12 season. He redefined the life of NH jockey ..much as his old boss Pipe changed training.

Not being deliberately contrary but IMO the WL ride at Cheltenham in 2009 wasnt in top 3 rides that week .

Agreed. I'm probably biased after backing that feckin Maljimar though!

I'd say McCoy will probably keep going until he hits the 40 mark. I think like Dunwoody, he'll find it very hard to adapt to life outside the game. Dunwoody was only forced into retirement because of his back injuries and he's found it very difficult. The only reason he embarks on these crazy challenges like treking to the South Pole is trying to fill that void in his life. McCoy thrives on the day to day grind of riding winners. A six hour drive up the motorway in the middle of January to boot home some yack in a sh1tty race at Carlisle or Hexham is manna from heaven to McCoy. Being champion is all that matters to him. The big race wins just seem to be a bonus. I couldn't see him doing what both Walsh and Geraghty do and just cherry pick the best rides either side of the Irish Sea.

I'd be very surprised if McCoy didn't remain in the game in some capacity. Trainer probably.

Felt the Wichita lineman ride was excellent,the horse tried plough himself through every fence if memory serves me correctly,remember having it backed and thinking he'd be pulled up!

A ride of Mc coys i felt didn't get any of the sort of recognition it deserved was Albertas run in the 2009 Ryanair,told my brother to back it and didn't back it myself  ::),think it won at 20/1 or 16/1  :-[

So happy to see him win it - absolute hero!

Quote from: beer baron on December 21, 2010, 09:59:32 PM
Felt the Wichita lineman ride was excellent,the horse tried plough himself through every fence if memory serves me correctly,remember having it backed and thinking he'd be pulled up!

Have a look at Timmy Murphy's ride on the same horse on his previous run at Chepstow on the ATR video archive. Completely different style but as good as if not better than McCoy's ride IMO.

The best ride of that Cheltenham by a country mile was Jamie Codd on Character Building. It was one of the best rides I've ever seen at the festival, up there with JT McNamara on Rith Dubh - both amateur riders strangely enough.

I think McCoy's greatest ever ride was when he somehow managed to beat Istabraq on Pridwell at Liverpool.

Well done to McCoy, even if did think McDowell beforehand! While watching the programme, i did think Jessica Ennis was probably the best sportsperson of them all, to be so good at all those athletic disciplines i believe is what makes a true sportsperson. Its a pity athletics has became so tainted by drugs. Well done to HoofHearted on starting a good thread here!

Quote from: beer baron on December 21, 2010, 09:59:32 PM
Felt the Wichita lineman ride was excellent,the horse tried plough himself through every fence if memory serves me correctly,remember having it backed and thinking he'd be pulled up!

A ride of Mc coys i felt didn't get any of the sort of recognition it deserved was Albertas run in the 2009 Ryanair,told my brother to back it and didn't back it myself  ::),think it won at 20/1 or 16/1  :-[

So happy to see him win it - absolute hero!

I think Alberta's Run was this year. He won the RSA in 2008 then went for the Gold Cup in 2009 before switching successfully to the Ryanair this year. Perhaps somebody can confirm?

Quote from: TacadoirArdMhacha on December 21, 2010, 10:10:38 PM

Quote from: beer baron on December 21, 2010, 09:59:32 PM
Felt the Wichita lineman ride was excellent,the horse tried plough himself through every fence if memory serves me correctly,remember having it backed and thinking he'd be pulled up!

A ride of Mc coys i felt didn't get any of the sort of recognition it deserved was Albertas run in the 2009 Ryanair,told my brother to back it and didn't back it myself  ::),think it won at 20/1 or 16/1  :-[

So happy to see him win it - absolute hero!

I think Alberta's Run was this year. He won the RSA in 2008 then went for the Gold Cup in 2009 before switching successfully to the Ryanair this year. Perhaps somebody can confirm?

You're correct,typing error on my behalf!

Quote from: leaveherinsir on December 21, 2010, 10:09:47 PM
Well done to McCoy, even if did think McDowell beforehand! While watching the programme, i did think Jessica Ennis was probably the best sportsperson of them all, to be so good at all those athletic disciplines i believe is what makes a true sportsperson. Its a pity athletics has became so tainted by drugs. Well done to HoofHearted on starting a good thread here!

im actually watching a programme about her here now on SS which i had recorded. It shows here weekly training regime. Holy f**k it would make  your eyes water. AM and PM sessions 7 days a week. Plus she is some bit of gear too.

i was delighted McCoy won it. Not in to Horse rAcing either but my in-laws from Moneyglass and know him personally. We are having them over xmas day so the happier they are the happier i am :D I have it on the planner too so i might stick the last 15 mins on at some stage

Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on December 21, 2010, 10:07:53 PM

Quote from: beer baron on December 21, 2010, 09:59:32 PM
Felt the Wichita lineman ride was excellent,the horse tried plough himself through every fence if memory serves me correctly,remember having it backed and thinking he'd be pulled up!

Have a look at Timmy Murphy's ride on the same horse on his previous run at Chepstow on the ATR video archive. Completely different style but as good as if not better than McCoy's ride IMO.

The best ride of that Cheltenham by a country mile was Jamie Codd on Character Building. It was one of the best rides I've ever seen at the festival, up there with JT McNamara on Rith Dubh - both amateur riders strangely enough.

I think McCoy's greatest ever ride was when he somehow managed to beat Istabraq on Pridwell at Liverpool.

The ride he gave Edredon Bleu in the Queen Mother was a clinker.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPqMP9Ra7zA

This is his own list, cant see I would agree with it but its all opinions I suppose.

Quote from: oakleafgael on December 21, 2010, 10:20:38 PM

Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on December 21, 2010, 10:07:53 PM

Quote from: beer baron on December 21, 2010, 09:59:32 PM
Felt the Wichita lineman ride was excellent,the horse tried plough himself through every fence if memory serves me correctly,remember having it backed and thinking he'd be pulled up!

Have a look at Timmy Murphy's ride on the same horse on his previous run at Chepstow on the ATR video archive. Completely different style but as good as if not better than McCoy's ride IMO.

The best ride of that Cheltenham by a country mile was Jamie Codd on Character Building. It was one of the best rides I've ever seen at the festival, up there with JT McNamara on Rith Dubh - both amateur riders strangely enough.

I think McCoy's greatest ever ride was when he somehow managed to beat Istabraq on Pridwell at Liverpool.

The ride he gave Edredon Bleu in the Queen Mother was a clinker.

Good job he didnt try that the other way round!

Quote from: oakleafgael on December 21, 2010, 10:20:38 PM

Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on December 21, 2010, 10:07:53 PM

Quote from: beer baron on December 21, 2010, 09:59:32 PM
Felt the Wichita lineman ride was excellent,the horse tried plough himself through every fence if memory serves me correctly,remember having it backed and thinking he'd be pulled up!

Have a look at Timmy Murphy's ride on the same horse on his previous run at Chepstow on the ATR video archive. Completely different style but as good as if not better than McCoy's ride IMO.

The best ride of that Cheltenham by a country mile was Jamie Codd on Character Building. It was one of the best rides I've ever seen at the festival, up there with JT McNamara on Rith Dubh - both amateur riders strangely enough.

I think McCoy's greatest ever ride was when he somehow managed to beat Istabraq on Pridwell at Liverpool.

The ride he gave Edredon Bleu in the Queen Mother was a clinker.

Still think Stormin' Norman is going to get Direct Route up every time I watch that!  :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqopqcEhjdc&feature=related (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqopqcEhjdc&feature=related)

one each now. G Mac won the RTE Sports Person of the year

I remember complaining a few years ago because rte made a big deal about Munster game being most watched sports programme of the year (even though the All Ireland finals had bigger average audiences) - something they didnt normally do. It was interesting to note they don't announce the most watched show when its not rugby. As far as I know it was the hurling.

Does anyone know the name of the song that was played during the Airticity League review last night?

BBC also played the same song when welcoming the Sports Personalities nominees on stage last Sunday?

Just Drive - Alistair Griffin was played during some of sports personality nominees don't know if that's the one your on about.

Quote from: maximus on December 23, 2010, 01:43:30 PM
Just Drive - Alistair Griffin was played during some of sports personality nominees don't know if that's the one your on about.

Cheers but not that one. There's no lyrics in it, think its what you might call an "epic" song.

I think it was a tough call for either AP or GMac and I wouldn't begrudge either man of the award. Couldn't believe the number of people on Facebook last night who were not happy with Gmac winning the Free State personality.  .  . fair play to him I think!

Yeah fair play to Gmac,I wonder what Katy Taylor has to do to win it though.
Maybe when she wins Olympic Gold in 2012 but I would have thought she should have won it this year given her success.

Quote from: Tyrone Dreamer on December 22, 2010, 11:35:08 PM
I remember complaining a few years ago because rte made a big deal about Munster game being most watched sports programme of the year (even though the All Ireland finals had bigger average audiences) - something they didnt normally do. It was interesting to note they don't announce the most watched show when its not rugby. As far as I know it was the hurling.

FFS you have little to be doing with your time complaining about that ::)

Quote from: Sea The Stars on December 23, 2010, 01:48:53 PM

Quote from: maximus on December 23, 2010, 01:43:30 PM
Just Drive - Alistair Griffin was played during some of sports personality nominees don't know if that's the one your on about.

Cheers but not that one. There's no lyrics in it, think its what you might call an "epic" song.

i think that tune was used in a episode of top gear where clarkson was driving the new aston and the program ended with this piece of music in the back ground,would love to know what it is.

Quote from: Sea The Stars on December 23, 2010, 01:26:40 PM
Does anyone know the name of the song that was played during the Airticity League review last night?

BBC also played the same song when welcoming the Sports Personalities nominees on stage last Sunday?

i found it,is this the tune
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXnxhsFziYI

Brian Eno - An Ending (Ascent)

Quote from: Archie Mitchell on December 23, 2010, 04:05:52 PM
Brian Eno - An Ending (Ascent)

good man archie

Quote from: thebigfella on December 23, 2010, 02:26:59 PM

Quote from: Tyrone Dreamer on December 22, 2010, 11:35:08 PM
I remember complaining a few years ago because rte made a big deal about Munster game being most watched sports programme of the year (even though the All Ireland finals had bigger average audiences) - something they didnt normally do. It was interesting to note they don't announce the most watched show when its not rugby. As far as I know it was the hurling.

FFS you have little to be doing with your time complaining about that ::)

TD isn't saying they phoned Joe Duffy (at least I don't think they are). The mandarins in RTÉ are the types who would deny point blank any bias towards rugby in their coverage, so it's handy to see cases like this where that bias is obvious. In fairness to RTÉ, rugby types are the demographic most beloved by advertisers, so it makes sense for them to talk up coverage of the game. But it'd be nice if they were honest about it.

Quote from: isourboydownyet on December 23, 2010, 03:14:31 PM

Quote from: Sea The Stars on December 23, 2010, 01:26:40 PM
Does anyone know the name of the song that was played during the Airticity League review last night?

BBC also played the same song when welcoming the Sports Personalities nominees on stage last Sunday?

i found it,is this the tune
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXnxhsFziYI

No thats not the one I am thinking of, I'm afraid.

The Sports Personality programme is available on RTE player (on the RTE website). Around 15 minutes in, the Airtricity League highlights start and its the song playing in the background then.

Quote from: Sea The Stars on December 23, 2010, 04:42:51 PM

Quote from: isourboydownyet on December 23, 2010, 03:14:31 PM

Quote from: Sea The Stars on December 23, 2010, 01:26:40 PM
Does anyone know the name of the song that was played during the Airticity League review last night?

BBC also played the same song when welcoming the Sports Personalities nominees on stage last Sunday?

i found it,is this the tune
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXnxhsFziYI

No thats not the one I am thinking of, I'm afraid.

The Sports Personality programme is available on RTE player (on the RTE website). Around 15 minutes in, the Airtricity League highlights start and its the song playing in the background then.

ah sorry us brits up north thought you meant the bbc version

Quote from: isourboydownyet on December 23, 2010, 05:02:23 PM

Quote from: Sea The Stars on December 23, 2010, 04:42:51 PM

Quote from: isourboydownyet on December 23, 2010, 03:14:31 PM

Quote from: Sea The Stars on December 23, 2010, 01:26:40 PM
Does anyone know the name of the song that was played during the Airticity League review last night?

BBC also played the same song when welcoming the Sports Personalities nominees on stage last Sunday?

i found it,is this the tune
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXnxhsFziYI

No thats not the one I am thinking of, I'm afraid.

The Sports Personality programme is available on RTE player (on the RTE website). Around 15 minutes in, the Airtricity League highlights start and its the song playing in the background then.

ah sorry us brits up north thought you meant the bbc version

The same song, I'm sure, was played when Sue Barker and Gary Lineker were welcoming the contenders on stage at the opening of the BBC's programme.

Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on December 21, 2010, 09:48:44 PM
McCoy thrives on the day to day grind of riding winners. A six hour drive up the motorway in the middle of January to boot home some yack in a sh1tty race at Carlisle or Hexham is manna from heaven to McCoy.

Good one!



You are joking, right?

Quote from: deiseach on December 24, 2010, 09:07:03 AM

Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on December 21, 2010, 09:48:44 PM
McCoy thrives on the day to day grind of riding winners. A six hour drive up the motorway in the middle of January to boot home some yack in a sh1tty race at Carlisle or Hexham is manna from heaven to McCoy.

Good one!



You are joking, right?

Deadly serious. Like Dunwoody before him, it's the championship and not the big races that drives the man. He's already said that the day he's not champion is the day he retires.

McCoy could have any job in racing if he wanted (apart from Nicholls and Mullins where Walsh is the main man). McManus has few Grade 1 horses apart from Binocular and Captain Cee Bee. The rest are mostly moderate but he is the biggest owner in the UK and Ireland so there's a ready supply of winners there for McCoy if he's content to miss out on a lot of the bigger races. The likes of Walsh and Geraghty will ride more big race winners but I couldn't see either taking the McManus retainer. They aren't interested in basing themselves in the UK and having a shot at the championship when there's big races to be won either side of the Irish Sea.

Perfect example would be the 15 December just gone. Fairyhouse staged one of the best cards ever held in Ireland with four Grade 1s, a Grade 2 and a Grade 3. McManus had a few runners on the card but they were mostly outsiders - Kempes, Head Of The Posse, Jered. McCoy would have easily picked up some decent spares in the other races though. He decided instead to go to a poor card at Bangor where he was be riding far lesser horses, but he had a far greater chance of a winner. He rode one winner over that card - a horse called Backspin in a novices hurdle worth £3,500 to the winner. He would have earned an awful lot more from riding a few horses to finish midfield at Fairyhouse but it's the lure of a winner that motivates the man.

Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on December 24, 2010, 02:56:12 PM
Perfect example would be the 15 December just gone. Fairyhouse staged one of the best cards ever held in Ireland with four Grade 1s, a Grade 2 and a Grade 3. McManus had a few runners on the card but they were mostly outsiders - Kempes, Head Of The Posse, Jered. McCoy would have easily picked up some decent spares in the other races though. He decided instead to go to a poor card at Bangor where he was be riding far lesser horses, but he had a far greater chance of a winner. He rode one winner over that card - a horse called Backspin in a novices hurdle worth £3,500 to the winner. He would have earned an awful lot more from riding a few horses to finish midfield at Fairyhouse but it's the lure of a winner that motivates the man.

Interesting insight into an interesting man. Much obliged.

Quote from: deiseach on December 24, 2010, 03:09:31 PM

Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on December 24, 2010, 02:56:12 PM
Perfect example would be the 15 December just gone. Fairyhouse staged one of the best cards ever held in Ireland with four Grade 1s, a Grade 2 and a Grade 3. McManus had a few runners on the card but they were mostly outsiders - Kempes, Head Of The Posse, Jered. McCoy would have easily picked up some decent spares in the other races though. He decided instead to go to a poor card at Bangor where he was be riding far lesser horses, but he had a far greater chance of a winner. He rode one winner over that card - a horse called Backspin in a novices hurdle worth £3,500 to the winner. He would have earned an awful lot more from riding a few horses to finish midfield at Fairyhouse but it's the lure of a winner that motivates the man.

I dont wish to denigrate McCoy, he is obviously an extremely driven individual and a talented sportsman, but i would have thought he would want to ride the winners in the big races. Could he not try and use his skills to drag one of the outsiders to a win? Going back to the title of this thread, this would be like McDowell missing out on one of the golfing majors to play in something like the Irish PGA tournament, because he had a better chance of winning. Maybe this is an unfair comparison, but im not a horse racing expert by any means, or a golfing one either for that matter
Interesting insight into an interesting man. Much obliged.

An award for Graeme to enjoy

http://m.guardian.co.uk/ms/p/gnm/op/sYc3yv2eGsIEPSkOd_cicLg/view.m?id=15&gid=uk/2010/dec/31/new-year-honours-sports&cat=football

Fair play to them both.

Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on December 16, 2010, 12:23:53 PM

Quote from: bennydorano on December 16, 2010, 12:17:53 PM
His ride on Witchita Lineman at Cheltenham in March is worthy of the award by itself.

That was 2009. WL died at Fairyhouse that April.

The ride on Drill Sergeant at Haydock back in October was pretty decent!:

How WLwas entered into an Irish National after being beaten around Cheltenham a few weeks before was a very bad and ultimately cruel decision. A horrible end for the horse. Should have been rested up for the year.

Quote from: leaveherinsir on December 24, 2010, 05:23:53 PM

Quote from: deiseach on December 24, 2010, 03:09:31 PM

Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on December 24, 2010, 02:56:12 PM
Perfect example would be the 15 December just gone. Fairyhouse staged one of the best cards ever held in Ireland with four Grade 1s, a Grade 2 and a Grade 3. McManus had a few runners on the card but they were mostly outsiders - Kempes, Head Of The Posse, Jered. McCoy would have easily picked up some decent spares in the other races though. He decided instead to go to a poor card at Bangor where he was be riding far lesser horses, but he had a far greater chance of a winner. He rode one winner over that card - a horse called Backspin in a novices hurdle worth £3,500 to the winner. He would have earned an awful lot more from riding a few horses to finish midfield at Fairyhouse but it's the lure of a winner that motivates the man.

I dont wish to denigrate McCoy, he is obviously an extremely driven individual and a talented sportsman, but i would have thought he would want to ride the winners in the big races. Could he not try and use his skills to drag one of the outsiders to a win? Going back to the title of this thread, this would be like McDowell missing out on one of the golfing majors to play in something like the Irish PGA tournament, because he had a better chance of winning. Maybe this is an unfair comparison, but im not a horse racing expert by any means, or a golfing one either for that matter
Interesting insight into an interesting man. Much obliged.

??? Your quoting has confused me. You seem to be contradicting yourself. AP does ride in the big races. He is also not often on the best horses. Does this answer your question?

Quote from: Pat Mustard on December 31, 2010, 01:35:32 PM

Quote from: leaveherinsir on December 24, 2010, 05:23:53 PM

Quote from: deiseach on December 24, 2010, 03:09:31 PM

Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on December 24, 2010, 02:56:12 PM
Perfect example would be the 15 December just gone. Fairyhouse staged one of the best cards ever held in Ireland with four Grade 1s, a Grade 2 and a Grade 3. McManus had a few runners on the card but they were mostly outsiders - Kempes, Head Of The Posse, Jered. McCoy would have easily picked up some decent spares in the other races though. He decided instead to go to a poor card at Bangor where he was be riding far lesser horses, but he had a far greater chance of a winner. He rode one winner over that card - a horse called Backspin in a novices hurdle worth £3,500 to the winner. He would have earned an awful lot more from riding a few horses to finish midfield at Fairyhouse but it's the lure of a winner that motivates the man.

I dont wish to denigrate McCoy, he is obviously an extremely driven individual and a talented sportsman, but i would have thought he would want to ride the winners in the big races. Could he not try and use his skills to drag one of the outsiders to a win? Going back to the title of this thread, this would be like McDowell missing out on one of the golfing majors to play in something like the Irish PGA tournament, because he had a better chance of winning. Maybe this is an unfair comparison, but im not a horse racing expert by any means, or a golfing one either for that matter
Interesting insight into an interesting man. Much obliged.

??? Your quoting has confused me. You seem to be contradicting yourself. AP does ride in the big races. He is also not often on the best horses. Does this answer your question?

I made a bit of a "hames" of that quote alright! Would i be right in saying that for McCoy its a numbers games, the more winners the better regardless of the quality  of the race/horses.  This is were golf differs i suppose, there is a far greater emphasis on the four majors. Take Colin Montgomerie for instance i think he won the order of merit 8 times on the trot yet he may well be remembered for never winning a major. Likewise McDowell didnt win the Order of merit this year but everyone was talking about his great season!

Rory McElroy is 4/5 to win. Still not a bad price at this stage. Worth a few £100 to help pay for Christmas. Think he was around 25/1 before the weekend.

Quote from: winghalfun on June 21, 2011, 11:32:58 AM
Rory McElroy is 4/5 to win. Still not a bad price at this stage. Worth a few £100 to help pay for Christmas. Think he was around 25/1 before the weekend.

Leave it until Wimbledon is over, if Murray happened to win there then the book would be closed.  He will get knocked out in the semi final I think.

Dont forget there is another major coming up for wee Rory...

Quote from: Doogie Browser on June 21, 2011, 12:22:02 PM

Quote from: winghalfun on June 21, 2011, 11:32:58 AM
Rory McElroy is 4/5 to win. Still not a bad price at this stage. Worth a few £100 to help pay for Christmas. Think he was around 25/1 before the weekend.

Leave it until Wimbledon is over, if Murray happened to win there then the book would be closed.  He will get knocked out in the semi final I think.

if murray wins wimbledon then scotland will leave de euro. it wud be dat big.

Didn't see that coming. Darren now 8/13 with Hills and Rory back out to 13/8. Shit, he wasn't even coming up on the rails, he clean jumped out of the sky.

Very interesting though that the betting is now a popularity contest as both golfers' achievements were outstanding in their own right.

It's a bit like Rocky 5 when Rocky has to smack down the young cocky pretender. Ah, well glad it was Darren I lost out to and not that Murray prat.

Who is going to win SPOTY 2011 then.
Change the thread title there Hoof Hearted, save me startin another one. Cheers :)

Id love to see Clarke win it, but not sure he will!!

Quote from: leaveherinsir on December 14, 2011, 08:14:01 PM
Who is going to win SPOTY 2011 then.
Change the thread title there Hoof Hearted, save me startin another one. Cheers :)

Id love to see Clarke win it, but not sure he will!!

there you go.  ;)

Who's in it ? I mind hearing a big debate that there is no women in the list

Quote from: Hoof Hearted on December 14, 2011, 08:23:53 PM

Quote from: leaveherinsir on December 14, 2011, 08:14:01 PM
Who is going to win SPOTY 2011 then.
Change the thread title there Hoof Hearted, save me startin another one. Cheers :)

Id love to see Clarke win it, but not sure he will!!

there you go.  ;)

Who's in it ? I mind hearing a big debate that there is no women in the list

:D :D
Heard that also, did they maybe add a woman after the furore? Couldnt be arsed to goggle it right now tho!!  :D :D

Maybe they will give it to Zara Philips again

Andy Carroll and Fernando Torres are joint favs at the minute

Quote from: Hoof Hearted on December 14, 2011, 08:40:30 PM
Maybe they i will give it to Zara Philips again

Andy Carroll and Fernando Torres are joint favs at the minute

Ye dirty bastid!!  ;D

CAVENDISH - CYCLING
CLARKE - GOLF
COOK - CRICKET
DONALD - GOLF
FARAH - ATHLETICS
GREENE - ATHLETICS
KHAN - BOXING
MCILROY - GOLF
MURRAY - TENNIS
STRAUSS - CRICKET

_{HOOFHEARTED - GAH!}

What was the story with Rory's glasses?

What price was Cavendish for it?

Thoroughly underwhelming

Quote from: sammymaguire on December 22, 2011, 10:07:03 PM
What price was Cavendish for it?

cavandish was big fav. 1/3 on

Quote from: DuffleKing on December 22, 2011, 10:07:08 PM
Thoroughly underwhelming

All the better. Imagine what it would be like if someone English had won something of note.

Quote from: muppet on December 22, 2011, 08:17:07 PM
What was the story with Rory's glasses?

(http://blogs.ccs.northants.sch.uk/library/files/2011/01/wally.jpg)

Quote from: SHEEDY on December 22, 2011, 10:21:29 PM

Quote from: sammymaguire on December 22, 2011, 10:07:03 PM
What price was Cavendish for it?

cavandish was big fav. 1/3 on

Ta. Thought he was a bit of an outsider for this

Britain are really lacking in sports stars. Who the hell is Cavendish anyway?

Quote from: BennyCake on December 22, 2011, 10:57:44 PM
Britain are really lacking in sports stars. Who the hell is Cavendish anyway?

A bicycler.

Quote from: Minder on December 22, 2011, 10:58:49 PM

Quote from: BennyCake on December 22, 2011, 10:57:44 PM
Britain are really lacking in sports stars. Who the hell is Cavendish anyway?

A bicycler.

A druggie.

Quote from: Take Your Points on December 22, 2011, 11:06:39 PM

Quote from: BennyCake on December 22, 2011, 10:57:44 PM
Britain are really lacking in sports stars. Who the hell is Cavendish anyway?

Just the winner of the Green jersey in the Tour de France and the World Champion cyclist 2011.  By next year he should have won more tour stages than any other cyclist and will probably be the Olympic champion.

That's alot of should's and probably's. Will he be the next Neil Armstrong then?

Quote from: Take Your Points on December 22, 2011, 11:06:39 PM

Quote from: BennyCake on December 22, 2011, 10:57:44 PM
Britain are really lacking in sports stars. Who the hell is Cavendish anyway?

Just the winner of the Green jersey in the Tour de France and the World Champion cyclist 2011.  By next year he should have won more tour stages than any other cyclist and will probably be the Olympic champion.

What award will they give him then?

Quote from: BennyCake on December 22, 2011, 11:25:25 PM

Quote from: Take Your Points on December 22, 2011, 11:06:39 PM

Quote from: BennyCake on December 22, 2011, 10:57:44 PM
Britain are really lacking in sports stars. Who the hell is Cavendish anyway?

Just the winner of the Green jersey in the Tour de France and the World Champion cyclist 2011.  By next year he should have won more tour stages than any other cyclist and will probably be the Olympic champion.

That's alot of should's and probably's. Will he be the next Neil Armstrong then?

He would need ET in his front basket for that.

Quote from: Minder on December 22, 2011, 11:34:43 PM

Quote from: BennyCake on December 22, 2011, 11:25:25 PM

Quote from: Take Your Points on December 22, 2011, 11:06:39 PM

Quote from: BennyCake on December 22, 2011, 10:57:44 PM
Britain are really lacking in sports stars. Who the hell is Cavendish anyway?

Just the winner of the Green jersey in the Tour de France and the World Champion cyclist 2011.  By next year he should have won more tour stages than any other cyclist and will probably be the Olympic champion.

That's alot of should's and probably's. Will he be the next Neil Armstrong then?

He would need ET in his front basket for that.

really did lol there! nice one Minder! :D :D

Quote from: BennyCake on December 22, 2011, 11:25:25 PM

Quote from: Take Your Points on December 22, 2011, 11:06:39 PM

Quote from: BennyCake on December 22, 2011, 10:57:44 PM
Britain are really lacking in sports stars. Who the hell is Cavendish anyway?

Just the winner of the Green jersey in the Tour de France and the World Champion cyclist 2011.  By next year he should have won more tour stages than any other cyclist and will probably be the Olympic champion.

That's alot of should's and probably's. Will he be the next Neil Armstrong then?

What the first man on Mars?

Quote from: Take Your Points on December 22, 2011, 11:06:39 PM

Quote from: BennyCake on December 22, 2011, 10:57:44 PM
Britain are really lacking in sports stars. Who the hell is Cavendish anyway?

Just the winner of the Green jersey in the Tour de France and the World Champion cyclist 2011.  By next year he should have won more tour stages than any other cyclist and will probably be the Olympic champion.

Hopefully he improves his overall finish position next year in the TDF though.  I saw a Sky Sports News special on him the other week, stating he was the 'fastest man on two wheels, fact' (take it they don't rate the motorbikers) - but surely Chris Hoy is faster than him.

Quote from: Take Your Points on December 22, 2011, 11:06:39 PM

Quote from: BennyCake on December 22, 2011, 10:57:44 PM
Britain are really lacking in sports stars. Who the hell is Cavendish anyway?

Just the winner of the Green jersey in the Tour de France and the World Champion cyclist 2011.  By next year he should have won more tour stages than any other cyclist and will probably be the Olympic champion.

Merckx has 34, so Cav has a few years to wait yet. He's utterly dominant in his sport and fully deserving of the win.

Quote from: nrico2006 on December 23, 2011, 08:36:36 AM
Hopefully he improves his overall finish position next year in the TDF though.  I saw a Sky Sports News special on him the other week, stating he was the 'fastest man on two wheels, fact' (take it they don't rate the motorbikers) - but surely Chris Hoy is faster than him.

Cav's speed comes from his own body, a motorcyclist's comes from the engine. Unlikely to significantly improve overall position, nor is he likely to care. His job and his target is to win sprint finishes. The final sprint in a Tour stage usually unfolds in the last 300 metres or so - not Hoy's area.