VTM broadcasts the first four stages of the Giro d’Italia, but on Sunday viewers will not hear Michel Wuyts’ voice.
Flanders’ most famous cycling commentator was dismissed from VRT in 2021, but was immediately able to start working at competitor VTM. There he mainly works as an analyst and only occasionally takes on the role of commentator, since VTM broadcasts few races.
Wuyts is therefore very happy that he can provide commentary for the first four Giro stages, but he will not be found in the commentary booth on Sunday. VTM News journalist Maxim Goethals takes over his role.
The reason for his absence? “My youngest grandson is making his communion,” says Wuyts HLN. “During my career as a journalist and commentator, I have had to miss many festivities in the past. ‘The little one’ insisted that I should be there now. I am happy that I was given a day of respite after consultation with the editor-in-chief.”
‘No nerves’
His replacement already commented on football matches, among other things, but he had never commented on cycling races before. “It will be my debut as a cycling commentator,” he says. “I don’t really have any nerves, because of all the sports in the race, I am actually the most at home.”
“I have already looked at the road book and will certainly indicate the most important names on the participants list. I do not yet have a real chip box like Michel Wuyts. (laughs) But I will definitely ask him for some tips.”
