Olympic gold medal-winning cyclist Chris Boardman told of his shock today after “the voice” of his sport was dropped by the BBC, sparking accusations of ageism.
Hugh Porter, 73, who led track and road cycling TV coverage during the London Games and was main BBC cycling commentator for 30 years, is being replaced by his colleague Simon Brotherton, 43.
It was originally claimed he was moving on to “pastures new”, suggesting he retired out of choice. But Porter, from Wolverhampton, revealed he was “devastated” and had hoped to cover the 2016 Games in Rio. He will continue to commentate on skating at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.
Boardman, who won gold in the 1992 Games in Barcelona and has commentated with Porter for the BBC, said: “I know he was very disappointed... it came as a surprise to me.” Boardman, who was crucial to Team GB’s cycling success at the London Games through coaching, added: “He will definitely be missed — he’s part of the cycling furniture.”
Porter told the Daily Telegraph he had not stepped down. “It was their decision.” He added: “I’m not an old wreck... my voice is still as strong as ever.” The BBC said: “Hugh’s age had nothing to do with our decision. Following the Olympics we conducted a full review of all of our talent teams and decided that Simon Brotherton should lead our TV cycling team.”
