Former professional cyclist Adam Blythe was in Italy covering the Giro d’Italia for TNT Sports when he decided the perfect time for a selfie with Wout van Aert
Cycling fans at the Giro d’Italia witnessed more than just the race drama as TNT Sports commentator Adam Blythe grabbed the attention following an impromptu moment with cycling star Wout van Aert. The 35-year-old British ex-pro cyclist turned heads with a provocative request to Van Aert, later confessing he’d likely get in “trouble” for his antics.
Unaware that the cameras were rolling live, Blythe was spotted engaging Van Aert amidst a flurry of riders and media on an Italian thoroughfare, seeking to snap a “get a quick picture” with the Belgian star.
Instructing his crew to wait, Blythe juggled his phone, setting up for what seemed the perfect selfie opportunity with Van Aert.
It wasn’t long before TNT presenter Orla Chennaoui caught sight of the unwitting blunder, asking: “Why is he looking at his phone?,” then adding: “Is he really doing this? Adam, you’re live on TV, could you leave the selfie until later?”.
Realisation dawned upon Blythe as he swiftly informed Van Aert they were “live on television”, smoothly transitioning to a traditional interview setup with the Belgian sprinter.
Though Van Aert entered the Giro with soaring expectations, initial stages proved challenging. Yet, he rebounded with victory in Siena during the strade bianche phase, a triumph he delved into with Blythe during their on-air exchange, reports the Express.
“Yeah, good feeling relieved that we’re almost over the mountains,” he said. “Tomorrow is one of the few real opportunities for the sprinters so I think we’re really focused for tomorrow.”
Although his main role was support, Van Aert demonstrated sublime teamwork at the famed Italian race as he helped his Team Visma-Lease-a-Bike colleague, Simon Yates, snatch the coveted maglia rosa, virtually sealing his triumph in the overall standings.
Quick to exit the scene, Blythe made a swift departure from the interview, quipping: “Well, I have to go as I’m going to get in trouble.” He later shared the amusing episode on Instagram with his followers, captioning it humorously: “Forgot I was on Tele”.
In Verres, Italy, the intense terrain put cyclists through their paces. With Sunday fast approaching, Rome gears up to host the grand finale where deeply determined riders will vie for a slice of the £1.3 million prize pool.
Reflecting over his initial week’s adversity, Van Aert remained upbeat, as per Cycling News. “I am very satisfied with how it has turned out.
“I had hoped for a nicer start, but I have recovered well. The stage win remains a highlight and has ensured that my Giro has been successful.”
Meanwhile Blythe is carving out his niche as a trusted pundit on Eurosport for all things cycling, and provided in-depth reports for NBC Sports at the Tour de France in both 2020 and 2021.
