'The only rider I'd heard of was Lance Armstrong': Ned Boulting on learning the craft, confronting Big Tex, and that 'yellow jumper' gaffe

Ned Boulting, a versatile talent with a career spanning multiple fields, was born in Bedford in 1969. After studying languages at Cambridge, he ventured into the world of sports journalism, beginning his journey as a football reporter for Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday. In 2003, he was given the opportunity to cover the 100th Tour de France for ITV, despite having minimal knowledge of cycling.

Upon arriving, Boulting was struck by the sheer intensity of the event, recalling the extreme heat and his initial confusion over the significance of the yellow jersey. Lance Armstrong, the dominant force of the time, initially intimidated Boulting due to his unfamiliarity, but he soon grew to appreciate the character behind the intense persona.

Boulting covered 22 more Tours for ITV, later joining forces with David Millar as they both commented on the event. After ITV lost broadcasting rights, Boulting returned to the Tour in 2022 via his podcast, "For the Love of Cycling." Boulting, a passionate Londoner and darts enthusiast, reflects on his early cycling memory and his journey into sports journalism, highlighting the challenges and transformations he endured along the way.