Luxembourg road cycling icon Kim Kirchen wearing the yellow jersey at the 2008 Tour de France. / © AFP
With the road cycling season in full swing, catch a glimpse inside the RTL commentary box as former pros Kim Kirchen and Tom Flammang transform live broadcasts into immersive, high-energy experiences through expert insight and deep personal connection to the sport.
The thrilling Amstel Gold Race was broadcast live on RTL on 20 April, and a behind-the-scenes look reveals how commentators Kim Kirchen and Tom Flammang throw themselves into the action, turning two hours of live coverage into a captivating experience for viewers.
After a quick stop in the make-up chair, both former pro cyclists take their seats in the virtual studio in Kirchberg. The two bring invaluable expertise to the broadcast: Kirchen is a former Tour de France yellow jersey wearer and one of Luxembourg's top riders of the 2000s; Flammang is known for being a racing team director with tactical insight and sharp reading of race dynamics.
For many Luxembourgers, the Amstel Gold Race evokes a memorable image: Fränk Schleck’s iconic win atop the Cauberg in 2006. Flammang describes Amstel as a uniquely unpredictable and electrifying race, with the 2025 edition living up to that reputation. It was fast, tense, and full of surprises, with riders making split-second decisions and the commentators matching them in pace, ensuring viewers did not miss a beat.
Both Flammang and Kirchen have developed their own distinct commentary styles. Flammang recalls how, early in their broadcasting careers, they often commented on races they had once ridden themselves. Years later, those detailed memories still allow them to provide unique insights, something he sees as one of their biggest strengths.
At times during the broadcast, it was clear that Kirchen, who once thrived on these very roads, was emotionally riding along with the peloton. He highlights how vivid those race memories remain – especially the toughest moments – which help him bring authenticity and depth to his commentary.
Both immerse themselves fully in the race: Flammang's voice rises with excitement in tense moments, while Kirchen tends to stay more and collected while drawing from his racing days.
The expert duo will be back behind the mic on Wednesday to cover the dramatic finale of La Flèche Wallonne, which finishes atop the legendary Mur de Huy, where Kirchen celebrated one of the greatest victories of his career in 2008. Just a few days later, both will return for the 'Doyenne' of the spring classics: Liège-Bastogne-Liège, live on RTL.
Video report in Luxembourgish
