Matthew Nicholas Roberts (born November 1977)[1][2] is an English television presenter, best known for his former work on BBC Sport's MotoGP coverage and latterly in superbike coverage broadcast to UK.[3]
Matt Roberts | |
|---|---|
| Born | Matthew Nicholas Roberts November 1977 (age 46–47) |
| Nationality | English |
| Education | All Saints High School |
| Occupation | Television presenter |
| Known for | Television presenter and columnist |
Education
editRoberts attended All Saints High School in Huddersfield as well as Greenhead College and Huddersfield University.
As of 2021 Roberts is undertaking a specialist post-graduate degree known as Master of Sport Directorship at Manchester Metropolitan University.[4][5][6]
MotoGP, Isle of Man TT and Superbike work
editRoberts has been working in MotoGP since 2001, initially as a writer and then as a commentator. Since 2005 he has expanded his portfolio within the paddock, producing press material for several teams and contributing articles to publications in the UK, Spain, Italy, Germany and the USA.
In addition Roberts has reported extensively on the Isle of Man TT Races. This initially was in the form of conducting rider interviews, however the 2019 coverage saw Roberts taking over as the main anchor from Craig Doyle on the mainstream ITV4 coverage. Initially this was with co-presenter Jodie Kidd, however as of 2022 Roberts has fronted the coverage with Steve Plater.[7]
Roberts worked as a pit-lane reporter at MotoGP races for BBC Sport in 2008 before becoming the main presenter for some rounds in 2009.
In 2009 Roberts shared MotoGP presenting duties with Suzi Perry who presented the European rounds, but Roberts took over for all rounds outside Europe. When handed the responsibility Roberts said "It's a bit different to pit-lane reporting. If I'm interviewing someone or talking to Suzi from the pit-lane then I'm not really thinking about the camera, but with presenting I'm talking straight to it and the people back home and I'm a bit nervous about that."
In 2010 Jennie Gow replaced Perry as the main presenter with Roberts reverting to pit-lane duties, and no longer presenting part-time.[8][9]
In February 2011, it was confirmed that Roberts would replace the departed Gow as full-time main presenter. His former job in the pitlane was taken by Azi Farni.[10]
After the BBC's contract for MotoGP coverage was not renewed for 2014, Roberts joined Eurosport to anchor their coverage of the Superbike World Championship and the British Superbike Championship alongside James Haydon and fellow Huddersfield native James Whitham.[11]
Other broadcasting
editIn 2010 and 2011 Roberts hosted BBC Sport's American Football coverage of the NFL play-off games.
Sports management
editRoberts has established a partnership and new business with Shane Byrne to mentor young motorcycle racers.[5][12][2]
Personal life
editRoberts lives in the village of Stainland, Calderdale. He plays football for Huddersfield YMCA in the Yorkshire Amateur League.[11]
Roberts is a supporter of Huddersfield Town. In a MotoGP preview show Roberts interviewed champion racer Valentino Rossi over a game of table football. "I told Rossi beforehand that I was playing with my dream strike force of Gerrard, Gascoigne and Andy Booth. "He picked up on this and in the interview said that after Ibrahimovic, Andy Booth is the number two striker in the world."[13]
References
edit- ^ Gibson, Barry (13 April 2009). "Huddersfield's Matt Roberts now BBC Moto GP star". Huddersfield Examiner. Trinity Mirror. Archived from the original on 11 April 2021. Retrieved 8 September 2022.
Thirty-one-year-old Matt began working in MotoGP in 2000 when he netted a job with Dorna, holders of the global MotoGP rights, commentating on their world feed, which was broadcast in Australia, Africa and Asia
- ^ a b Mr Matthew Nicholas Roberts Company information at Endole. Retrieved 4 July 2021
- ^ Who the hell does Matt Roberts think he is? BikeSport News, 16 April 2019 Retrieved 9 March 2021
- ^ Matthew Roberts profile at LinkedIn Retrieved 4 July 2021
- ^ a b About us Sixty Seven Sports Retrieved 4 July 2021
- ^ Master of Sport Directorship (MSD) Manchester Metropolitan University. Retrieved 4 July 2021
- ^ "Your Broadcast Team".
- ^ Jennie Gow replaces Suzi Perry in BBC line-up Crash.Net, 17 March 2010
- ^ Jennie Gow to present BBC's MotoGP coverage for 2010 BBC Press Office, 17 March 2010
- ^ "Matt Roberts will front MotoGP on BBC television". BBC Sport. 8 February 2011. Retrieved 8 February 2011.
- ^ a b Booth, Mel (14 February 2014). "Huddersfield's Matt Roberts to present Eurosport's coverage of World and British Superbikes". Huddersfield Daily Examiner. Trinity Mirror. Retrieved 20 April 2014.
- ^ Exclusive: Lambeth superbike star Shane Byrne on possibility of a racing return – and setting up a company to help bring through sport’s next big things London News online, 29 January 2021. Retrieved 4 July 2021
- ^ Matt Roberts interview with Valentino Rossi over table football BBC Sport, 12 April 2009