Cybathlon Rookie and a Remarkable Ride

Hello Cybathlon family! My name is Nick Fellows, still buzzing from my first Cybathlon experience and delighted to have played my small part as the commentator for the truly innovative and creative 2020 edition.

It all began with a phone call back in August from the acclaimed international sports Director Stefan Koch. We have worked together before on WRC, World Rally Championship, Red Bull Air Race and Wings for Life World Run, so when you get a call from Stefan you know there is a good chance of a new project and they are always a challenge, yet exciting.

Stefan is one of the most talented and respected TV directors in the World, so when the Maestro calls you listen carefully. True to form this call in the summer was no different!! A new project, a new delivery idea and a concept that had me on the edge of my seat from the get go.

Naturally I agreed to take on the challenge as commentator and the proceeding conference call with Roland Sigrist, Anni Kern and Florian Zutt gave me the first clear indication of the huge organisation behind the concept combined with a professional and enjoyable, almost family like feeling to the team.

Originally, I was booked to travel to Zurich and commentate from the master control centre but as the Covid pandemic second wave deepened across Europe a decision to commentate the races from my home studio added to the challenge and slightly my confidence to perform to my best.

My research, prep and detailed explorations into the teams, pilots and all the associated R&D had me fascinated from the get go. A lot to learn, a lot to prepare and as always not a lot of time.

I began my preparation a week before the event and in the run up to our rehearsals became more and more clear with the events, challenges, pilots and teams. Quickly I realised this unique event was very special and I became highly motivated and excited to get behind the mic.

The stories of Cybathlon 2016 version of performance, advancement and of a truly Global community were as big if not bigger than the Olympics or Paralympics. Combined, I have covered 18. I began to question: no stadium, no crowds and a new format? Would and could it work?

The technical worries I had commentating from London whilst my amazing co-commentators were in Zurich were soon dissipated after a successful dress rehearsal on Thursday 12 October. The technical team had everything covered and once again Stefan Koch with producer Florian Zutt were in total control of a global production on a huge digital platform and scale.

The two days of competition on Friday and Saturday seemed to go by so quickly. I was so lucky to have amazing support from six different expert commentators, all incredibly knowledgeable and qualified, yet so good at delivering the key facts and detail to each competition.

I found myself commentating like an Olympic or World Championship event, the challenges were technical, compelling and really entertaining. The pilots were committed like any Champion would be and the combination of technical innovation and sporting tests had me jumping with joy. (Hopefully not too much!)

The teams and local national organisers did an amazing job, with ETH Zurich clearly demonstrating how the event has developed and gone form strength to strength. Not even Covid could stop Cybathlon 2020 and I was truly honoured and grateful to be able to play my small part.

Next time my mobile rings and it is Stefan from Switzerland, rest assure I will pick up the call with a wide smile and be ready to say YES count me in.

Congratulations to all and everyone involved with Cybathlon 2020, an amazing experience and quest to develop a World without barriers.

Thank you for having me on board. Nick Fellows.