As an avid viewer of the Biathlon Eurovisionsport, I, like many others, have fond memories of the engaging and lively commentary provided by Patrick Winterton and Mike Dixon. Our enjoyment of the sport has been affected recently as these passionate commentators have been replaced with a new duo - Ellen Ellard and Chad Salmela. With Ellard's previous experiencing being mostly in football and athletics and Salmela's limited current view and knowledge based only on USA team, we feel that the quality, balance and depth of the commentary have suffered too much.

Ellard's lack of preparation is apparent, often resorting to reading stats off the screen without providing the context and analysis that a seasoned biathlon commentator would. Salmela's strong American accent and fast talk which is difficult for European viewers like us to understand, disrupts the audience competition experience and their engagement to the race for the World Cup.

We appreciate the years of service from Patrick Winterton, a former GB cross country skier, and Mike Dixon, a former GB biathlete. They poured their souls and expertise into their jobs, making the Biathlon Eurovisionsport more endearing to us.

For your info, after few races, we have noticed a little improvement: for example bias towards USA team by Chad commentary, evident during relays races, has been softened/removed in the next ones but it is not enough for us. As analyst it is required to do also a behind the scene research jobs to arrived prepared in "commentary cabin" and offer a better product that we are usually used in the past.

At the same time there are draw-backs that they cannot be overlooked:

• audio mix between NATURAL SOUND and voice must be better balanced.
• both announcer and analyst have unbalanced and inconsistent audio levels and several times the voice is distorted when they are talk a "little loud".
• audio not selectable if you cast to TV screen keeping English audio instead of NATURAL SOUND.
• timing as it seems they are not working side by side but each commentator works by remote in own country: Ellen is based in UK and Chad probably comment from USA (where he is coaching for multiple sports in a college). 

We believe that reinstating Winterton and Dixon will bring back passion, knowledge, and unbiased and in-depth reporting to the coverage of our beloved sport. It will truly enhance the viewing experience for thousands of viewers who want to enjoy biathlon to the fullest. Please, let our voices be heard: bring back Pat and Mike as our Biathlon Eurovisionsport commentators. Sign this petition to support our cause.