As one of the longest serving sports presenters for the public broadcaster, Tomalaris has been the face of SBS’ cycling coverage since 1996.
In a statement to TV Blackbox, an SBS spokesperson said:
“Mike Tomalaris is moving on from SBS after more than 30 years with the network. We wish him well for his next chapter.”
TV Blackbox also understands he will be exiting the network this week.
SBS declined to elaborate on the reasons behind this sudden departure of Tomalaris.
In an internal email to staff obtained by this website, SBS Director of News and Current Affairs, Mandi Wick thanked Tomalaris for his contribution to the network and wished “him well for his next chapter”.
Tomalaris had been expected to appear on-air this weekend however, TV Blackbox understands it is now unlikely he will receive an on-air farewell.
Michael Tomalaris began with the public broadcaster in 1987 when he was asked to provide commentary for a National Soccer League match.
After joining SBS full-time in 1992 in a sports presenter role, Tomalaris became the face of the broadcaster’s Tour de France and cycling coverage for 15 years, beginning with the 1996 Tour de France event.
With a voice as recognisable as his face, Tomalaris has been a longtime team member of the flagship SBS World News program, as both a presenter and reporter.
He is also a keen cyclist himself, and was recognised at the 2011 Australian Sports Commission Awards for ‘Most Outstanding Contribution to a Sport by an Individual’.
Tomalaris’ future remains unknown.
Thanks Tomo! Wishing you all the best!
Cycling will never be the same. SBS has lost Ligget in recent years, Paul Sherwen passed away and now Tomalaris. Matthew Keenan and Robbie McEwen are great but the generation of cycling commentators I have listened to and grew to love the sport with on SBS are now gone.