BBC jumping on the triathlon bandwagon seems harsh. I'm certain they used to broadcast races such as Bath back in the early 90s before the Olympics destroyed triathlon!! I remember watching Simon Lessing and Spencer Smith have some epic battles.
For lots of shows, BBC and Channel 4 risk some early series and then they get purchased by higher bidders such as Sky!! Remember that the Simpsons was originally on Channel 4 (who are of course part owned by BBC)
Most sports got occasional coverage on Grandstand, but it was potted highlights, not a 3-4 hour special live on a Sunday as we get sometimes now.
Richard Taylor
"William Tell could take an apple off your head. Taylor could take out a processed pea."
Sid Waddell