Which brings up another point. With an event like PGS Snowboarding, you have to see it live for it to be a real draw. If you already know the result or if the network ruins it for you by *not* telecasting live (which means, in the case of CBC, there is no Canadian in contention), then it's just mildly interesting. I watched the races to observe technique and equipment. I really couldn't care less which Schoch brother won (was it Simon or Phillip?, I can't even remember).
The same goes for hockey or speed skating or skiing. If it's not live and the radio or TV or someone at work has already spoiled it for you, you're just not going to be riveted to the TV during the primetime re-broadcast.
BUT...figure skating works. If you're mildly interested in figure skating, it's no big deal if it's live or not, you'll still watch the show. Because really, it's a show, not a race. That's my theory on why there is so much skating on the networks.