Eurosport and RCS Sport Extend Partnership, Include HD Broadcasting for Major Cycling Races

Eurosport Group and RCS Sport have extended their long-term partnership deal, which will see major Italian cycling broadcast in High Definition for the first time.

The deal will run between 2013 and 2016 and will include the rights for the Giro d’Italia, Milan – Sanremo, the Giro di Lombardia, Tirreno-Adriatico, Strade Bianche and Roma Maxima.

Live coverage will increase to three hours per stage for the Giro and Eurosport will have sub-licensing rights for the Italian races in all European territories where Eurosport is the exclusive.

Laurent-Eric Le Lay, Chairman, Eurosport Group said: “Eurosport has been a long-term partner of Giro d’Italia since 1998 and contributed to the continuous growth of this premium property in Europe and to the development of its notoriety in Asia and Pacific.

“We are pleased to extend this partnership for four additional years. With increased live coverage of Giro and other Italian races, HD quality and new exclusivities in 59 countries, Eurosport significantly consolidates its cycling offer.

“In 2013 our cycling portfolio is more than ever unrivalled and features the best events of the season with the three big Tours, the great classics and more than 40 races”.

Giacomo Catano, RCS Sport Chief Executive Officer added: “We are so proud and happy about this contract renewal with Eurosport for the TV coverage of our cycling events. Eurosport has been our partner since 1998 and we appreciate this continuous partnership based on mutual trust.

“We are confident that it will grant both RCS Sport and Eurosport improved results in terms of quality of production and consequently a high audience. On our side, the extensive coverage that Eurosport can guarantee in Europe and in Asia-Pacific is a key factor.

“We want to thank bothEurosport for its trust in RCS Sport and its long-term projects in cycling, and also our partner IMG, who helped to facilitate this important agreement.”

IMG Media were appointed by RCS Sport in 2012 and their exclusive worldwide audiovisual rights consultant and distributor.

Their Execuitve Vice President, Ioris Francini said: “We are pleased to see the coverage of Giro d’Italia and the other Italian Classics continue on Eurosport with more coverage than ever before. Eurosport’s expertise in cycling in unrivalled and its growing reach both in Europe, where Eurosport 2 is progressively closing the gap with Eurosport,, and in Asia ensures wider distribution and exposure than ever before.

“The quality of the production and the international reach of Italian cycling are as strong as they have ever been and we are proud to have in Eurosport a key strategic broadcast partner who will showcase Italian cycling across all platforms, broadcast, broadband, tablets and mobile”