SBS Pacts with A.S.O. to Expand Cycling Coverage

SBS in Australia has inked a deal to secure the exclusive broadcast rights to eight international cycling events with Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O.), the owners and organizers of the Tour de France.

The five-year agreement includes the Tour of Oman, Volta a Catalunya, Arctic Race of Norway, Tour of Turkey, Eschborn-Frankfurt, Tour de Yorkshire, Tour de Hongrie and CRO Race. Through the deal, all of the races will be available to cycling fans in Australia live and for free on SBS.

Ken Shipp, SBS’s director of sport, said: “SBS is firmly established as the home of cycling, and we are absolutely delighted to expand our offering of the incredible action and visual feast that this sport delivers. Today, cycling is one of the most popular participation sports in the country and this agreement ensures it is accessible to all Australians in the future. These events are valuable additions to our unrivaled stable of world-class sporting events, which unite communities.”

Julien Goupil, media director for Amaury Sport Organisation, said: “Australia has a long-standing love for road cycling and the fans deserve the best coverage, which is remarkably realized by SBS who has proven experience. SBS has provided extensive coverage of the Tour de France, La Vuelta a España and Paris-Roubaix (and more), for several decades now, making it the ‘home of cycling’ in Australia and a long-term partner of A.S.O. This agreement will further strengthen their position and allow us to maximize the visibility of our events.”