For more than a century, the roads of Italy have been the battle ground as the world’s greatest cyclists have gone wheel to wheel in the fight for the maglia rosa. For 2021, Eurosport and Global Cycling Network (GCN) will come together to showcase the Giro d’Italia in all its glory for fans around the world like never before.
The year’s first Grand Tour begins on Saturday 8 May withall 21 stages produced for exclusive live coverage in India on Eurosport and Eurosport HD as well as discovery+ app**, ensuring viewers won’t miss a minute ofthe action.
To complement the live racing, Eurosport and GCN’s 360° ‘Home of Cycling’ ecosystem will offer local digital highlights and analysis shows in the UK (The Breakaway; GCN’s World of Cycling show), France (Les Rois de la Pédale), the Netherlands (Kop Over Kop), Spain (La Montenera) and Denmark (Radio Tour)bringing viewers closer to the action. New episodes of Eurosport’s The Bradley Wiggins Show podcast will also be released offering fans more ways to engage with the sport they love.
Eurosport and GCN have also announced the extension of a long-term partnership with two-time Giro d’Italia winner Alberto Contador. He will bring his expert insight, analysis and experience from the heart of the peloton to viewers globally as well as providing commentary on key stages for Eurosport Spain.
He joins an unrivalled line-up of former world-class cyclists including Sir Bradley Wiggins (UK and International),Juan Antonio Flecha (Spain),Jens Voigt and Rolf Aldag (Germany),Jacky Durand and Steve Chainel (France) and Karsten Kroon (Netherlands).
Alberto Contador, two-time Giro d’Italia winner, Eurosport and GCN expert, said, “I am very happy to be able to share the great news that I will continue to enjoy the excitement of the world’s best cycling on Eurosport for the next two years. To carry on this adventure with the Eurosport family is very exciting and I hope viewers will continue to enjoy the sport with us.”
Guy Voisin, Director of Cycling at Eurosport and GCN, said, “Following a breath-taking start to the season,excitement ahead of theGiro d’Italia has been building and through our unrivalled experts, engaging content and comprehensive live coverage, we’re set to provide the greatest Giro experience for fans yet.
“Our global coverage will see viewers from Europe, to the US, to Japan come together to celebrate professional cycling’s greatest competitors in one of the sport’s most historic events. As the true Home of Cycling, we’re looking forward to harnessing our scale to bring the action to millions via our channels and platforms,” Voisin said.
Daniel Lloyd, GCN+ presenter and Director of Racing, said, “The Giro d’Italia holds a special place in the heart of many cycling fans, and I can genuinely say that I’ve never been more excited than for this edition. For the very first time, every kilometre of every stage will be broadcast live, and I’m enormously proud that GCN+ and Eurosport will be bringing the whole thing to so many cycling fans around the world.
“We have an unrivalled line up of commentators and pundits to talk you through the action as it happens and dissect it after each stage. I can’t wait to get started – Saturday 8 May can’t come soon enough,” Lloyd added.
Further enhancing the experience for fans, a special episode of Eurosport’s Trailblazers series focussing on the heroic actions of former Giro d’Italia winner Gino Bartali during the Second World War will be made free to stream on-demand via Eurosport’s digital and social media platforms.
GCN+ will also be bursting full of exclusive new digital content and long-form documentaries including epic adventure films, cutting edge science and technology investigations, cycling culture, and up close and personal programmes featuring some of the sport’s greatest legends including a new episodeof Legend: Chris Boardman launching on 4 May and Cycling Changed My Life: Hayley Simmonds on 11 May.
In 2021, Eurosport and GCN’s cycling portfolio of content features:
- More than 200 professional men’s and women’s events across road, track, BMX, cyclocross, mountain bike and the Olympic Games
- Comprising 2,500 live hours
- Across more than 300 days