Al Jazeera seals deal for women’s cycling event

Qatari pay-television broadcaster Al Jazeera has acquired rights for the 2013 edition of the annual ladies’ Tour of Qatar cycling event.

Al Jazeera struck the deal with the Qatar Cycling Federation, which operates the event.

The deal will cover the 2013 edition of the tour, which started today (Tuesday) and will finish on Friday, February 1.

According to the Velo Nation cycling news website, the deal comprises worldwide rights for the event, but it is unclear whether Al Jazeera will exploit the rights outside Asia on its beIN Sport channels in France or North America.

The broadcaster only previously broadcast coverage of the men’s edition of the tour.