UK public-service broadcaster the BBC has extended a rights agreement for coverage of the RideLondon cycling event.
The three-year renewal, which the BBC struck with event organiser the London & Surrey Cycling Partnership, will cover the 2017 to 2019 editions of the race.
Under the agreement, the BBC will hold exclusive broadcast rights in the UK to RideLondon across all platforms, including television, digital and radio.
This year’s RideLondon concluded yesterday (Sunday), with the BBC having drawn criticism for its coverage of the closing stages of the elite men’s race. Almost 10 minutes of race footage was lost as riders neared the finishing line, with crowd shots needed to fill the time. Coverage resumed in time for viewers to see Belgium’s Tom Boonen (pictured) claim victory.
The BBC has broadcast the event since its inception in 2013.