Global Cycling Network launches Japanese channel

Global Cycling Network has launched GCN Japan, its first dedicated channel in Asia.

GCN Japan will offer bike maintenance advice and tutorials, as well as road bike racing action and product and tech news. The channel has launched ahead of next year’s Olympic Games in the Japanese capital of Tokyo.

Former professional cyclist and Japanese national road racing champion Yukhiro Doi will serve as the lead presenter of GCN Japan.

Simon Wear, founder and chief executive of Play Sports Group, which operates GCN, said: “The cycling market in Japan is one that continues to demonstrate significant growth year on year and we’ve already found there is a real demand for new and engaging product tech, race news and general cycling insight across the country.”

The new channel extends Play Sports Group’s stable of cycling channels, which includes GCN, GCN Tech, GCN en Español and GCN Italia.

GCN Japan is the first new channel to be launched by Play Sports since US media group Discovery increased its stake in the digital sports media company earlier this year.

Discovery originally took a 20-per-cent stake in Play Sports Group but now holds a 71-per-cent controlling stake, making Play Sports Group a subsidiary of the company.