Rai extends rights deal for Giro d’Italia

Italian state broadcaster Rai has renewed domestic rights for the Giro d’Italia and five other Italian cycling events in a four-year deal, from 2013 to 2016.

Rai struck the agreement with RCS Sport, which operates the Giro d’Italia as well as the Milan-Sanremo, Il Lombardia, the Tirreno Adriatico, the Strade Bianche and the new Roma Maxima. All of the races are included in the deal.

The agreement comprises live coverage and highlights on various media platforms.

Rai, in its role as the event’s host broadcaster, will also produce coverage in high-definition for the first time.

“I would like to thank Rai for their continued confidence in RCS Sport, and their efforts to further enhance the Giro d’Italia and our other cycling races,” RCS Sport chief executive Giacomo Catano said. “I wish to emphasise our appreciation of Rai’s commitment to HD production which will further increase the already excellent production standards, and enable the viewer to truly savour the images both of the racing and of our beautiful country.”

Financial details were not disclosed.