Norwegian commercial broadcaster TV2 has struck a production and rights deal with the International Cycling Union (UCI) for the 2017 UCI Road World Championships.
As part of a four-year agreement, from 2017 to 2020, TV2 will serve as host broadcaster of the 2017 championships, which will take place in Bergen, Norway.
TV2 will be responsible for the international television feed for the event and will produce live coverage, summaries, interviews and behind-the-scenes footage to rights-holders.
For the duration of the agreement, TV2 will also broadcast a range of other UCI events in the track, mountain bike, BMX and cyclo-cross disciplines.
“Norway is sending a strong message to the fans by broadcasting our sport on its free-to-air channel,” UCI president Brian Cookson said. “It is a very encouraging sign of commitment from a country with a great cycling history.”
TV 2 chief executive Olav Sandnes added: “Cycling is of great importance to us and we are thrilled to see the increase in viewing figures the last couple of years. The event will take place only a few months after we relocate our main office in Bergen and what better way to celebrate this move than by being the host broadcaster of this great event which takes place right on our doorstep.”