Eurosport Group and RCS Sport, represented by IMG Media, its exclusive worldwide audiovisual rights consultant, announce the extension and enhancement of their long term partnership for an additional four years with, extended and upgraded live production and broadcasting in High Definition for the first time.

The deal covers 2013 to 2016 and involves TV and digital rights for the Giro d’Italia as well as five other major Italian cycling races: Milan – Sanremo, the Giro di Lombardia, Tirreno-Adriatico, Strade Bianche and Roma Maxima.

The agreement includes all 70 territories* covered by Eurosport in Europe and Asia-Pacific region. In a change to the previous deal Eurosport now has exclusive rights, in 59 countries**, including key markets such as UK, Germany, Norway, Sweden and Poland.

More live action will also be produced with three hours live per stage for the Giro – it was previously two and a minimum of two hours live for the other races per day of competition. All races will also be available in HD for the first time.

As part of the deal Eurosport now has sub-licensing rights for the Italian races in all the European territories where Eurosport is exclusive.

Digital rights will see all races broadcast on internet and mobile on the Eurosport Player online streaming service.

IMG Media, a division of IMG Worldwide, the global sports, fashion and media company, was appointed by RCS Sport last year as their exclusive worldwide audiovisual rights consultant and distributor until 2020.

Laurent-Eric Le Lay, Chairman, Eurosport Group says: “Eurosport has been a long-term partner of Giro d’Italia since 1998 and contributed to the continuous growth of this premium property in Europe and to the development of its notoriety in Asia and Pacific. We are pleased to extend this partnership for four additional years. With increased live coverage of Giro and other Italian races, HD quality and new exclusivities in 59 countries, Eurosport significantly consolidates its cycling offer. In 2013 our cycling portfolio is more than ever unrivalled and features the best events of the season with the three big Tours, the great classics and more than 40 races”.

Giacomo Catano, RCS Sport Chief Executive Officersaid: “We are so proud and happy about this contract renewal with Eurosport for the TV coverage of our cycling events. Eurosport has been our partner since 1998 and we appreciate this continuous partnership based on mutual trust. We are confident that it will grant both RCS Sport and Eurosport improved results in terms of quality of production and consequently a high audience. On our side, the extensive coverage that Eurosport can guarantee in Europe and in Asia-Pacific is a key factor. We want to thank both Eurosport for its trust in RCS Sport and its long-term projects in cycling, and also our partner IMG, who helped to facilitate this important agreement.”

Ioris Francini, Executive Vice President of IMG Media says: “We are pleased to see the coverage of Giro d’Italia and the other Italian Classics continue on Eurosport with more coverage than ever before. Eurosport’s expertise in cycling in unrivalled and its growing reach both in Europe, where Eurosport 2 is progressively closing the gap with Eurosport,, and in Asia ensures wider distribution and exposure than ever before, The quality of the production and the international reach of Italian cycling are as strong as they have ever been and we are proud to have in Eurosport a key strategic broadcast partner who will showcase Italian cycling across all platforms, broadcast, broadband, tablets and mobile”

2013 calendar of the races related to the agreement

– 2 March: Strade Bianche

– 3 March: Roma Maxima

– 6-12 March: Tirreno – Adriatico

– 17 March: Milano – Sanremo

– 4-26 May: Giro d’Italia

– 6 October: Il Lombardia

*with the exception of France

** In Europe the rights are exclusive for all kinds of broadcast in all territories except Andorra, Belgium, Denmark, Italy, Monaco, San Marino, Spain, Switzerland and Vatican. In Netherlands, non exclusive rights for Milan San- Remo and Giro di Lombardia races but exclusive live rights for the four other races, including Giro d’Italia. In Asia-Pacific, exclusive live rights in all Eurosport’s territories except Australia.