Media agency IMG has extended its broadcasting rights agreement with the Giro d’Italia cycling tournament for a further five years.
The Giro is one cycling’s three grand tours, and the renewed agreement will grant IMG both live coverage as well as highlights rights.
Other cycling events covered under the terms of the agreement include the International Cycling Union (UCI) World Tours, the Milan-San Reno, II Lombardia, Tirreno-Adriatico and Strade Bianche, as well as certain races in the UCI Europe Tour and UCI Asia Tour series.
As with the Giro, these events are also organised by the RCS Sport media company which primarily specialises in Italian sports broadcasting.
“We wanted to give continuity to the great work done in recent years by renewing the collaboration with a partner of great international calibre such as IMG,” said Paolo Bellino, Chief Executive and General Manager at RCS Sport.
“IMG has enhanced all our races, starting from Giro d’Italia, distributing the television rights across five continents. We are convinced that our partnership with IMG will give us a strong platform over the next five years to continue our growth, further expand our horizons and enhance all our events.”
This year’s edition of the Giro will be held from 8-30 May. Although IMG has secured its rights to the tournament, a reported €10 million contract between RCS and Rai is also being discussed. IMG previously replaced Rai as the broadcaster of the tournament in 2013.
Adam Kelly, IMG’s Co-President of Media and Events, added: “Our long-standing relationship with RCS remains a key part of our media business and we are delighted to have extended for another five years.
“The Giro d’Italia, as one of the three Grand Tours, is one of the most iconic and eagerly-anticipated events on the cycling calendar providing three weeks of daily drama and outstanding sporting prowess against the backdrop of Italy’s stunning vistas.”