Sky Sports has announced it will broadcast coverage of the National Series in a regular Tuesday slot throughout the summer.
The programme will show highlights of the Premier Calendar, Elite Circuit Series and National Circuit Race Series, kicking off with the Lincoln Grand Prix next Tuesday May 17 on Sky Sports 2 at 9.30pm.
“It’s great to be working with Sky Sports on the broadcast of our national series racing for the first time,” said British Cycling’s cycle sport and membership director Jonny Clay.
“For fans of the sport, knowing that they’ll be able to see cycling throughout the summer on a Tuesday night is a real positive.
“We’ll be working to build the audience over the course of this year and show that British bike racing can stand on its own two feet as sporting entertainment.”
The seven-round Premier Calendar saw Olympic team pursuit silver medallist Chris Newton (Rapha Condor Sharp) crowned champion in 2010, while the Elie Circuit Series will descend on six city centres between June 22 and August 7 for 60 minutes of fast and furious crit racing.
But while both events reward consistency, the National Circuit Race Championships are decided on the day – Friday July 29 in Beverly, Yorkshire.
Rik Dovey, Sky Sports’ managing director of acquisitions, added: “We’re pleased to be showing regular coverage of the National Series on Sky Sports throughout the season.
“Our commitment to cover domestic cycling compliments our wider partnership with British Cycling in the UK and our aim to encourage more people to get back on their bikes.”
National Series calendar
Premier Calendar
Round 1 – April 23 – Tour Doon Hame
Round 2 – May 8 – Lincoln Grand Prix
Round 3 – June 5 – Ryedale Grand Prix, North Yorkshire
Round 4 – June 19 – Tour of the Reservoir, Northumberland
Round 5 – July 31 – East Yorkshire Classic, Beverly
Round 6 – August 28 – Twinnings Pro-Am Tour, Salisbury
Round 7 – September 4 – Richmond Grand Prix
Elite Circuit Series
Round 1 – June 22 – Otley Grand Prix
Round 2 – June 29 – Stafford Grand Prix
Round 3 – July 8 – Abergavenny Grand Prix
Round 4 – July 13 – Colne Grand Prix
Round 5 – July 20 – Blackburn Grand Prix
Round 6 – August 7 – Preston Grand Prix
National Circuit Race Championships
July 29 – Beverly, Yorkshire
