UK's only cycling channel signs to Virgin Media TV

The UK’s only TV cycling channel has now signed to Virgin Media.

BIKE, which shows a mixture of live coverage, documentaries and original UK programming, was launched last month on Sky. Now Virgin is now hoping to ride the growing wave of interest in cycling in the UK. BIKE will be available to some Virgin Media TV customers on channel 552.

BIKE features programmes under seven main categories: travel, sport, training, endurance, women’s, MTB and legends. The programme’s aim is to appeal to all sorts of riders of a variety of disciplines, from mountain bikers to BMXers to road riders.

Virgin Media’s Chief Digital Entertainment Officer, David Bouchier said: “You can’t question the growth in cycling in recent years, and on our TV service it is all about people’s interests and passions, be it more mainstream media or specialist channels.  We know there is a strong interest in sport from football to cycling so we’re delighted to bring BIKE to Virgin Media homes.”  

BIKE will be available to Virgin Media customers with M+ service and above. The channel’s line-up includes Gent-Wevelgem and stage races including the Giro d’Italia, the UCI Mountain Bike Cross Country and DH World Cup as well as cyclocross and BMX competitions.

Richard Schofield, BIKE’s UK Marketing Director, says, “We’re very proud to now be broadcast to even more UK homes with Virgin Media. We know that 2016 is going to be an exciting year for BIKE and for cycling as a whole with the prospect of more sporting success at the Rio Olympics. BIKE wants to be at the heart of British cycling. If you cycle, we know there will be something on the channel for you.”

Other features will include The Greatest Climbs by Paolo Savoldelli, 2002 and 2005 Giro winner, and a documentary on athletes’ preparation for the Mountain Bike World Championships