National Road Race Championship to be screened live for first time ever

Broadcasting and cycling history will be made next Sunday (27 June) when the Men's race will be broadcast live on British Eurosport 2 from 3pm to 5.45 and it will also availbe to watch live online on the Eurosport Player. Highlights of the Men’s Championships will also be shown next day Monday 28 June at 2.45pm on British Eurosport, followed by highlights of the Women’s race at 4.15pm.

British Cycling’s Cycle Sport and Membership Director, Jonny Clay, said: "I am delighted that we have secured a deal with Eurosport, adding a great domestic event to the broadcaster’s impressive portfolio of leading cycling races which include three Grand Tours, World Track and World Road Championships. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Eurosport for bringing this great race to millions of viewers at home and now we are just looking forward to a great race and hopefully good weather on the day."

Both the men's and women's races have attracted a top class field, just a week before the Tour de France Mark Cavendish and David Millar will be attempting to wrest the title from last year's champion, Kristian House of Rapha Condor Sharp. In the women's race Nicole Cooke, Emma Pooley and Lizzie Armistead are amongst the favourites for top spot.

The Pendle course may be controversial for some locals but organisers hope that twisting 7.5 mile circuit will provide some top quality racing. According to British Cycling there is barely a metre of flat road on the whole route so it will certainly provide a test for the riders.

Dave Kerr, Director of British Eurosport, said: “We are delighted to bring our growing audience of cycling fans the first ever live coverage of the National Road Race Championships.  Eurosport in the UK has worked hard in recent years to broadcast more domestic UK cycling events to reflect the growing participation and passion for the sport in this country. The 2010 line-up of riders is hugely exciting and we are looking forward to broadcasting it live for the first time.”
 
British Eurosport is available on Sky channel 410 and Virgin Media channel 521. British Eurosport 2 is available on Sky channel 411 and Virgin Media channel 525. To watch the men’s race online go to www.eurosportplayer.co.uk.
 
For more information please visit www.britishcycling.org.uk.