ASO’s association with the Vuelta a España has helped forge an extended agreement for television coverage across the continent, with a four year renewal being announced today.
ASO, which bought 49% of the Spanish Grand Tour in 2008, has negotiated an extension with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which will see the Vuelta broadcast by the latter between 2012 and 2015. Spanish EBU Member TVE will provide the images, having renewed its agreements with A.S.O. and Unipublic last year.
Vuelta race director Javier Guillen says the deal is a significant one for the race. “I’m particularly satisfied with the relationship between the Vuelta and EBU Member channels as they help to bring the event to fans all over Europe,” he stated.
ASO has either direct ownership or is involved with a wide number of races including the Tour de France, Paris-Roubaix, Paris-Nice, Critérium du Dauphiné, Liege-Bastogne-Liege, Flèche Wallonne, the Tours of Qatar and Oman and the Vuelta itself.
Yann Le Moenner, Director General of A.S.O, is naturally also upbeat about the news. “This new contact is excellent news for the Vuelta, and for cycling in general, because EBU Members – which screen many other cycling events as well – offer consistent, comprehensive coverage throughout the season,” he said.
The 2012 Vuelta a España starts with a team time trial in Pamplona on August 18th. Juan Jose Cobo won last years race with the Geox TMC team, and moved to Movistar after his squad was unable to find a replacement backer after Geox walked away.