The UCI has reached an agreement with Discovery Sports for the next few years, closing the Red Bull Media House stage as the World Cup video producer. Red bull has given so much to MTB, with spectacular content, and now it seems that Discovery Sports is coming in by force, bringing its professionalism to MTB.
The new agreement is from 2023 to 2030 and this could mean a new life for MTB, with spread all over the world, but also a less “open-source” aspect, as some IT experts would say. Are we facing a change of gear by the MTB? Only time will tell.
This is the official statement.
In its recent meeting in Montreux (Switzerland) from 10 to 12 February, the Steering Committee of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has decided to enter into exclusive negotiations with Discovery Sports for the organization and promotion of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup. for eight seasons, from 2023 to 2030.
Discovery Sports' proposal, which has been selected by the UCI, includes several aspects: those relating to the sporting and commercial aspects, as well as those relating to the production and broadcasting of the UCI Mountain World Cup Bike.
More detailed information will be communicated on the concept developed by Discovery Sports to further encourage the development of the discipline in the signing of the contract that will bind the two parties.
The UCI would like to thank Red Bull Media House, the producer and main broadcaster of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup, who have used all their experience to satisfy the passion of mountain bikers around the world for more than 10 years, greatly increasing the series' audience during this period.
Discovery Sports will be in contact with the organizers of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup 2022, as well as with any organizers who have expressed interest in hosting a round of the series for 2023 and 2024.
Meanwhile, all rounds of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz UCI World Cup will be available for viewing on Red Bull TV (RBTV) and UCI Mountain Bike World Cup broadcaster channels.
