BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
BIKE Channel have announced that i-ride, one of the UK’s leading lightweight and performance bicycle distributors, will act as the official sponsor of The Coach.
Beginning on September 12th, The Coach – the UK’s first-ever cycling reality series – will see two contenders put through their paces by top former professionals Rob Hayles and Brian Smith on the BIKE Channel. i-ride will supply the channel with a flagship Orro Bike Gold, Northwave shoes, Speedplay pedals, Catlike helmets and Ride clothing.
As the first 24-hour broadcast channel entirely dedicated to cycling, BIKE reaches over one million cycling fans every month. In December 2015, the channel launched in the UK and is now available to Sky, Virgin Media and Freesat customers in over 17 million households.
BIKE Channel Founder & CEO Filippo Ubaldini reported that: “i-ride’s sponsorship of The Coach means our two lucky contenders will not only benefit from world-class coaching from Rob Hales and Bryan Smith, but will also receive their own top-level equipment to enjoy. It is fantastic to have i-ride’s support for this unique TV show, which begins in just one month’s time.”
Ian Wilson, CEO of i-ride, said: “We are thrilled to be involved with this exciting new avenue for cycling in the UK. We feel that BIKE Channel stand for the same values as us in tailoring performance to be the best you can be, and it’s fantastic to be sponsoring a TV show as unique as The Coach.”
The Coach will air six 30 minute episodes this September, with each one available exclusively on BIKE (Sky ch. 464, Virgin Media ch. 552, Freesat ch. 251). Every episode will be repeated, ensuring fans don’t miss a moment of what promises to be inspiring and riveting rivalry.
