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So from what I gather, the rights to show Flanders Classics races for the next 8 years are currently up for grabs.
Lots of fans seem to be annoyed with Eurosport/GCN over this, but few questioning how much FC must have asked to bring the negotiations to this point.
Lots of fans seem to be annoyed with Eurosport/GCN over this, but few questioning how much FC must have asked to bring the negotiations to this point.
It would be a massive blow to lose the Ronde from Eurosport/GCN, but the right to show it is at least assured until next year. Other races, OHN, G-W, DDV, and particularly Amsterdam Gold will be hard to say goodbye to.
Flanders Classics no doubt lost huge amounts of revenue last year so it's understandable they are trying hard to assure the futures of their races, but they can't simply expect Eurosport/GCN to operate at a loss for eight years to ensure the continued existence of Scheldeprijs.
I have no knowledge of the specifics of the deal or if, indeed, it would force Eurosport/GCN into a loss making position. But its certainly something to consider when demanding Eurosport just 'stump up' for the rights.
The loss of Flanders Classics as a third bloc of races to compete with those of the much bigger portfolios of ASO and RCS would also be, I think, a huge blow to the sport's business model as a whole. All the commercial power in the hands of just two companies? Let's hope not.
I apologise with all my heart for the astonishing autocorrect, "Amsterdam Gold".
