Tao Geoghegan Hart (Lidl Trek), the 2020 Giro d'Italia winner, has said the decision to cease Eurosport in Britain and Ireland, and apply very large new fees to watch the sport on TV, will have serious consequences for fans.
However, the British rider also said the move would have a far-reaching impact on the economics of pro cycling, adding he is very surprised nobody in the sport has spoken out, especially those from Britain.
"As of yet, I’ve seen little comment from pro cycling itself, especially from the many GB riders whose profiles, families and fans it impacts so greatly," he said in extended comments on the issue, adding none of the extra fees being charged would go into cycling teams, for example.
Geoghegan Hart has previously spoken up about his concerns for grassroots cycling, and the domestic pro scene in Britain, saying a couple of years ago he was worried the sport was "dying" in the UK .
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He is commenting now after it emerged Eurosport in Britain and Ireland was ceasing and being absorbed into TNT Sports, even though Eurosport will continue in other countries. And in order for fans in Ireland and Britain to continue watching a large number of races live, they will need to buy a subscription to TNT Sports.
Currently, in Ireland, Discovery+, which includes Eurosport, is available for €6.99 per month. But that will increase to at least €30 per month, and perhaps more depending on what packages are available to viewers in Ireland and which ones they opt for.
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"Let’s be clear, the sport going behind such a large paywall is a huge problem," Geoghegan Hart said. "Professional sports are all competing for the same audience. Cycling is completely reliant on this audience, it is how teams justify themselves to sponsors spending millions a year.
"Only a few teams can realistically promise a sponsor to win the Tour, but all teams can demonstrate good return on investment when capturing so many eyes, hearts and minds. It’s not only wins that can be of value. It’s the journey and the heartache too.
"I find it hard to believe many fans will be able to justify this increase in costs to follow our races and those of our female colleagues. This is a huge shame. To be clear on something that many don’t understand, teams receive zero remuneration from TV rights.
"What do I want to say? For amateur riders, cycling has become a very expensive sport or passion. Now, as a GB fan, following the upper echelons of the sport has also suddenly and massively increased in cost.
"I think it is now very relevant to realise where this money is going and where it is not. And perhaps to question the monopoly held over the sport's UK coverage.
"This season I’ll try to champion more accessible media. I’ll remain incredibly grateful to our sponsors. I’ll also be very interested to hear from you all which platforms myself and Lidl Trek should consider collaborating with.
"We want and need to remain available to all of the huge GB audience that has been built up over the last 15 years of astronomic success."
