France Télévisions and Globecast sign new cycling deal including Le Tour coverage

France Télévisions and Globecast have signed a five-year deal to renew their partnership to bring iconic cycling events, including the Tour de France, to screens. This multi-year deal will see provision of innovative coverage of the Tour de France, the Criterium Dauphiné Libéré, Paris Roubaix, Paris Tours and Paris Nice until 2020.

Since its beginning, Globecast has been providing services for cycle races — such as the Tour de France – supplying overarching transmission solutions that bring together logistical, technical and human resources.

From the race start to the finishing line, Globecast France has the expertise to facilitate this dynamic coverage. It brings signals from along the course using satellite and cellular to France Télévisions, allowing it to create its celebrated final output.

The renewal of this partnership reinforces the historic relationship between the two companies and allows them to continue to share their visions, particularly surrounding technological developments, both short and long term.

Anne Souché, Head of Transmission Department of France Télévisions, said, “Covering cycle racing has always been one of the greatest technical challenges for live television. Our content from the Tour de France in particular is well recognised by broadcasters worldwide as a model of its kind. Cooperation between France Télévisions and Globecast has existed since the beginning of live transmissions of these races.

“The experience we have gained together has been a major factor in enabling us to overcome technical challenges and to succeed with them (digital transition, HD). Partnering again until 2020 allows us to anticipate and move forward with further technological improvements and innovations.”