USA pro cycling challenge quietly demoted from NBCSN to Universal Sports
08-15-15, 09:47 PM
#1
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USA pro cycling challenge quietly demoted from NBCSN to Universal Sports
They were advertising it on the TDF broadcast on NBCSN. But now, it appears from NBC Sports facebook page, that Universal Sports is going to have it instead. I suspect it's because there isn't a single big name in the race and thus, they couldn't get advertisers to sign up.
NBC Sports Cycling
6 hrs ·
We are here in beautiful Steamboat Springs, Colorado preparing for Stage 1 of the USA Pro Challenge- don't miss the action Monday at 4 eastern on Universal Sports!!!
The field this year is wide open- who do you see wearing the final yellow jersey in Denver? Let us know, and share to support American Cycling!
NBC Sports Cycling
6 hrs ·
We are here in beautiful Steamboat Springs, Colorado preparing for Stage 1 of the USA Pro Challenge- don't miss the action Monday at 4 eastern on Universal Sports!!!
The field this year is wide open- who do you see wearing the final yellow jersey in Denver? Let us know, and share to support American Cycling!
08-16-15, 09:57 AM
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Well, this is probably for the best (for people who get Universal Sports, at least). NBCSports always seems to muck up cycling coverage: preempting it for other stuff, starting late, skipping live coverage and just showing late-night recap, etc. At least on Universal the coverage will start on time.
08-16-15, 11:39 AM
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I never received Universal Sports. What providers carry it? I've had TWC and Comcast now in two different states. Does anyone here get it? I think nearly all providers have NBCSN.
This is unfortunate as the net result is that fewer people in the U.S will get to watch this event.
This is unfortunate as the net result is that fewer people in the U.S will get to watch this event.
08-16-15, 04:19 PM
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This crap is why we have Eurosport and Cycling Torrents.
Because even when they carry events...US broadcasters do a laughably terrible job of screwing things up, putting out an unwatchable series of commercials randomly interrupted by a few snippets of people riding bicycles.
Because even when they carry events...US broadcasters do a laughably terrible job of screwing things up, putting out an unwatchable series of commercials randomly interrupted by a few snippets of people riding bicycles.
08-16-15, 07:43 PM
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I never received Universal Sports. What providers carry it? I've had TWC and Comcast now in two different states. Does anyone here get it? I think nearly all providers have NBCSN.
This is unfortunate as the net result is that fewer people in the U.S will get to watch this event.
This is unfortunate as the net result is that fewer people in the U.S will get to watch this event.
The USA Pro Challenge stages broadcast will start each day this week at 2:00 pm Mountain Time Zone, for the Colorado races.
08-16-15, 08:10 PM
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Comcast doesn't carry Universal Sports so that link doesn't help. You have to sign in with a provider that carries the channel.
08-16-15, 09:46 PM
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I have Dish network and the package I have has USN & BEIN Sports which also carries bike races, in HD.
Mark
Mark
08-17-15, 02:31 PM
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This is pretty disappointing. The major cable provider in Colorado doesn't carry the race. It is true that the start list is not great, but casual fans may not know the riders anyway--they want to see people racing bikes in Colorado.
However you can watch on your iPad/ phone/ android with Tour Tracker for Pro Challenge.
However you can watch on your iPad/ phone/ android with Tour Tracker for Pro Challenge.
08-17-15, 04:56 PM
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For me watching in real time is not an option at work so it has to be recorded on the DVR.
Comcast used to carry Universal Sports at least in Seattle but that has been a few years. Can't say that I'll miss the Pro Challenge that much as it is rarely an entertaining race but the scenery is nice and any bike racing can be fun to watch. I really miss seeing the Vuelta, Giro and races like the Tour of the Basque Country that I used to get.
Can't see myself switching providers as I'm more likely to cancel cable and just keep the internet for streaming.
Comcast used to carry Universal Sports at least in Seattle but that has been a few years. Can't say that I'll miss the Pro Challenge that much as it is rarely an entertaining race but the scenery is nice and any bike racing can be fun to watch. I really miss seeing the Vuelta, Giro and races like the Tour of the Basque Country that I used to get.
Can't see myself switching providers as I'm more likely to cancel cable and just keep the internet for streaming.
08-17-15, 06:18 PM
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08-17-15, 06:38 PM
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I never received Universal Sports. What providers carry it? I've had TWC and Comcast now in two different states. Does anyone here get it? I think nearly all providers have NBCSN.
This is unfortunate as the net result is that fewer people in the U.S will get to watch this event.
This is unfortunate as the net result is that fewer people in the U.S will get to watch this event.
08-19-15, 02:29 PM
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My solution was to subscribe to Sling TV for the summer, their sports package includes Universal Sports and BEIN. After UCI Worlds in Sept I'll drop the subscription till next summer. Sling has a Roku channel so I can watch on my TV, and you can watch time-shifted, not just live.
08-19-15, 03:27 PM
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Watch on the web at USA Pro Challenge Tour Tracker
08-24-15, 10:33 AM
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I think it's coming out that something really was amiss with the [strike]Colorado[/strike] USA Pro Cycling challenge. NBCSN demotes is quietly to Universal, then a lack of any big names showing up, the women's race being cut way back, the women didn't even race an hour on Sunday, no main sponsor, losing millions a year, and now this.
Read more at In the News: USA Pro Challenge at a crossroads - VeloNews.com
If the race really has such an big economic impact then I feel the state and the towns should be bearing most of the cost of this race.
NBCSN is covering the worlds in Richmond, Virginia and if it is a success, they should move the USA Pro Cycling challenge to the East coast with a finale riding around the mall in Washington DC
The Denver Post reports that the USA Pro Challenge race is facing an uncertain future with its owners embroiled in a lawsuit. Rick Schaden and his father, Richard, the founders of Quiznos, Smashburger, and Live Basil food chains are being targeted by two behemoth hedge funds in a contentious federal lawsuit.
If the race really has such an big economic impact then I feel the state and the towns should be bearing most of the cost of this race.
NBCSN is covering the worlds in Richmond, Virginia and if it is a success, they should move the USA Pro Cycling challenge to the East coast with a finale riding around the mall in Washington DC
08-24-15, 10:39 AM
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I think it's coming out that something really was amiss with the [strike]Colorado[/strike] USA Pro Cycling challenge. NBCSN demotes is quietly to Universal, then a lack of any big names showing up, the women's race being cut way back, the women didn't even race an hour on Sunday, no main sponsor, losing millions a year, and now this.
Read more at In the News: USA Pro Challenge at a crossroads - VeloNews.com
If the race really has such an big economic impact then I feel the state and the towns should be bearing most of the cost of this race.
NBCSN is covering the worlds in Richmond, Virginia and if it is a success, they should move the USA Pro Cycling challenge to the East coast with a finale riding around the mall in Washington DC
Read more at In the News: USA Pro Challenge at a crossroads - VeloNews.com
If the race really has such an big economic impact then I feel the state and the towns should be bearing most of the cost of this race.
NBCSN is covering the worlds in Richmond, Virginia and if it is a success, they should move the USA Pro Cycling challenge to the East coast with a finale riding around the mall in Washington DC
That being said, TV airing of cycling events in the USA has always been hit or miss and mostly miss. US TV broadcasters are only really good at airing women's gymnastics and NFL/NCAA football. Every sports channel that has carried cycling only did it as a stepping stone to being a larger network before dropping it entirely.
08-24-15, 11:32 PM
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I don't get the need in the USA to have a "title sponsor" for every-frigging-thing. Apparently advertising execs are too self-absorbed to even think that corporate whoring out of one's activities makes one look like trash. I still LMAO that a company that made it's billions making EPO and other steroids being the "title sponsor" of the Tour of California. Vuelta, TdF, Giro, the Spring Classics all get along with themselves just being named the race.
That being said, TV airing of cycling events in the USA has always been hit or miss and mostly miss. US TV broadcasters are only really good at airing women's gymnastics and NFL/NCAA football. Every sports channel that has carried cycling only did it as a stepping stone to being a larger network before dropping it entirely.
That being said, TV airing of cycling events in the USA has always been hit or miss and mostly miss. US TV broadcasters are only really good at airing women's gymnastics and NFL/NCAA football. Every sports channel that has carried cycling only did it as a stepping stone to being a larger network before dropping it entirely.
08-25-15, 04:10 AM
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I don't get the need in the USA to have a "title sponsor" for every-frigging-thing. Apparently advertising execs are too self-absorbed to even think that corporate whoring out of one's activities makes one look like trash. I still LMAO that a company that made it's billions making EPO and other steroids being the "title sponsor" of the Tour of California. Vuelta, TdF, Giro, the Spring Classics all get along with themselves just being named the race.
That being said, TV airing of cycling events in the USA has always been hit or miss and mostly miss. US TV broadcasters are only really good at airing women's gymnastics and NFL/NCAA football. Every sports channel that has carried cycling only did it as a stepping stone to being a larger network before dropping it entirely.
That being said, TV airing of cycling events in the USA has always been hit or miss and mostly miss. US TV broadcasters are only really good at airing women's gymnastics and NFL/NCAA football. Every sports channel that has carried cycling only did it as a stepping stone to being a larger network before dropping it entirely.
Regarding sponsors....ever been to the Tour? It's an advertising caravan with a bike race hidden in there. Got to pay bills.
Last edited by roadwarrior; 08-25-15 at 04:13 AM.
08-25-15, 07:28 AM
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Sure it is an advertising train...But you don't hear about the "Budweiser Tour of France". Or the "Renault Paris-Nice" spring classic. "Title sponsor" BS of the event name itself.
That was my point.
08-27-15, 08:58 PM
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Surprising the Colorado race was demoted. Great racing even if field not all the top riders. Tough for 1-week races to get best possible fields. Pro Challenge has beautiful scenery--seems like it would be fairly popular on TV, so far as bike racing ratings go.
08-28-15, 09:03 AM
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I am trying Sling for the month. I wish the iPhone Sling app would be able to send the video to my TV, but oh well. I loaded the Sling program on my laptop and it is laggy as hell. But at least I can watch (mostly listen) to the race during the day now.
09-06-15, 06:46 AM
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The TdF, Giro, among others didn't start with title sponsors because they were wholly owned and operated by a commercial operation for their exclusive promotional purposes. Yellow jersey and pink jersey anyone? Esta The and Credit Lyonnais and Credit Agricole and Skoda and Festina and Het Nieuwsblad?
It would be better if they paid for the race by selling tickets to spectators, though, and kept the sport free from advertising associations.
It would be better if they paid for the race by selling tickets to spectators, though, and kept the sport free from advertising associations.
09-06-15, 12:54 PM
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The TdF, Giro, among others didn't start with title sponsors because they were wholly owned and operated by a commercial operation for their exclusive promotional purposes. Yellow jersey and pink jersey anyone? Esta The and Credit Lyonnais and Credit Agricole and Skoda and Festina and Het Nieuwsblad?
It would be better if they paid for the race by selling tickets to spectators, though, and kept the sport free from advertising associations.
It would be better if they paid for the race by selling tickets to spectators, though, and kept the sport free from advertising associations.
09-06-15, 12:59 PM
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Vuelta, US Pro Challenge, ToC, TdF...all have "VIP" seating and access for people willing to shell out $200+USD per day. You get finishline seating, you get a beer garden sometimes, and access to the athletes.
Heck some individual teams offer ride/train-with-the-team rides. I think Vanderkitten last year had a week-long ride/train ride with hotel included for $5,000USD in California.