Inking a new deal with the previous host broadcaster Rai, the organisers of the Giro d’Italia have today entered into a new four year contract which should see improved coverage of the prestigious Grand Tour.
RCS Sport, which runs the Giro plus a host of other races, has signed an agreement for Rai to cover those events. In addition to the Giro and Strade Bianche, which runs this Saturday, the contract will also cover Milan-Sanremo, Il Lombardia, Tirreno Adriatico, the Strade Bianche and the new Roma Maxima race.
According to SportsProMedia.com, Rai has also secured the Italian live and higlights rights. However RCS Sport has recently signed a worldwide distribution rights deal with IMG, with the latter set to handle those.
As part of the RCS Sport and Rai deal, the Giro organisers have reportedly insisted on higher production standards, something IMG has also emphasised the importance of.
The new agreement with Rai is anticipated to lead to the Giro being covered for the first time in HD quality, thus giving viewers a better view of the race action.