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05 Mar
Westminster Hall
Professional Cycling: Free-to-air Coverage

The Westminster Hall debate centered around the potential benefits of making professional cycling free-to-air on UK television, spearheaded by Ben Obese-Jecty, the Conservative MP for Huntingdon. The session underscored the importance of visibility for the sport, highlighted through personal anecdotes and statistical insights.

Key Points of the Debate:

  1. Historical Context: Obese-Jecty recalled the career of Jason McRoy, underscoring how sporting heroes can inspire future generations. He lamented the decline of traditional avenues for viewing cycling events, as seen in the closure of Eurosport and GCN+ services.
  1. Current Broadcasting Scenario: The debate highlighted Warner Bros Discovery's acquisition of exclusive rights to the Tour de France from 2026, signaling a shift to platforms like TNT Sports with significantly higher subscription costs.
Cycling contributes £5.4 billion to the UK economy.

This shows the sport's economic significance, positioning it as a major summer sport contributor.

  1. Impacts on Participation: Several speakers echoed concerns that moving cycling behind a paywall could reduce participation rates, especially among young aspiring cyclists.
  1. Government's Role: Discussion touched on the role of the government in supporting professional cycling, especially amid speculation that the UK might host the Tour de France Grand Départ in 2027.
TNT Sports subscription costs £31 a month.

Highlights the financial accessibility challenge, with 400% increase from previous options.

  1. Economic and Cultural Impact: Emphasis on cycling's contribution to the UK economy (£5.4 billion in 2021) and its cultural significance, reflected in events like the UCI Cycling World Championships hosted in Scotland, receiving overwhelming public support.

Outcome:

The session concluded with unanimous agreement on the critical need for accessible cycling broadcasts. However, direct resolution or legislative action was not outlined, leaving the matter a subject for ongoing advocacy by stakeholders like British Cycling.

Key Statistics & Context:

  • Broadcast Costs: Transition from Eurosport at £7/month to TNT Sports at £31/month marks over a 400% increase.
  • Economic Contribution: Cycling is a top contributor to UK's summer sports economy.
  • Public Engagement: Significant public approval of hosting events such as the Glasgow UCI Cycling World Championships (95% resident pride).
95% of Scottish residents proud to host the UCI Championships.

Reflects local community support and potential for inspiring participation in cycling.

Outcome

Broad affirmation on the need to retain free-to-air access to inspire future generations, without immediate policy resolution. Engagement with related governmental departments and sports bodies recommended.

Key Contributions

Ben Obese-JectyMP
Conservative

Emphasized the historical impact of cycling heroes like Jason McRoy and their role in inspiring future cyclists.

Jim ShannonMP
DUP

Stressed national pride from accessible sports viewing and its capability to inspire children.

Chris BlooreMP
Labour

Supported the argument against paywalls, especially with potential major events like Grand Départ 2027 not accessible.

Original Transcript
Jim Shannon
Strangford
DUP
11:04

I commend the hon. Gentleman for bringing this issue for debate.

Does he agree there is a national pride that comes from being able to easily access viewing—the success of the Olympics is an example, as he has very clearly illustrated—and being able to get the fervour and the excitement that comes with watching your team perform as opposed to reading results at the end of the day or in the papers the next day?

The sport of cycling is worthy of free-to-air coverage, which encourages every child with a bike. After all, that could be your child or your grandchild.

Chris Bloore
Redditch
Lab
11:08

I congratulate the hon. Member on securing this debate. Many of my local cycling clubs have contacted me to encourage me to contribute, and it is also an honour to serve under your chairmanship, Dr Allin-Khan. Does the hon.

Member agree with me that it is such a great shame, if Great Britain is to become the host of the Grand Départ of the 2027 tour, for the first time in more than a decade, that such an exciting event will not be available in free-to-air coverage?

That is a big blow to inspiring young children to aspire to cycle professionally or for pleasure. That such a huge event will not be on free-to-air coverage is a blow to the sport’s future.

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All content derived from official parliamentary records