Warner Bros. Discovery’s decision to close GCN+ raises questions about the future of live cycling coverage for fans around the world.
In a surprising move that has sent shockwaves through the cycling community, Warner Bros. Discovery has announced the closure of GCN+ on December 19th. As one of the most comprehensive platforms for live global cycling coverage, GCN+ has been a go-to source for fans to watch their favorite races, including the prestigious Tour de France. With this development, cycling enthusiasts are left wondering how they will be able to continue enjoying their beloved sport. In this article, we will explore the implications of this decision and shed light on the alternative options available for fans to stay connected to the world of cycling.
Changes in Europe: discovery+ to the Rescue
For cycling fans in territories where discovery+ is available, including Austria, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Italy, Sweden, the Netherlands, Norway, the UK, and Ireland, there is a silver lining. GCN+ subscribers in these regions will be able to access all live coverage on discovery+, ensuring they don’t miss out on any cycling action. Moreover, they will also have access to Eurosport’s extensive rights portfolio, providing an even wider range of cycling events to enjoy. Additionally, discovery+ will offer a wealth of Warner Bros. Discovery entertainment content, further enhancing the viewing experience for subscribers.
Outside of Europe: Seeking Local Partnerships
For cycling enthusiasts outside of Europe, the situation is more uncertain. Warner Bros. Discovery is currently working with local partners to ensure that live race coverage remains accessible. While specific details have not been provided at this time, fans can expect to be kept fully informed about the future availability of the live content currently offered on GCN+. It is a promising sign that efforts are being made to address the needs of cycling fans worldwide, and it is hoped that suitable solutions will be found to ensure uninterrupted coverage.
GCN’s Renewed Focus on Core Offerings
With the closure of GCN+, the parent company is shifting its focus back to the core offerings of GCN. This includes their website and YouTube channel, which have long been popular among millions of cycling enthusiasts. GCN will continue to engage its international audience through various language-specific channels, such as GCN en Français, GCN auf Deutsch, GCN Italia, and GCN en Español. This renewed emphasis on their digital platforms ensures that fans will still have access to engaging and informative cycling content, even without GCN+.
Conclusion:
The closure of GCN+ has undoubtedly left a void in the cycling community, as fans have come to rely on the platform for their live race coverage. However, with the availability of discovery+ in several European territories and ongoing efforts to secure partnerships outside of Europe, there is hope that alternative options will emerge to fill this gap. Additionally, GCN’s commitment to its core offerings demonstrates a continued dedication to serving the cycling community through its website and YouTube channels. As the cycling world adapts to these changes, fans can rest assured that they will still have avenues to stay connected to the sport they love.
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