The extended deal with the UCI gives Universal Sports Network multi-platform rights, including exclusive television and digital rights, to the Road World Championships and World Championship and World Cup events in track cycling, BMX, mountain bike and cyclo-cross.

The extension of the partnership sees Universal Sports Network maintain its position as the leading American broadcaster of cycling, boasting more than 185 hours of exclusive coverage this year, including the UCI Road World Championships, which is due to take place in Richmond, Virginia, from September 19 to 27.

"The UCI is delighted that the Universal Sports Network has extended its broadcast agreement for our key events all the way through to 2018," said UCI President Brian Cookson. 

"The US is a vital market for cycling and,with Richmond, Virginia, hosting the UCI Road World Championships later this year, 2015 is going to be a great year for cycling in this country.

"We are seeing excellent demand from broadcasters for our events and around a dozen of new contracts with different broadcasters have been concluded recently."

The news of Universal Sports new deal follows confirmation that German broadcasters ARD TV were returning to the Tour de France.

The extended agreement will also see Universal Sports Network broadcast the UCI Track Cycling World Championships and World Cups ©AFP/Getty Images



Universal Sports special vice-president of content and communications Robert James claimed they were "pleased to continue our partnership with the UCI and build upon the success of our existing relationship."

He added: "Cycling is an integral part of our programming line-up, and this agreement allows us to continue servicing the growing community of cycling enthusiasts across the United States."

Universal Sports' 2015 cycling series also includes top events like the Vuelta a Espaňa, Volta a Cataluyna, Tour of Belgium, Tour of Britain, Three Days of De Panne, Four Days of Dunerque, Tour de Suisse, Tour de Wallonie, Eneco Tour and the women's one-day race La Course by Le Tour de France.

In addition to its cycling coverage, the network also broadcasts national and world champions in a variety of sports including athletics, figure skating, gymnastics, rugby, skiing and swimming.

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