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SportsFeature
BBC Sport NI extends North West 200 deal to 2029
TL;DR
BBC Sport NI has extended its broadcasting deal for the North West 200 until 2029, coinciding with the race's centenary. The agreement includes live streaming of all practice sessions and races.
Key points
- BBC Sport NI extends North West 200 deal to 2029
- North West 200 first took place in 1929
- Riders race at speeds over 200mph
- New deal includes live streaming of all events
- Event attracts thousands of fans globally
Mentioned in this story
BBC Sport NINorthern Ireland
North West 200Coleraine and District Motor Club
BBC Sport NI will show the North West 200 until 2029 - the centenary year of the international road race - after agreeing a new deal.
The North West 200, which sees motorbike riders race at speeds of more than 200mph on closed public roads, first took place in 1929 and now consists on three days of on-track action every May.
The new three-year deal with the Coleraine and District Motor Club means that race fans will be able to enjoy BBC Northern Ireland's dedicated coverage of the world-renowned event across its platforms, including live world-wide streaming of all the practice sessions and races.
The North West 200, Northern Ireland's largest outdoor sporting event, attracts some of the world's most talented riders with thousands of race fans from all corners of the globe coming to watch the action around the famous nine-mile circuit.
The extended deal means that BBC Sport NI will continue its comprehensive coverage across race week including live streaming of all the races and practice sessions on BBC iPlayer, and internationally, on the BBC Sport NI website.
BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Foyle will also have live audio commentary of all the races on Thursday evening and on Saturday with a dedicated race day programme also on BBC Radio Ulster on Saturday afternoon.
Fans can relive all the action across three highlights programmes on BBC Northern Ireland television and catch up via BBC iPlayer.
Mervyn Whyte, event director at the North West 200 said BBC Sport NI's coverage "has been instrumental in helping us to elevate the international reach and status of the event".
"That coverage has also allowed us to convey the excitement and spectacle of both the racing and Northern Ireland's beautiful north coast to a global audience," he continued.
"As we plan for the celebration of the North West 200's centenary in 2029, we are delighted to be continuing our longstanding relationship with BBC NI."
Adam Smyth, director of BBC NI, added that the extension of the partnership was "fantastic".
"We've had a long relationship with Mervyn and the Coleraine and District Motor Club and we're looking forward to bringing race fans, across the UK and around the globe, the thrills and passion of the NW200 races as well as providing audiences around the world with a glimpse of the spectacular north west coastline," he said.
Q&A
What is the North West 200 and when did it first take place?
The North West 200 is an international road race that first took place in 1929.
How fast do riders go during the North West 200?
Riders in the North West 200 race at speeds of more than 200mph on closed public roads.
What does the new deal with BBC Sport NI include?
The new deal includes dedicated coverage and live worldwide streaming of all practice sessions and races.
When is the North West 200 held each year?
The North West 200 is held every May over three days of on-track action.
