Per a company press release, BIKE Channel UK, the UK’s first broadcast channel completely dedicated to the world of cycling and currently available to over 15 million households, has created a six-episode reality series to find BIKE’s first UK Ambassador and the next pro cyclist.
The Coach comes to BIKE Channel UK this September in a series of 30-minute episodes airing exclusively on BIKE Channel premiering September 12. This venture into the United Kingdom comes after the series topped TV ratings in Italy and features an open audition for all those wanting to test their grit in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to train and compete as a professional cyclist.
Top former UK professionals, Rob Hayles and Brian Smith, will select and train two amateurs from thousands of open audition entries to become BIKE Channel’s first ever winner of The Coach. The selected two will be matched with either Hayles or Smith and will train and compete for the Final, which will take place in front of fans and thousands of participants at a prestigious sportive. The winner will not only be the inaugural champion, but will receive a full kit sponsorship including bike, and have opportunities to showcase their on-air personality at other events throughout the season.
Rob Hayles is a former British pro track and road racing cyclist, central to British Cycling’s success and has played a key role in the sport over two decades. He was part of the team pursuit which won Silver at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, and Gold at the 2005 World Championships in Los Angeles.
Brian Smith is a two-time British road race champion and former Dimension Data team manger. He has worked with champion riders and knows what it takes to win at the highest level after managing his team to WorldTour status.
The Coach will provide insight into what it takes to become a professional cyclists for contenders and viewers alike. The series follows the competitors through intense training, detailed nutrition plans and race-winning tactics.
For more information on The Coach, including details on how to enter, check BIKE Channel on Facebook, Twitter and their Website.