BSkyB, News Corp eyeing cycling series

MUMBAI: UK pay TV service provider BSkyB and News Corp are said to be looking at being involved in a new cycling series.

Teams that take part in the Tour de France would be involved in this new series.

BSkyB finances the cycling team, Team Sky. Media reports have speculated that BSkyB and News Corp might take a stake in the series.

The ?breakaway? series was first proposed over a year ago. UCI was firmly opposed to it as it feared that the appeal of some of the existing races would be affected. However subsequently Lance Armstrong admitted to doping which tarnished the image of the Tour de France and weakened UCI which has come under some fire.

Races will be held globally if the series takes flight. The aim would be to broaden the reach and appeal of the sport which is trying to recover from the Armstrong debacle.