S4C has announced that it has secured the rights to broadcast this year's Tour de France, and the live-stream will also be available on BBC iPlayer.
While it comes late, with the race starting on Saturday, the news will be welcomed by those wanting to watch the Tour de France in the UK without having to pay for a TNT Sports subscription.
S4C will sublicense the coverage from TNT Sports, who have exclusive rights, with its own Welsh-language commentary being broadcast live.
The presenting team includes Rhodri Gomer, Peredur ap Gwynedd, Gruff Lewis and Manon Lloyd.
Select stages
S4C will only broadcast select stages live, including stages 1, 2, 3, 19, 20 and 21. Stage 18 will also be covered exclusively on S4C Clic, BBC iPlayer and S4C Chwaraeon’s YouTube channel.
It’s the 13th year in a row that the Welsh language channel has covered the race, and it says it is in negotiations to cover the Tour de France in 2027, when it begins in the UK and passes through Wales for the first time in its history.
Alongside its live coverage, highlights will also be available via S4C and its digital platforms.
S4C won’t be the only place to watch free Tour de France highlights in the UK this summer, with 5 showing a daily highlights show.
ITV 4 lost its rights to broadcast the race after Warner Bros. Discovery Sports Europe secured the Tour’s exclusive live broadcast rights.
Presenter Peredur ap Gwynedd said: “I am very happy that S4C is broadcasting the Tour de France once again, for the 13th year in a row. It's pretty bonkers that we've broadcast the race since 2014. And of course, with a stage of the Tour taking place in Wales next year, the word 'exciting' doesn't even come close to how I feel about the future!”
