Think you've got what it takes to be a pro rider? Fancy yourself as BIKE's first UK Ambassador? Reality TV show The Coach is coming to the UK this September, with two amateur cyclists competing for a chance to make it as a pro.
After topping TV ratings in Italy, reality TV show The Coach comes to BIKE Channel UK, 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.
The Coach will see two amateur cyclists, selected from thousands of open audition entries, put through their paces by former pro cyclists Rob Hayles and Brian Smith. After pairing with Hayles or Smith, the two contenders will train to compete for the title of BIKE Channel's first ever winner of The Coach, with the final taking place in front of fans and thousands of participants at a prestigious sportive. The winner will become BIKE Channel's first UK Ambassador, receive full kit sponsorship including bike, and will have further opportunities to showcase their on-air personality at other sportives throughout the season.
Honing the skills of one contender will be former British pro track and road racing cyclist Rob Hayles, who is central to British Cycling's success and has played an integral role in the sport over two decades. With teammates including Sir Bradley Wiggins and Steve Cummings, Hayles was part of the team pursuit squads that won silver at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, and gold at the 2005 World Championships in Los Angeles.
Facing off against team Hayles will be two-time British road race champion and former Dimension Data team manager, Brian Smith. Smith knows the determination and sacrifice it takes to win at the highest level, having worked with champion riders including Mark Cavendish and Edvald Boasson-Hagen on the way to managing his team to WorldTour status.
The Coach will give contenders and viewers an insight into what it really takes to become a professional cyclist. The series follows the competitors through intense training, detailed nutrition plans and race-winning tactics. By the time they go head to head in the final prestigious sportive, fans will have had an intimate insight into the many highs and lows of professional training.
Filippo Ubaldini, Founder and CEO of BIKE channel, said: "The popularity and number of entries for The Coach in Italy exceeded expectations and created some incredible television for cycling enthusiasts and armchair viewers alike. We look forward to recreating this success in the UK and providing our lucky competitors with the incredible opportunity to learn from two legends of British cycling. We are extremely excited to see what talent the UK has to offer."
The Coach will air six 30 minute episodes this September. Each episode will be available exclusively on BIKE Channel (Sky ch. 464 / Virgin Media ch. 552), with the first aired on 12 September. Every episode will be repeated, ensuring fans don't miss a moment of what promises to be inspiring and riveting rivalry.
Further information on BIKE Channel's The Coach, including details on how to enter will be made available soon. Stay tuned on facebook.com/BIKEChannelUK and twitter.com/bikechanneluk and at www.bikechannel.co.uk.
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