September 25/06 9:59 am - The Broadband Racer + Health Net Pro Cycling Team = HNMTV

Posted by Editoress on 09/25/06
 

Courtesy Health Net Pro Cycling Team

Web TV network The Broadband Racer joins Health Net Presented by Maxxis as media and content sponsor

Call it HNMTV. As part of a new media and content sponsorship, the Health Net Pro Cycling Team Presented by Maxxis will have its own channel on the Internet TV network The Broadband Racer, starting with the 2007 season.

"Professional cycling in the U.S. is stronger than ever, and we knew that Health Net Presented by Maxxis played a big roll in making that happen," said Ben Edwards, the site's co-founder. "We wanted to be a part of it."

For the team, which recently won its third consecutive NRC championship in the U.S., entering into a partnership with the Internet-based network was a natural fit.

"As the top team in North America, we have tens of thousands of fans across the country, and around the world," said Health Net Presented by Maxxis Communications Director Jeff Sobul. "Most of our fans are only able to see the team race a couple times during the season, if that. A dedicated Internet TV channel with race coverage, interviews and video blogs will open up an entirely new medium for our fans to follow the team, learn more about the riders and develop a stronger connection with the team and its sponsors."

"The Broadband Racer is dedicated to bringing cycling enthusiasts video highlights, news, analysis and original content that give the audience an unprecedented look inside pro cycling worldwide," site cofounder Marty Church said. "The opportunity to create a channel around the number one team in the country will allow our viewers and the team's fans unprecedented access, from training camps to podiums. "Through interviews, team updates and race footage, Health Net Presented by Maxxis fans will have a unique way to follow the team's progress throughout the 2007 season."

As part of the sponsorship, the network will provide a number of riders with video cameras to create video blogs that will give viewers an entertaining, behind-the-scenes view of the team as it works its way toward a fourth consecutive NRC title.

"We're very excited about putting cameras into the hands of the riders themselves to take our viewers where no fan has gone before," Edwards said. "The content will be timely and compelling as these athletes play director and give us their take on life as a Pro."

The team will receive extensive coverage at a number of races throughout the season. According to Church, The Broadband Racer will be at the Amgen Tour of California, as well as select races throughout California. In addition, the network will cover the Tour of Georgia and The Commerce Bank Triple Crown in and around Philadelphia.

The team's channel will also air short features on team gear, hosted by the riders, spotlighting the apparel and equipment that gets riders to the podium week after week.

Viewers will be able to access the Health Net Presented by Maxxis channel directly from the team's website, www.teamhealthnet.com, or at www.thebroadbandracer.com. Fans of the team will get their first taste of coverage to come from the channel with Health Net Presented by Maxxis rider and staff interviews and features from Interbike in Las Vegas this week.