COLOGNE, Germany – Germany’s main broadcasters said
Wednesday they are set to end live broadcasts of the Tour de France in 2012,
blaming a drop in viewing figures for the decision.

German broadcasters ARD and ZDF said they will not renew their contract
with the European Broadcasting Union to screen the event live and will only
air highlights in the future from cycling’s showcase stage race in 2012.

The German networks say live broadcasts over several hours can no longer be
justified here because fewer Germans are watching the race live.

Both ARD and ZDF pulled the plug on live broadcasts during the 2007 Tour
after a series of doping affairs.

Live coverage was resumed in 2008, but with current champion Alberto
Contador facing a one-year ban for an alleged doping offense, the latest
problems in the sport are believed to be a factor in the broadcasters’
decisions.

Cycling’s popularity in Germany has dropped since the 1990s, when millions
of Germans tuned in to watch Jan Ullrich win the race’s coveted yellow jersey
in 1997.

Ullrich ended his career in February 2007 after being sacked by T-Mobile
when he was linked to the Operation Puerto blood-doping scandal.

Article: AFP