LONDON, June 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Think you've got what it takes? Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to train and compete as a pro in the UK's first cycling reality TV series  

Calling all amateur cyclists! Auditions for The Coach UK open today at 4pm. Enter now and don't miss your chance to star in BIKE Channel's first ever UK reality series.

     (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160621/381711 )

After topping TV ratings in Italy, The Coach comes to BIKE Channel UK this September, and will see two contenders given full kit sponsorship worth close to £5,000 and put through their paces by top former professionals Rob Hayles and Brian Smith, in a reality show like no other.

Those who think they have got what it takes should submit a video that is no longer than 50 seconds, explaining who they are, why they love cycling, and what winning The Coach UK would mean to them, via the BIKE website or Facebook page.

The series will follow the contenders through intense training, detailed nutrition plans and race-winning tactics, before they go head-to-head in front of fans and thousands of participants at a prestigious sportive, with the winner crowned as BIKE Channel UK's amateur ambassador for 2017.

Cyclists wishing to test their mettle must submit their videos from today and latest by 5 July. Each one will be assessed by a select panel of judges who will choose the 12 best entries. The 12 contenders will take part in the first episode of The Coach UK for the final stage of the selection process, where the hard work will really begin.

From these 12, just two finalists will be chosen at the end of the first episode, and will be paired with Hayles or Smith to test their grit in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to train and compete as professionals. By the time they go head to head in The Final, both contenders and fans will have an intimate insight into what it takes to be a pro rider.

Filippo Ubaldini, Founder & CEO of BIKE channel, said: "We are delighted to officially open the auditions for the first ever UK series of The Coach and offer cycling enthusiasts the chance to star in this unique and exciting TV show. As with The Coach in Italy the road will not be easy, and our two contenders will be tested to the limit as they ride for victory and the title of BIKE's first UK Ambassador."

The Coach UK will air six 30 minute episodes this September, 2016. Each episode will be available exclusively on BIKE Channel (Sky ch. 464 / Virgin Media ch. 552), with the first episode airing on 12 September. Every episode will be repeated, ensuring fans don't miss a moment of what promises to be inspiring and riveting rivalry.

Anyone can enter The Coach UK via BIKE Channel's website (http://www.bikechannel.co.uk/the-coach/) or Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/BIKEChannelUK/). Submission videos should be no longer than 50 seconds and detail who you are, why you love cycling and what winning The Coach UK would mean to you.

About BIKE 

BIKE is the first 24-hr broadcast channel devoted to cycling. Born in Italy in 2012, BIKE

channel has been a huge success and reaches over one million cycling fans every month. In

December 2015, BIKE launched in the UK and is now available to Sky and Virgin Media customers in over 15 million households, with further distribution to be announced soon. For more information about BIKE, visit the website at http://www.bikechannel.co.uk/en or follow BIKE on Facebook and Twitter.

Bike Media UK Ltd
18th Floor, City Tower,
Basinghall Street,
London, EC2V 5DE
+44(0)207-032-2338
E: laura.bartsch@bikechannel.co.uk

Contact: Jane Hansom
jane@spongemarketing.com
+44(0)207-644-9988

Henry Nixon
henry.nixon@bikechannel.co.uk
+44(0)7428-919917

SOURCE BIKE