Sky-high Prices for Downhill Mountain Bike Coverage: Why Profiteering Usually Backfires
Revamped Mountain Biking Coverage Leaves True Fans Sweating the Cost
Get ready for a chunkier wallet, mountain biking fans! You'll need a whopping £30.99 a month to catch the downhill live in 2025, that's a freakin' 600% jump from last year - talk about a price hike! But hey, it's not entirely surprising, here's why.
First off, let's talk about Warner Brothers Discovery (WBD), the new kid on the block owning the rights to show the downhill live. They've already treated these races with a hefty dose of 'improvement', sadly for us, the improvements generated semi's, field restrictions, and the unfortunate extinction of XCM World Cups - a favored choice for marathon racers. The disappointing decision has left smaller teams and privateers high and dry, priced out to make way for the remaining riders who are transformed into shiny, mass-market 'rock stars'.
Business-wise, it's an inevitable move to bulldoze the successful strategies from other sports onto our complex yet beloved mountain biking scene. I mean, Warner Bros sports casters must be scratching their heads wondering why we're so peeved about watching people ride motorless bikes instead of football and fights, right? After all, millions adore watching box-shaped arenas that are easy to screen, as opposed to our passionate mere thousands who complain bitterly if they don't get to watch every metre of a far-off, dirty hillside.
History tells us this is nothing new. Every time a big advertiser or investor swoops in, hoping to strike it rich, we get more screen time, only to dive headfirst into the sh*t show. Remember when GT, Nukeproof, and others met their maker, or when Sunn, Schwinn, and Raleigh emerged from the Olympic money frenzy as mere brand names on mass-market junk? The grim tale goes on and on, and while the suits nod politely and nod some more, they always keep their eyes on the bottom line.
So, are we doomed to watch as these changes fuel the fire, pushing our sport further away from inclusivity and affordability? Well, don't lose hope just yet. Support smaller, independent brands, shops, and media outlets that aren't just in it for the profit. Stick it to the mega brands controlling what we see - or, worse, don't see. If all else fails, just grab your bike and hit the trails. That'll show 'em!
A Brief Guide: Watch World Cup Downhill Mountain Biking on TNT for as Little as £10 with EE
On the plus side, while we're grappling with these changes, we've managed to put together a guide on how to watch the World Cup downhill mountain biking on TNT for a mere £10 with EE. Small comfort, but perhaps enough to help ease the sting.
Lastly, remember – support the passion, not the profit. The world of mountain biking deserves more than a pay-to-view spectacle. Tune in, strap on your helmet, and let's get this show on the road!
In light of the price increase for mountain biking coverage, one might consider learning how to watch the World Cup downhill mountain biking on TNT for as little as £10 with EE. Despite the financial strain, it's crucial to remember supporting passion over profit and stand firm against mega brands dominating the sport's landscape.
