{{Short description|YouTube channel}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2021}} {{Infobox social media personality | name = Global Cycling Network | image = <!-- just the filename, without the File: or Image: prefix or enclosing brackets --> | logo = Global_Cycling_Network_logo.png | website = {{URL|http://www.globalcyclingnetwork.com}} | youtube_handle = gcn | youtube_display_name = | youtube_years_active = 2013–present | youtube_genre = Cycling | youtube_subscribers = 3.52 million<!-- PLEASE DO NOT CHANGE WITHOUT UPDATING stats_update BELOW --> | youtube_views = 1.43 billion<!-- PLEASE DO NOT CHANGE WITHOUT UPDATING stats_update BELOW --> | stats_update = 06 February 2026 }} '''Global Cycling Network (GCN)''' is a cycling-related YouTube channel which was launched in the United Kingdom in 2013. The channel's parent company, Play Sports Network, became a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery through its TNT Sports unit in 2019 and returned to private ownership in 2024.<ref name="Cycling Industry News">{{cite news |last1=Sutton |first1=Mark |title=Discovery Inc takes full ownership of Play Sports Group |url=https://cyclingindustry.news/discovery-inc-takes-full-ownership-of-play-sports-group/ |access-date=15 September 2021 |publisher=Cycling Industry News |date=April 23, 2021 |archive-date=15 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915131655/https://cyclingindustry.news/discovery-inc-takes-full-ownership-of-play-sports-group/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Content on the channel is presented by former professional cyclists and cycling journalists including 2008 Vuelta a Extremadura winner Daniel Lloyd,<ref name='CW-2008'>{{Cite web |date=2008-04-29 |title=LLOYD WINS SPANISH STAGE RACE |url=https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/latest-news/lloyd-wins-spanish-stage-race-96469 |access-date=2026-05-17 |website=cyclingweekly.com |language=en}}</ref> under-23 British National Mountain Biking champion Simon Richardson<ref name='CW2012'>{{cite magazine|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Richardson retires on top after aggressive Tour of Britain|url=http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/richardson-retires-on-top-after-aggressive-tour-of-britain-38760|magazine=Cycling Weekly|location=London|publisher=Time Inc. UK|date=20 September 2012|access-date=27 September 2016|archive-date=6 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161006052844/http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/richardson-retires-on-top-after-aggressive-tour-of-britain-38760|url-status=live}}</ref> and 2018 Irish national road race champion Conor Dunne.<ref name="TYB-2020">{{cite web |url=https://youtube.com/8I7Hx2POBVw?list=PLUdAMlZtaV12TFgS4bekgoST_vuHGdQtx&t=675 |title=2020 Pro Cycling Kits - Hot Or Not? | The GCN Show Ep.365 - YouTube |authorlink=Global Cycling Network |work=Global Cycling Network |date=2020-01-07 |accessdate=2026-05-17 }}</ref>
== History == {{Update|date=June 2024|reason=Lack of updating articles}} On 1 January 2013, Global Cycling Network was launched by SHIFT Active Media founder Simon Wear,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.duckingtiger.com/an-interview-with-global-cycling-network/ |title=An interview with Global Cycling Network! |last1=Koon |date=25 December 2013 |website=duckingtiger.com |access-date=27 September 2016 |archive-date=12 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161012092631/http://www.duckingtiger.com/an-interview-with-global-cycling-network/ |url-status=live }}</ref> under Google's now-defunct YouTube Original Channel Initiative, as part of its multi-channel network media strategy.{{citation needed|date=October 2020}} Wear's original objective was to create a "network of quality cycling video content creators and give cycling global promotion through an official channel".<ref name="Media Release">{{cite web|url=http://triathlete-europe.competitor.com/2012/12/13/shift-active-media-partner-with-google-to-create-global-cycling-network|title=Shift Active Media Partner With Google To Create Global Cycling Network|type=Media Release|date=13 December 2012|website=triathlete-europe.competitor.com|publisher=SHIFT Active Media|access-date=27 September 2016|archive-date=17 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170117020826/http://triathlete-europe.competitor.com/2012/12/13/shift-active-media-partner-with-google-to-create-global-cycling-network|url-status=dead}}</ref> The YouTube channel also provides a media channel for the promotion of the parent company's client brands.<ref name="Media Release" />
In 2015, the channel was awarded Best Vlogger/Best Use of Video during the Cycling Media Awards 2015 awards night, which aims to recognise the best of UK cycling media.<ref>{{Cite web |title=www.cyclingmediaawards.com |url=http://www.cyclingmediaawards.com/ |access-date=27 September 2016 |website=www.cyclingmediaawards.com |archive-date=4 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204211435/http://www.cyclingmediaawards.com/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2016 the parent company's multi-channel network division was spun off as Play Sports Network, and management of the channel was transferred to the new company.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.playsportsnetwork.com/channels/|title=Channels – Play Sports Network|website=playsportsnetwork.com|access-date=27 September 2016|archive-date=10 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010165007/http://www.playsportsnetwork.com/channels/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 18 April 2017 the channel broke the 1 million subscriber mark.{{citation needed|date=August 2019}}
On 27 February 2017, Discovery Communications, the owner of Eurosport, announced the acquisition of a 20% stake in Play Sports Group, the company that owns the GCN channel.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/discovery-buys-20-percent-stake-digital-cycling-video-firm-play-sports-group-980980|title=Discovery Buys 20 Percent Stake in Digital Cycling Video Firm Play Sports Group|date=27 February 2017|website=hollywoodreporter.com|publisher=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=6 November 2017|archive-date=7 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107082633/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/discovery-buys-20-percent-stake-digital-cycling-video-firm-play-sports-group-980980|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2019, Discovery Communications acquired a controlling interest in Play Sports Group and the GCN franchise, increasing holdings to 71%.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bicycleretailer.com/announcements/2019/01/08/play-sports-group-joins-discovery-form-unique-global-cycling-platform#.XDizllxKjb0 |title=Play Sports Group Joins Discovery to Form Unique Global Cycling Platform |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=8 January 2019 |website=bicycleretailer.com |access-date=11 January 2019 |archive-date=11 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111232546/https://www.bicycleretailer.com/announcements/2019/01/08/play-sports-group-joins-discovery-form-unique-global-cycling-platform#.XDizllxKjb0 |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 13 June 2024, it was announced that Warner Bros. Discovery had sold the channel back to Simon Wear. This ended the co-production of broadcast content by Eurosport and GCN+.<ref>{{Cite web |author1=Adam Becket |date=2024-06-12 |title=Founder buys back GCN from Warner Bros |url=https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/founders-buys-back-gcn-from-warner-bros |access-date=2024-06-13 |website=cyclingweekly.com |language=en}}</ref>
== Content == Global Cycling Network's content tends to be predominantly road cycling-related, with regular sections consisting of instructional videos, including videos on bicycle riding, maintenance and tech news, how-to videos, and a weekly news bulletin, "The GCN Show". The channel also features interviews of professional cyclists and coverage of international professional cycling events, including the Tour of Beijing, Dubai Tour, and the three Grand Tour races (the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a España). Occasionally, the channel also creates videos on cyclo-cross and less frequently, mountain biking (mostly covered on Global Cycling Network's sister channel, Global Mountain Bike Network).
The channel also produced a "Road Bike Party" series of videos featuring former trials rider Martyn Ashton performing stunts on road bikes. It was a continuation of Ashton's independently-created first video, Road Bike Party 1. As of January 2025, Road Bike Party 2 had received more than 20 million views.<ref>{{cite news|title=Paralysed stunt rider Martyn Ashton is back in the saddle|first=Wells|last=Jonathan|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/active/11710533/Paralysed-stunt-rider-Martyn-Ashton-is-back-in-the-saddle.html|newspaper=The Telegraph|publisher=Telegraph Media Group Limited|location=London|date=2 July 2015|accessdate=28 September 2016|archive-date=9 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009073646/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/active/11710533/Paralysed-stunt-rider-Martyn-Ashton-is-back-in-the-saddle.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bikeradar.com/blog/article/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-martyn-ashtons-road-bike-party-2-39884/|title=10 things you didn't know about Martyn Ashton's Road Bike Party 2|date=18 December 2013|website=bikeradar.com|publisher=Immediate Media Company Ltd|access-date=28 September 2016|archive-date=6 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161006155542/http://www.bikeradar.com/blog/article/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-martyn-ashtons-road-bike-party-2-39884/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2014, British Cycling partnered with Global Cycling Network in the creation of its Racesmart campaign, which aimed to promote safe cycle racing in Great Britain.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/article/roa20140609-Racesmart-campaign-launched-to-promote-responsible-racing-0|title=British Cycling has today launched a new awareness campaign to promote responsible racing on Britain's roads|type=Media Release|date=10 June 2014|website=britishcycling.org.uk|publisher=British Cycling|access-date=28 September 2016|archive-date=16 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116214321/https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/article/roa20140609-Racesmart-campaign-launched-to-promote-responsible-racing-0|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last=Brett|first=Mat|date=10 June 2014|title=British Cycling release new technique video series + videos|url=http://road.cc/content/news/120881-british-cycling-release-new-technique-video-series-videos|magazine=road.cc|location=London|publisher=Farrelly Atkinson (F-At) Limited|access-date=28 September 2016|archive-date=16 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116215931/http://road.cc/content/news/120881-british-cycling-release-new-technique-video-series-videos|url-status=live}}</ref>
== Presenters ==
=== Global Cycling Network === * Simon Richardson (2013-present), former professional cyclist and under-23 British National Mountain Biking champion.<ref name='CW2012'></ref> * Dan Lloyd (2013-present), former professional cyclist and 2008 Vuelta a Extremadura winner.<ref name='CW-2008'></ref> * Oliver Bridgewood (2018-present), PhD graduate and previous writer and video producer at ''Cycling Weekly''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKUsLIvHyKs&t=9m|title=Chris Froome & Sexual Health - The GCN Show Ep. 286|date=3 July 2018|website=www.youtube.com/|publisher=GCN|access-date=4 July 2018}}</ref> * Conor Dunne (2020-present), former professional cyclist and 2018 Irish national road race champion.<ref name="TYB-2020"></ref> * Alex Paton (2020-present) former professional cyclist, hired to work on the GCN Tech channel.<ref>{{Citation|title=We've Got A New GCN Tech Presenter! {{!}} GCN Tech Show Ep. 149| date=29 October 2020 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSLbGB7ZiZo|language=en|access-date=4 January 2021|archive-date=2 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201102022723/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSLbGB7ZiZo&feature=youtu.be|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== GCN en Español (Spanish-language, since 2018) === * Lucas Sebastian Haedo * Bernat Font
=== GCN en français (French-language) === * Maxime Prieur * Séverine Jouan
=== GCN Italia (Italian-language, since 2019) === * Alan Marangoni * Giorgio Brambilla
=== GCN Japan (Japanese-language, 2019-2023) === * Yukihiro Doi<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4QX7P78jPg |title=今までGCN JAPANをご視聴いただいていた皆さまへ |date=2023-12-02 |last=GCN Japan |access-date=2025-01-28 |via=YouTube}}</ref>
=== GCN auf Deutsch (German-language, since 2020) === *Patrick Haller *Laurin Winter
=== Former presenters === * Alexys Brunel * Jon Cannings * Florian Chabbal * Loic Chetout * Tom Last * Manon Lloyd (2018-2024), former Welsh track cyclist and 2016 UEC European Track Championships team pursuit bronze medallist.<ref>{{Citation|title=The Do's & Don'ts For Cyclists At Christmas {{!}} GCN Show Ep.363| date=24 December 2019 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPxSg-Nw6oE|language=en|access-date=2019-12-24|archive-date=6 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200906085711/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPxSg-Nw6oE|url-status=live}}</ref> * James "Hank" Lowsley-Williams (2018-2025), former professional cyclist.<ref name="YTB2018">{{cite web |url=https://youtube.com/AV8mAKZFA8E?list=PLUdAMlZtaV12TFgS4bekgoST_vuHGdQtx&t=181 |title=New GCN Presenters! | The GCN Show Ep. 283 - YouTube |authorlink=Global Cycling Network |work=Global Cycling Network |date=2018-06-12 |accessdate=2026-05-17 }}</ref> * Katherine Moore * Mayalen Noriega * Chris Opie (2018-2020), former professional cyclist.<ref name="YTB2018"></ref> Chris left GCN to focus on returning to professional racing.<ref name="YTBC-2020">{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gje4F8bVweY&ab_channel=ChrisOpie |title=Chris Opie, Cycling Questions Answered, Why I Left GCN |first=Chris|last=Opie |date=1 August 2020 |website= youtube.com |access-date= 6 October 2020}}</ref> * Louis Pijourlet * Emma Pooley (2018-2019), former time trial and duathlon world champion.<ref>{{cite news |last=Thompson |first=Anna |date=9 September 2014 |title=Emma Pooley wins the world duathlon title at first attempt |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/get-inspired/28800884 |access-date=11 January 2019 |archive-date=18 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718134958/https://www.bbc.com/sport/get-inspired/28800884 |url-status=live }}</ref>. In march 2019, Pooley announced she would be leaving the channel to concentrate on engineering.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pooley |first1=Emma |title=Pooleyemma| url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BvaG0I1gKno/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/instagram/pooleyemma/2006946555126393320 |archive-date=25 December 2021 |url-access=registration|publisher=Instagram |accessdate=23 May 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref> * Jeremy Powers (2019-2021), former professional racing cyclist who won over 90 UCI victories, four USA Cyclocross National Championships, and the 2015 Pan-American UCI cyclocross championships.<ref name="Powers2015">{{cite news |date=1 Nov 2015 |title=Jeremy Powers claims Pan Am Continental Cyclo-cross crown |url=https://www.cyclingnews.com/races/pan-am-continental-cyclocross-championships-2015/elite-men/results/ |work=cyclingnews.com |access-date=8 Jun 2020 |archive-date=8 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200608163728/https://www.cyclingnews.com/races/pan-am-continental-cyclocross-championships-2015/elite-men/results/ |url-status=live }}</ref>. He left GCN in 2021 to join WHOOP.<ref name="3z-UZl1KJ8o">{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3z-UZl1KJ8o&t=1103s |title=Is Cycling Faster Than Ever Before? / GCN Show Ep.424 - YouTube |authorlink=Global Cycling Network |work=Global Cycling Network |date=2021-02-23 |accessdate=2021-10-25 }}</ref> * Oscar Pujol<ref name="spanish">{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=2 July 2018 |title=Global Cycling Network launches Spanish channel with host Óscar Pujol |url=https://www.bicycleretailer.com/international/2018/07/02/global-cycling-network-launches-spanish-channel-host-%C3%B3scar-pujol#.XDi9DVxKjb0 |access-date=11 January 2019 |archive-date=4 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404183544/https://www.bicycleretailer.com/international/2018/07/02/global-cycling-network-launches-spanish-channel-host-%C3%B3scar-pujol#.XDi9DVxKjb0 |url-status=live }}</ref> * Matt Stephens (2013-2018), one of the original GCN presenters, 1998 British National Road Race Champion and 1992 Olympian (Road Race). Stephens served as a GCN presenter for four and a half years before leaving the programme to focus on live race commentary for Eurosport.<ref>{{cite news |last=Broughton |first=Robbie |date=30 April 2018 |title=Matt Stephens Leaves GCN |url=http://www.ridevelo.cc/blog/2018/4/30/matt-stephens-leaves-gcn |work=ridevelo.cc |access-date=11 January 2019 |archive-date=12 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190112044230/http://www.ridevelo.cc/blog/2018/4/30/matt-stephens-leaves-gcn |url-status=live }}</ref> * Björn Thurau *Mario Vogt
== See also == * Cycling network
== References == {{Reflist}}
== External links == * {{Official|http://www.globalcyclingnetwork.com/}} * {{youTube|user=globalcyclingnetwork}}
{{Cycling on United States television}}
<!--- Categories ---> Category:YouTube channels launched in 2013 Category:Cycling websites