Well, well !!!! What a difference a day makes for Motocross fans and particularly those fans of Josh and Ben (and what knowledgeable Kiwi isn\'t?).
This time yesterday the possibility of (live or delayed) TV GP MX coverage was hopeless - and then I received Rob\'s email saying it was a go. After posting that marvellous news MX GPs on SKY: I started to have grave doubts and, sorry Rob, I wondered if it was \'a have\'.
It appears not, as the following sequence has transpired.
This email from a very genuine and dedicated Philippe Rahmani of Youthstream, who has stuck by us from the start.
I\'m glad to inform you that an agreement has just been reached with SKY TV in New Zealand to broadcast all the 52\' highlights programmes of the 2004 FIM Motocross World Championship.
The first 5 programmes of the first 5 Grand Prix are already on their way to New Zealand !
This means from next week and onwards all the Kiwis fans will be able to follow via the SKY TV network another epic quest, the one for the Supreme titles which might become another successful Kiwi legend interpreted by the talented natives heroes Ben Townley and Joshua Coppins.
I must reckon this agreement has been possible also thanks to the passion and the lobbying from the Kiwi community following the MX GPs in Europe and in New Zealand, who put a lot pressure on the local TV channels to get the chance to follow the achievements of their conquering riders. Well done mates !
All the best,
Philippe Rahmani
TV & IT Director
[Youthstream is the company that manages the exclusive television, marketing and promotional worldwide rights of the FIM SuperMoto World Championship, the FIM Motocross World Championship, the FIM Motocross of Nations, the UEM Motocross European Championship, and the UEM SuperMoto European Championship.]
There has been a small but dedicated band whom have zealously pursued this issue who deserve thanks and credit. Particularly Gerard Woods who has been in constant contact with Philippe Rahmani. Then just yesterday Ben Townley and Glen Dempsey (Ben\'s manager) attended a meeting at KTM headquarters in Austria. KTM owner Mr Pierer was aghast that NZ was not getting any broadcast of Ben\'s racing and results for 2004.
Within 24 hours of their meeting with KTM management we now have the pleasure of seeing the World Motorcross Grandprix races 2004 season. Thanks BT for your connections !!! and Kurt Nicoll...the NZ motorcycling fans love you !!!!!
That is unbelievably good news and to all those who got off their butts - well done guys - you all made a difference.
And SKY get to re-connect to a few homes........
Now for MotoGP ?