BATH, U.K. (BRAIN) — Play Sports Network, which produces the Global Cycling Network, Global Mountain Bike Network and Global Triathlon Network, is launching the Electric Mountain Bike Network in early 2018. Haibike and Specialized are among the network's initial sponsors.
PSN has hired former Dirt Magazine editor Steve Jones as the presenter on the new network.
PSN also announced that Matt Skinner has been promoted to the newly created role of content director across the Play Sports Group, working across both PSN and SHIFT Active Media, a cycling marketing and communications agency.
Simon Wear, the founder and CEO of the Play Sports Group, said, "The mountain biking landscape is changing and we want to pioneer that change. Bringing in a huge industry talent like Steve with his knowledge and experience will help propel this expansion into the e-MTB market with EMBN. He's an exuberant addition to an already incredible mix here at PSN and we can't wait to see that first episode."
Regarding Skinner's promotion to a new groupwide role, Wear said, "Matt has been with the business since the early days, and having been a successful marketing and content specialist for many years, his unique experience of editorial and commercial positions him perfectly to take up this newly created pivotal position."
Jones said, "PSN is highly ambitious and I'm excited to be a part of the mission to catapult the e-MTB market. Like all forms of cycling, e-MTB requires the rider to decide on the intensity of the ride. But more than this, e-MTB seems to foster a more sharing attitude; it also brings freedom, uniting downhill and trail riding. Like most people in the bike industry I've watched GMBN and GCN cut their groove. They've brought a width of content and a unique style and seem to be having a lot of fun with what they're doing. I cannot wait to get stuck in with EMBN."
