Eurosport unveils a new host for its Giro d'Italia and Tour de France coverage

Olympic triple jump gold medallist and former BBC presenter Jonathan Edwards will head up Eurosport's coverage of the 2017 Giro d'Italia and Tour de France.

Cycling fan Edwards was signed by Eurosport in early 2016 to front the broadcaster's major sporting coverage, including the Olympic Games. The Giro, running from May 5-28, will be the first time that Edwards has joined Eurosport's cycling team. He has previously covered cycling for the BBC.

“Cycling is a huge passion of mine, both as a fan and a committed rider whenever I get the opportunity, so I’m incredibly excited to join Eurosport’s cycling team for the first two prestigious Grand Tours of the season," said Edwards.

>>> Giro d'Italia 2017: Latest news and race info

"It’s another exciting chapter in my journey with the Eurosport team and the first stage in Sardinia can’t come too soon."

Edwards will be present at the Giro to host the coverage, and will be joined "by a host of top name riders and pro team staff", according to Eurosport.

Edwards joins the familiar faces (and voices) of the Eurosport cycling team, including former riders Sean Kelly, Juan Antonio Flecha, Brian Smith, Rob Hayles and Matt Stephens.

Smith will take on an expanded role at the Giro, giving viewers an insight into race tactics and analysing the action.

Eurosport says that it is broadcasting over 100 hours of live coverage from the 2017 Giro d'Italia, via Eurosport 1 and its Eurosport Player online service and app.

A one-hour highlights package, fronted by Edwards, will also be broadcast each day of the Giro for the first time on free-to-view channel Quest.