After 10 years of collaboration, the Tour de France has turned into a state-of-the-art example of co-innovation between experts in major sport events and experts in data and technology.
In fact, today it’s impossible to imagine professional cycling without the comprehensive data, insights, live tracking and the myriad of knowledge about every little detail in the race. From the individual riders, the teams, the routes, to the climbs and ascents. Every second, every curve and every kilogram is collected and crunched – and in a sport like cycling, everything counts.
The data platform for everything
How do you know how fast a rider is cycling? How do you know the latitude and longitude?
In Tour de France everything is connected in a data platform that is the foundation for the technology of Tour de France.
This platform is combining real-time data and further data sources from the race and environment surrounding the race using data analytics and AI technology.
The “cycle” of data: From the roads to the Race center
After collecting the raw data from tracking devices, the data is being processed.
This is happening in the analytics-based platform, and quickly, it will be sent back to broadcasters, commentators, race officials and the Race Center website.
Digital twin with millions of data points
Our favorite way to describe what happens is as follows: We create the world’s largest connected stadium – spanning more than 3,500km in rural France.
How? By setting up a digital twin of the race. A virtual, digital representation of the Tour de France – build on the millions of data collected during the race.
Using edge-computing and cloud technologies the digital twin can combine layers of real-time information, replicating every aspect and detail of the race. This includes everything from race vehicles, the publicity caravan, event assets, staff locations, the event village, weather conditions and more, this solution is a game changer for the race officials and organizers.
This means that millions of data points are being brought to life in insightful visualizations, making data into insights, accessible for fans, officials, and broadcasters – improving the experience of the race, enriching the stories and the drama that is the heart of the Tour de France.
A world class sport event powered by technology
The use of data is a game-changer for the race, the event, and the fans.
From the fans’ perspective, they can experience a more detailed understanding of what’s happening in the race – for example, with data-driven insights and AI predictions on the LeTourData channels on social media and television. For A.S.O. – the organizers of the Tour de France – data help their operations teams to communicate and plan more efficiently.
There is no race without the fans and spectators.
This is why the Tour de France uses technology to enhance the spectator experience with visualizations and stories every year. Data is used to deliver enhanced, data-driven storytelling to the global fan base through social media updates and broadcasts. The Tour de France is truly storytelling in motion.
