Cycling reimagined: Tour de France goes digital

NTT and A.S.O. enables first cycling virtual global stadium

by Mayren Guico / September 24, 2020

Filipinos love sports, that’s a no-brainer. Even from a young age, we are taught in school how to play, from basketball, to volleyball, badminton, and even football. You name it! That fact has always been evident in the Filipino culture; no matter where we are, or what we’re facing, sports are there to help us get by.

Nowadays, many people have discovered a newfound hobby and interest — cycling. Because it is easily accessible, cycling is not just a necessity under the now normal. Some people now see it as an escape; to get moving and take a breath of fresh air as they weather all these current storms.

In line with the resurgence of cycling and popularity of the sport, many people will be delighted to hear that one of the most iconic biking races, Tour de France, has gone virtual. This is to allow fans and cycling enthusiasts to be part of the global stadium experience no matter where they are in the world.

To create a digital ‘global stadium’ for cycling enthusiasts and fans who can’t be at the roadside this year, NTT and A.S.O. have made use of their advanced, real-time, data analytics capabilities to deliver its iconic Tour de France services remotely for the first time.

Thanks to their multiple technologies, you will find entertainment in this race whether you’re a fan or a new one. Be updated and interact with the live race data with the help of their Augmented Reality Data (AR) app. You no longer have to leave home to see the riders among the mountains, valleys, rivers and lakes, view the amazing landscapes of Tour de France for the first time in 3D form at home.

Not only that, NTT Ltd. and A.S.O will also provide new data insights and visualizations in their live TV broadcast and social channel. Don’t worry if you’re a newbie, with just a tap away you will get a better understanding of the race, how each team is performing, their team strategies, and predictions from the #NTTPredictor.

Got a friend who is into cycling as well? Experience the game together through the ‘Tour de France Fantasy’ game. Along with the The Tour de France Race Center,providing a second screen experience, showcasing key race data, live rider telemetry, race predictions and race commentary, immerse yourself in the Tour de France experience and compete with other like-minded fans!

According to Ruth Rowan, Chief Marketing Officer of NTT Ltd, this is not just a first for the Tour de France, but a first for the sport. “Everything we would previously have done physically has been moved to a remote environment. [This sport] has the power to inspire and we wanted the public to enjoy the race this year, even if they can’t be at the roadside.” She added.

“People have seen the benefits from [sports] even during the pandemic. Many people exercised during lockdown and now even more people are cycling to travel around. We can use technology to ensure the fan experience is richer than ever.” Yann Le Moenner, Chief Executive, A.S.O also commented.

The resurgence of cycling has surely helped pave way for a lot of opportunities in this pandemic. New to cycling? Don’t be daunted. The sport welcomes you. Experience the freedom, adventure, and bliss so commonly felt on the bike in this virtual global stadium.

Read also:

• Biking: The next frontier of urban mobility
• A glimpse into today’s telehealth transformation
• Combating the Pandemic with Innovation