The biggest cycling event on the planet, the Tour de France, will get underway for the 107^th time on Saturday 29 August – and for the first time in the COVID-19 world we’re living in. In response to the times, the Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O), organisers of the Tour, has teamed up with technology services company NTT to provide fans with an innovative way to experience the event from the comfort of their homes.

The global stadium experience will include an augmented reality (AR) data app, which provides live race footage and a way for users to view live race data, while being able to enjoy the scale of the event in 3D and seeing the riders from above as they cycle through mountains, valleys, rivers, and lakes.

Alongside the app, ASO and NTT will be providing deeper data insights and visualisations for the live television broadcast and through the @letourdata social channel. There’s also a ‘Tour de France Fantasy’ game and a revamped Tour de France Race Centre to enjoy.

“Over the last five years, we have built the Tour de France with NTT Ltd. and we have continued our digital transformation journey under unique circumstances this year,” said Yann Le Moenner, Chief Executive at A.S.O. “People have seen the benefits from sport 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. These changes are good for the world. For example, if we can use the Tour de France as a platform to accelerate cycling in cities, we can improve people’s health and lessen our impact on the environment.”