The world’s largest annual sporting event will be brought to race fans across the world through an innovative tech experience, delivered remotely for the first time by NTT, due to Covid-19
NTT Ltd., the official technology partner to A.S.O., announced it will bring the Tour de France 2020 to fans through innovative technology, which will allow them to watch the race from their homes in a unique way and be part of a ‘global stadium’ experience. Due to the impact of Covid-19, 70 remote NTT employees will operate from five continents to support the three-week long race that takes place from 29 August to 20 September 2020.
To create a digital
‘global stadium’ for 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.
Live data and analytics will be featured across multiple channels including:
· A
brand new Augmented Reality Data (AR) app: In
addition to the live race footage, the app will provide selected users with a
unique way of viewing and interacting with live race data and the amazing
landscapes of the Tour de France. For the first time this will allow fans to
appreciate the scale of the event in 3D from their home. With an unprecedented
view from the sky, they will see the riders among the mountains, valleys,
rivers and lakes, and have access to interactive live data on the race
whilst feeling like they’re actually viewing the race from a helicopter.
· Additional
data for live television broadcast: NTT Ltd. and A.S.O
will provide new data insights and visualizations as part of the live
television broadcast. This will provide a fresh way of seeing and understanding
the race, and how each team is performing.
· The @letourdata social
channel: The data shared across the @letourdata channel will allow fans
to keep up to date with what is going on with the race, even if they’re on the
move. It will also provide deeper insight into how the cyclists are performing,
their team strategies, and predictions from the #NTTPredictor.
· The
official ‘Tour de France Fantasy’ game: Gamification
of the race will enhance the experience for fans, with machine learning
predictions provided by #NTTPredictor at every stage. Fans are able to immerse
themselves in the Tour de France experience, competing with other like-minded
fans!
· The
Tour de France Race Center: The live-tracking platform
of the Tour de France has also been completely re-developed for 2020 to enhance
the user experience, and leverage cutting edge cloud platform services. Race
Centre 2.0 provides a second screen experience, showcasing key race data, live
rider telemetry and other insights including race predictions and race
commentary.
NTT’s managed services
will safeguard the operational success of the race. Managed collaboration
services will enable the global technology support team to communicate and a
secure-by-design approach will enable real-time threat management, ensuring
security.
Ruth Rowan, Chief
Marketing Officer, NTT Ltd. commented: “This is not just a first for the Tour
de France, but a first for sport; everything we would previously have done
physically has been moved to a remote environment. 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. Our work with A.S.O. has shown how, when we work together,
we can find solutions to do great things. Innovation means fans will see the
race in a different way, actually get closer to the action and more people than
ever before can enjoy it safely.”
For its 40,000 employees,
NTT Ltd. has also launched its Tour de France Hackfest – a competition where
anyone from across the business can suggest future innovations for the race in
support of creating the largest connected stadium in the world. The initiative
encourages employees to think differently and celebrates the company’s
innovation culture.
Rowan continues: “The
approach we are taking at the Tour de France this year will revolutionise how
sporting events are delivered in the future. We are using technology to take
the fan experience to the next level. The new challenges we’ve addressed in
preparing for this year’s race are inspiring our team to develop many more
fantastic ideas to attract a new generation of digitally savvy fans.”
Yann Le Moenner, Chief
Executive, A.S.O commented: “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. 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.”
Mumbai, India, 26 August 2020