by Angela Guess

A new press release reports, “Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O.), organisers of the Tour de France, and Dimension Data, the Official Technology Partner of the Tour de France, today announced the introduction of machine learning technologies at this year’s Tour de France to give cycling fans across the globe an unprecedented experience of this year’s event. The race begins in Düsseldorf on Saturday and finishes at the Champs-Élysées in Paris on 23 July. This year, Dimension Data’s data analytics platform, which was developed in partnership with A.S.O., incorporates machine learning and complex algorithms that combine live and historical race data to provide even deeper levels of insight as the race unfolds. Fans will also benefit from rider profiles to understand more about environments and circumstances in which riders perform best.”

The release continues, “As part of a new pilot this year, A.S.O. and Dimension Data are exploring the role of predictive analytics technologies to assess the likelihood of various race scenarios, such as whether the peloton will catch the breakaway riders at certain stages of the race.”

Scott Gibson, Dimension Data’s Group Executive – Digital Practice said, “As more technology is introduced into sport, the viewing experience is transforming, and its popularity increases. What’s especially exciting for us is how we’re helping A.S.O. to attract a new generation of digitally savvy fans, and how advanced technologies like machine learning are opening up new possibilities for providing the insights that today’s fans demand.”

Read more at Business Wire, and check out the infographic below.

Photo credit: Dimension Data