Long Time Partner Of Tour The France, NTT Ltd Presents Real Time Technology In Women's Cycling

JAKARTA - NTT Ltd., a leading technology giant, is using technology and innovation to enhance the fan experience at the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes Avec Zwift.

The most popular cycling race of the year will have its inaugural women's race (Tour de France Femmes Avec Zwift) starting on the Champs-Élysées on 24 July 2022, before the men's race closes on the same day.

The women's category race will feature 24 teams of six drivers and will conclude on 31 July 2022 at La Super Planche des Belles Filles. NTT has been the Tour de France's official technology partner for the last eight years.

For the first time in history, at a time when interest in women's cycling is increasing, NTT will bring fans closer to the action of the racers and experience thrilling moments through the application of real-time tracking technology to racers, the Race Center, and its predictive features at the Tour de France Avec Zwift.

This service also includes @letourdata, data-driven social media, and content. Rider and team profiles are also presented to provide a unique insight into the female cyclists competing in the main arena.

In addition, NTT together with ASO (Amaury Sport Organization) will provide a number of new and more exciting digital experiences to engage fans around the world, both at home and in person along the route. These experiences include:

• The Digital Human: NTT has developed an interactive booth featuring AI-enabled human avatars, capable of providing accurate travel information and relevant competitions. This technology will be installed in the official fan store in Grand Depart, Copenhagen, and at the NTT Technical Truck at the end of each stage.
• An enhanced digital twin: Last year, NTT created a digital race twin of an ongoing race, allowing operational staff to have real-time visibility and ensuring the continuity of the race. This year, technology has been upgraded to be more connected to deliver smarter events and enable faster and more informed decisions in highly complex and fast-changing races.
• Strava partnership: NTT's live storytelling channel, @letourdata, in partnership with Strava, will provide real-time comparisons between amateur, pro, and King of the Mountain racers (fastest time known) to social media and broadcast during the race.

“Increasing enthusiasm for female cyclists as we saw through the 2020 edition of The La Course By Le Tour de France Avec FDJ with over 30 million TV viewers, we are very proud to continue to expand our fan base and be part of this milestone for female cyclists, " said Michele McGuire, Vice President of Managed Services Delivery Europe NTT Ltd.

However, McGuire added, there is still a lot of work to be done to achieve equality in cycling, but NTT is very excited to do what they can to improve the accessibility of the sport. NTT's technology is their attempt to bring racing action to more fans than ever before.

“In terms of technology, the profiles of both races are very dynamic and require access to real-time information to ensure smooth operation while enhancing information and interactions. NTT's solutions and expertise will continue to support ASO in transforming this renowned cycling race," added McGuire.

Yann Le Moenner, Chief Executive Officer at ASO said that they are very proud to launch the Tour de France Femmes Avec Zwift and can count on a major technical partner like NTT.

"Our strategic partnership with NTT has proven to be able to bring fans closer to the action of the racers. This year marks an important moment for female cyclists, and fans around the world are excited to witness the first edition of the Tour de France Femmes Avec Zwift," added Moenner.

NTT's role as the official technology partner of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift means that NTT will also support ASO which also hosts three other women's sports events, namely Paris-Roubaix Femmes avec Zwift, Flèche Wallonne Femmes, and Liège-Bastogne-Liège Femmes.