UCI bikes to be equipped with gelocation technology, cameras for Ponferrada races

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has announced that it will be conducting a test of positioning technology in the UCI Road World Championships in Ponferrada, Spain. The objective is to be able to locate each rider constantly, yielding a wealth of data for the broadcast coverage.

The UCI will partner with Euromedia for this trial in the 2014 edition of the UCI Road World Championships. The test will take place during the Women Junior (26 September) and the Men Junior (27 September) events, and the knowledge gained will be shared among the sport’s stakeholders.

Action video cameras will also be mounted on a number of bikes in this year’s event, following the success of other tests conducted on UCI road races this year. Shimano is partnering to provide the equipment during the UCI Team Time Trial training, Women Elite (27 September) and Men Elite (28 September). Post-production clips will be shared with teams, athletes, National Federations and media representatives.

UCI president Brian Cookson says: “The UCI is committed to bringing technology and innovation to the broadcast and fan experience of our sport. This year, as a first, we have supported bringing cameras into the peloton, and the results have thrilled fans. I am delighted we will be bringing this for the first time into the World Championships. I am also very pleased that the UCI is stepping in to support the trials of new innovations that will benefit cycling as a whole, and real-time rider identification and location is an area which has great potential to bring races to life for spectators.”