The use of radios is often efficient but at times riders lose radio connection and need communication with their teammates or to the car directly to understand what is happening in the race. But Visma's new tool looks to solve a more deep problem which is the lack of correct information during the races themselves. DS and team staff in the race convoy is equipped with the race radio, a radio with their own riders and often a screen in which they can follow the race - alongside more information, which depends on the team. But the screen in which they follow the race is delayed, even if by a few seconds, and when driving it is hard for the DS to properly analyze and pay attention to the race. Even with other members in the car, it is a difficult situation to access, and Visma's plan is to have a team analyzing the race in real time at all moments, to communicate with the team cars and make all the best decisions.
"The Control Room is a high-tech van, equipped with advanced software, making its debut during the Tour de France. With this mobile unit, the team can immerse itself directly in the race, ensuring perfect coordination with other members of the performance team," the team wrote in
their website. "Our Control Room collects and analyses crucial real-time data such as live TV footage, weather forecasts, and race radio. This enables us to support the coaches in the car, and help them make the best possible tactical decisions faster."
The short video shared by the team gave a small insight into the inside of the vehicle, in which there will be live feed of the race, analysis of profiles, results, the race route detailed to the smallest detail, and of course communication equipment to be on the line with the team at all times.
"This innovation would not have been possible without the support of our main sponsor, Visma, a pioneer in business software, and their invaluable expertise in data collection and visualization. BetCity, a Dutch provider of online sportsbetting, has also been a great support throughout the realization process."