Track cycling is a sport that exemplifies the importance of biometric data, highlighting how crucial it is for both competitors and fans. In this high-stakes arena, where races can be won or lost by mere fractions of a second, the insights provided through data become invaluable. This is where Amazon Web Services (AWS) steps in, offering a platform that democratizes this data, making it accessible not only to professional teams but also to fans eager to engage with the sport in real-time.
To connect with this wealth of information, fans need to download a dedicated application that allows them to monitor their favorite cyclists as events unfold. This data doesn’t just reside on personal devices; it is also broadcast on television and displayed prominently on large screens in velodromes and on LED banners, enhancing the spectator experience.
### Sensors Placed Everywhere: A Technological Marvel
The backbone of this data-driven experience is the technology developed by AWS, which captures and relays crucial performance metrics in real-time. Each cyclist wears a heart rate monitor attached to their belt, providing heart rate (bpm) updates four times per second, which significantly enriches the viewing experience. Additionally, power output in watts and pedal speed in revolutions per minute (rpm) are meticulously gathered through sensors embedded in the cyclists’ pedals and cranks, specifically from recognized brands like SRM and Favero.
Moreover, the competitors’ speed is tracked with an innovative chip located in the saddle post that utilizes Ultra Wide Band (UWB) technology to communicate metrics. Ensuring a level playing field, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) oversees equipment, confirming that all athletes use identical gadgets provided by the event organizers (WBD Sports) and managed by ITS for data accuracy. Phoenix is responsible for official timing, ensuring every crucial second is accounted for.
There is a clear differentiation between volumetric data (like position and speed) and biometric data (like heart rate and power outputs), all relayed through advanced wireless technology varying in protocols. For example, heart rate and pedal metrics are transmitted through the ANT+ system, while speed is communicated via UWB frequencies. A triangulation method akin to GPS calculates real-time positioning, revealing racers’ times only as they cross the finish line through a unique magnetic field identifier, which can process an astonishing volume of up to 450 messages per second during intense races involving multiple competitors.
### A New Atmosphere in Stadiums: Enhancing the Experience
To collect and manage this extensive data, 16 strategically placed WASP antennas around the velodrome consolidate the ANT+ messages. This system, first introduced in the third season, utilizes a frequency like that of Wi-Fi, enhancing data transmission capabilities. Furthermore, UWB points and timing lines strategically located before the finish line work to ensure accurate tracking and seamless data transfer. All these technologies connect to an AWS Snowball unit, which serves as a central data collection hub.
In a fast-paced environment like track cycling, AWS recognizes the need for rapid data processing. The Snowball units are pivotal, as they operate independently from the venue’s Wi-Fi, allowing for uninterrupted and secure data transmission to various platforms, including television broadcasts, mobile applications, and fan zones. This system takes less than 5 milliseconds to compile data, depending on fiber connections to AWS Cloud, which typically has its own lag of around 50 to 60 milliseconds. Data is processed and continued through various AWS services to ensure comprehensive analysis and dissemination.
### An Unprecedented Interactivity: Engaging Fans Like Never Before
The rapid transmission and processing of this analytical data not only allow fans to track their favorite riders but also creates captivating moments during races. For instance, when an athlete, such as Matthew Richardson, reaches an astonishing heart rate of 210 bpm, fans are immediately aware of the intense physical demands he is facing. Similarly, when cyclists produce an electrifying power output exceeding 2000 watts, it generates an admirative buzz among spectators.
This immediate access to live data marks the beginning of a new era for track cycling. In a sport that historically focused on aerodynamic engineering and strict precision, the integration of advanced technology fosters a dual advantage—optimizing athletes’ performance and enriching the audience’s experience. Ultimately, by immersing fans deeper into the action through these technological enhancements, AWS is crafting compelling narratives around each event and simplifying the sport’s complexities for newer audiences, ensuring a growing appreciation for this exhilarating discipline.
