Warner Bros Discovery has announced the introduction of a quad screen feature for its coverage of this year’s Tour de France.
Working in partnership with race organiser, Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) and the host broadcaster, WBD will introduce the feature for the first time in the history of the race when it gets underway in Lille on Saturday. Combining feeds from helicopters and motorbikes, the feature will enable viewers to follow specific riders while receiving a complete picture of the breakaway, peloton and grupetto.
A range of innovations housed at WBD’s mixed reality Curve studio will help the broadcaster tells the story of the race, including a virtual wind tunnel to explain aerodynamic effects and an inclinometer demonstrating the gradients faced by riders. Presenters will discuss tactics on a virtual team bus, and integration of VeloViewer data will provide viewers with route profile analysis and more visual storytelling.
Additionally, WBD intends to provide fans with exclusive content across its digital and social media platforms aiming to engage a wide audience with the Tour.
Scott Young, EVP at Warner Bros. Discovery Sports Europe, said: “In a golden era for the sport, cycling continues to captivate our audiences as riders keep pushing the boundaries of what is physically possible on a bike. We are excited to introduce new storytelling innovations such as our quad screen feature.”
The quad screen viewing experience will be available on HBO Max and discovery+.
