Innovative biometrics technology tool to make its debut during the 2016 Grands Prix Cyclistes de Québec et de Montréal

MONTRÉAL, Sept. 6, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - Groupe Serdy is pleased and proud to announce a strategic partnership with Velon to make riders' biometrics data available on various content delivery platforms in real time during cycling events. The new technology will premiere during the 7th edition of the Grands Prix Cyclistes de Québec et de Montréal (GPCQM), September 9 and 11.

As the organizer and promoter of the GPCQM — the only two stops on the UCI WorldTour in the Americas — Groupe Serdy has risen to the challenge of making its TV broadcasts of the races even more compelling than before.

Groupe Serdy leveraged its expertise in TV production and digital platforms to develop a one-of-a-kind, innovative biometrics technology tool that allows cycling fans real-time access to riders' speed, cadence, power, heart rate and position, in turn delivering more comprehensive understanding and analysis of a race as it unfolds.

A total of 104 competitors will be part of this ambitious project: four riders on each of the 11 Velon teams (and their partner Team Movistar) entered in the races, plus 60 from the other UCI WorldTour and Professional Continental teams in the field, and every member on Team Canada.

Thanks to the teams' collaboration, TV viewers, Web users and spectators lining the two racecourses will be able to track the biometrics data of the world's best cyclists, alternating from one athlete to another, on their TV, smartphone, tablet or computer.

Fans in Canada can watch live coverage of the races with biometrics transmission on the TVA Sports network in French, and on the website www.gpcqm.ca in English. On-site spectators at both Grands Prix Cyclistes will also be able to view riders' biometrics by logging on to www.gpcqm.ca. Around the world, the GPCQM will be broadcast on Eurosport, with the complementary, relevant data available on www.velon.cc and in the Velon app which is available for Apple and Android devices.

"We're thrilled to be partnering with Velon on this project, and delighted that the cyclists are so optimistic about it. I should add that none of this would have been possible today were it not for the work done in collaboration with a number of the teams during the 2015 races," says Sébastien Arsenault, President and CEO, Groupe Serdy.

"With this innovation, we're taking the TV experience to another level entirely. Our races are already broadcast on TV in over hundred thirty countries, and now fans all over the world will be able see the benefits of our innovation. That's incredibly exciting!" he adds.

Never before have cycling aficionados had access to such a wealth of data, both qualitatively and quantitatively speaking. 

"Groupe Serdy has created a technology platform right here in Montréal that can be deployed in a variety of sectors where biometrics plays an important role," Arsenault concludes.

Energized by work being done in Montréal and Québec City, both of which are world-leading smart/digital cities, it was only natural for Groupe Serdy to invest in a type of technology innovation that meets the needs and expectations of everyone.

Graham Bartlett, Chief Executive Officer of Velon, said: "We are delighted to be working with Groupe Serdy on making the GPCQM more exciting for fans in Canada and around the world."

"Our experience tells us that they really appreciate being able to monitor real-time rider data alongside great broadcast coverage and the teams are enthusiastic about using innovative technology to make fans more connected to the sport," he adds.

ABOUT GROUPE SERDY
Groupe Serdy is an independent company occupying a prominent position in the media sector in Québec. It encompasses the Zeste and Évasion television networks, Espaces, Évasion and Zeste magazines, the production company Serdy Vidéo, and a division responsible for organizing international sporting events such as the Grands Prix Cyclistes de Québec et de Montréal. Its highly qualified multidisciplinary teams work in synergy to provide integrated services in commercial strategy, design, production, postproduction and broadcasting for the TV, Web, magazine, event and publishing sectors.

ABOUT VELON
Velon was formed by 11 pro-cycling teams in 2014 to foster long term stability for its members and the sport. It focuses on partnerships and bringing the fans inside the sport.

It is wholly owned and controlled equally by the 11 shareholding teams.

Headquartered in the UK, the commercial organisation was founded by BMC Racing Team, Etixx - Quick-Step, Lampre-Merida, Lotto-Soudal, Orica BikeExchange, Cannondale Drapac Pro Cycling Team, Team Giant-Alpecin, Team LottoNL - Jumbo Pro Cycling Team, Team Sky, Tinkoff, Trek-Segafredo.

Visit velon.cc for more information.

SOURCE Groupe Serdy

Guy Voisin, Cell. 514 944-9040