The Tour de France will reach its grand finale with a fiercely contested individual time trial in Nice, Alpes-Maritimes, France, on July 21, 2024. Tissot's ties to competitive sport have only grown stronger over time. Over the years, the Swiss brand has renewed its involvement.
[Article published on January 30, 2024]
The evolving technology of competitive bicycle timing
Pocket watches, once the foundation of sports timing, have given way to cutting-edge technology, and this year marks the 90th anniversary of the individual time trial.
Behind the scenes at each event, timing teams deploy a comprehensive technical infrastructure to guarantee accurate and reliable results: sensors are installed on the course, bikes are fitted with transponders, and photoelectric cells are placed at the start and finish lines to guarantee perfect responsiveness.
When the race is too close for the naked eye to judge, photo-finish cameras installed at the goal line provide valuable data and images. These cameras take 10,000 images per second and precisely analyze the crossing of the finish line to determine the relative positions and times of each player with high accuracy.
Tissot offers true racing value
But it's not all about determining the rankings and providing the finishing times. Tissot's responsibilities go far beyond compiling and transmitting the data. All timing statistics observed before, during and after the race are the result of its efforts. These are of great importance to fans, coaches, athletes, commentators and the media.
The computer is also equipped with a backup power source to prevent interruptions in the event of a power outage, and a human referee is always on hand to verify the results. This comprehensive timing system keeps track of the progress of the race and ensures a continuous flow of information.
Winning, losing and unexpected twists are part of the game. The timing sets the rhythm of the game and brings into focus the tension, emotion and passion of the race.
Over time, Tissot and its partner Swiss Timing, another Swatch Group company, have developed several systems based on information technology to ensure the same precision at each stage of the process, with timekeeping being a fundamental component.
Tissot has maintained a constant support for cycling for over 50 years, and over the years has been the official timekeeper of the UCI World Cycling Championships, the UCI Track Nations Cup, the Tour de Suisse, the Tour de Romandie, the Tour de France and the Vuelta à Espana.
