Vimalise a Bike has set up a control room to enhance real-time data collection at the Tour de France and will embark on a digital solution to support team decision-making and performance in its bid to win the yellow jersey for the third year in a row.

However, the UCI was quick to react to the news, releasing a statement saying, "We are currently validating the set-up implemented by the teams to ensure that it complies with the valid regulatory framework, particularly with regard to data capture and transmission."

UCI General Regulation 1.3.006 bis covers on-board technology. While data distribution such as rider position, speed, and power can be widely transmitted, other data such as physiological data, in the case of metabolic data such as glucose and lactate, can only be seen by the rider concerned, or not at all. visa-Lease a Bike is a TV Using a van full of state-of-the-art technology and equipment to analyze publicly available data, from video footage to weather reports to race radios, the plan is to provide a new tool for the team led by two-time Tour winner Jonas Vingegaard.

"We are very pleased to have developed the control room with our innovative partners. This will allow us to collect and analyze even more live data and get an overview of the race," said Mathieu Heyboer, the team's head of performance.

"This will allow us to support the coaches in the car and help them make the best tactical decisions faster," he added.

Team manager Richard Plug denied that data analysis violates UCI rules, telling Wielerfritz: "We use information that is publicly available in the control room. We are never in a gray area. We make the team leader's job safer. We report it to the UCI and of course they are more than welcome to come and take a look."

. [Vingegaard of Visma Lease-a-Bike suffered broken ribs, a broken collarbone, and a punctured lung in a crash at Iturria Basque in April, and initially it was questionable whether he would even make the start line.

He is now confirmed for the race, but Tadei Pogachar (UAE Team Emirates) is the leading contender for the race, given that he will be part of such a difficult lead-up battle.

Visma-Lease a Bike, a collaboration between main sponsor Visma, a software company, and gaming group BetCity, has been established to control the Tour de France from the first stage, which leaves Florence on June 29. announced that it would be using a control room.

"We are pleased to continue to offer our software expertise through the control room to help Team Visma Lease-a-Bike perform at its best. Together, we are breaking new ground in elite-level cycling and demonstrating the power of digital solutions to support decision-making and improve performance, not only in business and society, but also in the world of sport."

Teams never shy away from venturing into new approaches. The most obvious example this season is the new time trial helmet with its huge visor, huge protruding front edge, and wide rear wing.

Unlimited access to all Tour de France information - journalist reports, breaking news, local analysis from every stage of the race, and more. More info.