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Tracker logo [Absa Cape Epic]

Track any team at the Epic

By Cape Epic, 03/23/14, 8:00AM HST

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For the first time the 2014 Absa Cape Epic will have live tracking and monitoring of approximately 600 rider teams over the entire 8-day stage race.

For the first time the 2014 Absa Cape Epic will have live tracking and monitoring of approximately 600 rider teams over the entire 8-day stage race. In a first-of-it’s-kind initiative, Tracker Business will deploy specially-developed lightweight tracking devices that deliver live rider information, such as speed and location.

This triggers notifications at specific geo-fenced areas on the route, to let race organisers know when riders pass a specific point. Using a secure API, the Absa Cape Epic was able to tap in to Tracker’s live tracking to not only show the live tracking of any rider team anywhere along the route on their website, but also to allow the Cape Epic to post location and event updates to participants' Twitter and Facebook profiles.

Weighing in at only 79 grams, the tracking device is specifically-built to be lightweight and small, fitting neatly in the back pouch of one member of each team’s jersey. Among the many features is an SOS assist button that, when activated, results in an emergency response team dispatch to the exact location of the rider in need, as well as the nearest hospital, nearest technical support, nearest sweep vehicle and shortest route to incident. The 200 EMS and logistics support vehicles will also be live-tracked, offering race organisers a live view of the vehicles relative to the race route with real-time assist notification using a customised mapping interface.

In addition, Tracker Business will be providing SuperSport with map interfaces for better broadcasting, and to the media centre to assist the media in knowing where to place their cameramen and photographers, depending on the location and timing of specific riders and incidents – ultimately giving producers and presenters the best angle to bring to their viewers.

Bronwynn Tippett, Chief Marketing Officer at Tracker says, “Showcasing our proprietary rider tracker solution in an event as well respected and challenging as this, is very exciting. Our partnership with The Absa Cape Epic offers the event organisers the ability to track logistics efforts, control situations more accurately and to maximise successful outcomes, making the race safer.”

The world’s premier MTB event is now in it’s 11th year and continues to introduce ways to improve rider experience. Jon Adams, Senior Commercial Officer of the Absa Cape Epic, says “We are thrilled to have Tracker on board, bringing a level of event monitoring that takes our quest for perfection with rider safety and enjoyment to the next level.

The relationship with the Absa Cape Epic further endorses Tracker’s broader safe cycling initiative - Ride Free - which focuses on providing safer cycling alternatives. Tracker’s Ride Free initiative kicked off with sponsorship and upgrading of two leading MTB parks; the well-known Ride Free Bike Park at Avianto (Muldersdrift) and the Ride Free Bike Park at Modderfontein Nature Park.

Bronwynn Tippett adds, “Our involvement in the Absa Cape Epic adds tremendous weight behind our drive to make cycling safer, whether it is in our bike parks or creating a safer event experience and echoes our desire to give riders of all kinds the freedom to ride…”

Contact Chad Fichardt at Mediaweb for images, interviews or information on live tracking at The Absa Cape Epic.