Highclere Castle will be the first UK Sportive to offer its riders the opportunity to use the new GPS ChampionChip Tracker system. This advanced and proven technology allows each rider to be tracked live and shows in detail his/her progress on the chosen route to anyone with Internet access.

In addition to a timing and results service, TDL Event Services will make available their new ChampionChip Tracking Service to all participants. The ChampionChip Tracking System uses the latest satellite tracking technology, integrating this with Google maps and satellite images. The result is a fantastic way for anyone with Internet access to follow the progress of their friends, and then for the riders to re-live their experience after the ride.

Participants who want to be tracked need to go to the secure website and pre-book the small Tracker X5 unit. TDL will then reserve a Tracker X5 for them to be collcted at the Start/Finish area before departure. The 85g Tracker X5 fits neatly into a small Neoprene pouch, which is carried around the rider’s arm. The Tracker X5 can automatically record rider data every 4 seconds which is then displayed on the TDL ChampionChip Spectator website. It can also connect to the cyclist’s Garmin or Suunto heart rate or cadence sensor and display this information along with speed, distance travelled, estimated finish time and track.

Anyone wanting to watch the ride simply logs onto the ChampionChip Spectator site and the ride will unfold in front of them. This is particularly helpful to anyone wanting to plan a meeting point to see a rider. TDL will be showing the event live at Highclere Castle on a big screen for anyone who is at the Start / Finish area.

Highclere Castle organiser Ken Robson is delighted, saying;
“For the first time, cyclists can re-live moments and talk about them, making the whole experience that much better. It’s not just the riders and their friends who will benefit, but organisers like myself. We will be deploying the trackers to our rapid response unit, motorcycle safety outriders and mechanical support teams. This way we can accurately pinpoint their positions around the courses which allows us to provide timely rider safety support when it is needed. It’s a win / win situation for all cyclists who take part in our event and sets new standards for a UK sportive.

The Highclere Castle MagnifiCat continues to accept online entries for its four rides and is now accepting online entries to reserve a ChampionChip Tracker. The first 50 reservations can look forward to 20% introductory saving.

For more details and to reserve your Tracker, visit www.cyclegb.co.uk/index.php?main=tracker

To enter Highclere Castle MagnifiCat sportive visit www.cyclegb.co.uk.