TV coverage of sports is changing rapidly with miniaturisation of cameras and new streaming possibilities. Formula-1 and the America’s Cup sailing matches are prime examples of these new formats and the added value that on-board camera’s can bring. Specialized researched the possibilities of utilizing these new techniques for coverage of various road racing tours, including the Tour de France.
One problem is that the various components used for live streaming, including battery packs, do not fit with the aerodynamic and little to no weight road-race bikes. With off-the-shelve components such as a RePlay action camera nSize developed various mounts to fit the custom geometry of the pro athletes gear. The custom mounts have been road-tested by various athletes.
In the Tour de France of 2015 various teams (including the Specialized teams) formed the Velon initiative, that selected and equipped a couple of riders with a similar go-pro system each stage.
