The UCI Track Champions League has joined forces with Infinite Reality (iR) to unveil a mobile metaverse platform.
Per a Bloomberg report, this venture promises to redefine fan engagement in the world of track cycling, offering interactive features and content in the sports realm.
The collaboration between the UCI Track Champions League and Infinite Reality marks a move toward bringing fans closer to the thrills of track cycling. This venture leverages the latest Web3 technology, allowing fans worldwide to interact directly with top athletes and immerse themselves in the sport.
đWelcome to the UCI TCL METAVERSE : The ultimate fan experience for track cycling lovers đ±
Experience the future of track cycling like never before with a virtual, interconnected, and immersive digital universe tailor-made for passionate fans. #UCITCL | @Infinite_iR pic.twitter.com/dvmiVdnuSz
— UCI Track Champions League (@UCITCL) November 8, 2023
Interactive features to transform viewer experienceÂ
This metaverse experience, set in a virtual velodrome, offers an array of features that aim to elevate the fan experience to unprecedented heights. Public and private lounges are allegedly available, enabling fans who can’t be at the velodromes in person to interact with each other during races. This feature ensures that no fan misses out on the communal aspect of the sport, regardless of their location.
Among the aspects of this platform is the inclusion of live biometric rider race data within the broadcast. This feature provides real-time heart rate, cadence, and power data, offering an intimate glimpse into the physical exertion of the riders.
Additionally, the platform provides on-demand content, including race highlights, exclusive content, and an official documentary series titled “Back On Track,” which follows riders throughout season 1. This feature allows fans to delve into the history and intricacies of track cycling at their leisure.
Another aspect is the customizable camera stream. This feature empowers fans to direct their viewing experience, with options to go trackside or explore behind-the-scenes in the velodrome. The choice of up to eight live camera feeds, including a dedicated feed for metaverse viewers, provides a comprehensive and tailored viewing experience.
Enhanced accessibility and intuitive navigation
According to the report, the metaverse is designed with intuitive device navigation, including map teleportation and dynamic camera selection, to ensure ease of access for all users. The platform’s user-friendly interface allows fans to fully immerse themselves in the virtual world with customizable avatars, enhancing their interactive experience.
A highlight of this experience is the opportunity for fans to meet and interact with former UCI World Champion Matthew Richardson and reigning Olympic Champion Kelsey Mitchell in real-time virtual meet-and-greets. This feature provides a level of access to top athletes, bringing fans and their heroes closer together.
Recent studies by the National Research Group (NRG) indicate that over half of sports fans believe technology plays a crucial role in enhancing their viewing experience, with a significant majority using a second device while watching live sports. The UCI Track Champions League’s metaverse initiative aligns with this trend, offering a new dimension of engagement and interaction.
Availability and prospects
Currently, the UCI Track Champions League metaverse experience is accessible via iOS smartphones and tablets. Fans can join by downloading the app from the Apple App Store and completing a registration process. Plans for Android and desktop versions are already in the works, promising wider accessibility.
By leveraging Web3 technology, this initiative not only brings fans closer to the action of track cycling but also transforms how they interact with the sport and each other. The inclusion of live biometric data, customizable camera streams, and virtual meet-and-greets with top athletes like Matthew Richardson and Kelsey Mitchell further offer an immersive and personalized experience.
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