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BCE expertly managed the live broadcast of the Škoda Tour de Luxembourg 2024, overcoming technical challenges and providing seamless coverage to global audiences via Eurosport.
Broadcasting Center Europe (BCE) proudly completed its role as the official host broadcaster for the recently concluded Škoda Tour de Luxembourg 2024. This year’s edition of the UCI Pro Series race unfolded over five exhilarating stages, offering a global audience the chance to experience the beauty of Luxembourg’s landscapes and the thrilling competition of world-class cyclists. BCE’s expertise ensured that every moment was broadcast seamlessly across multiple platforms, including Eurosport and RTL Lëtzebuerg.
Technical Triumph in Stage 1
Stage 1, which ended in the historic Fëschmaart area of Luxembourg City, posed significant technical challenges due to narrow streets just 800 meters from the finish line. BCE overcame these obstacles by deploying a cutting-edge solution that connected cameras at the finish line directly to the Outside Broadcast Vans (OB Vans) via fiber optics. This ensured flawless live coverage despite the demanding environment.
Advanced Production and Seamless Signal Transmission
BCE delivered a robust and multi-faceted production setup throughout the event. Key components included:
- 4 HF motorbikes, which captured live footage of the race from within the peloton.
- A helicopter that provided stunning aerial shots of both the cyclists and the picturesque Luxembourg countryside.
The motorbikes and helicopter, in collaboration with NEP, transmitted via HF the feeds to a circling airplane, which acted as a relay station, sending the signals down to ground antennas before being transferred to the OB Vans. This ensured uninterrupted live transmission throughout each stage.
Between 5 and 7 cameras were deployed at the finish lines, depending on each stage’s configuration, as per the guidelines set by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). These were crucial for capturing the most dramatic moments of the race, from thrilling sprints to exciting finishes. A dedicated graphics team worked on-site to produce real-time overlays that provided viewers with live race information and standings.
Global Distribution and Local Streaming
The final production was handled in BCE’s OB Vans with a daily live broadcast on RTL Tele Lëtzebuerg and then transmitted via Satellite News Gathering (SNG) technology to Eurosport, which distributed the feed globally. Additionally, local fans were able to stream the race live through RTL Lëtzebuerg website, ensuring that cycling enthusiasts from around the world could experience the event in real-time.
Reflecting on the Škoda Tour de Luxembourg 2024
The Škoda Tour de Luxembourg 2024 once again showcased the beauty of Luxembourg while providing some of the most intense cycling action of the year. Over the five stages, riders tackled a grueling 707 km course that tested their limits across steep climbs, sprint finishes, and the iconic time trial.
Stage Highlights:
- Stage 1: Luxembourg-Knuedler to Luxembourg-Fëschmaart (156.4 km)
- Stage 2: Junglinster to Schifflange (155 km)
- Stage 3: Rosport to Diekirch (201.3 km) – The longest and most grueling stage.
- Stage 4: Individual Time Trial in Differdange (15.5 km)
- Stage 5: Mersch to Luxembourg-Limpertsberg (176.9 km)
From the breathtaking aerial shots of the Luxembourg countryside to the intense action on the road, BCE’s expertise and technology ensured that this year’s race was brought to life for viewers around the world.
“We are proud to have played such a critical role in the success of the Škoda Tour de Luxembourg 2024,” said Xavier Thillen, Head of Production and Digital Media Operations at BCE. “The technical challenges of covering such a dynamic and fast-paced event were immense, but the dedication and expertise of our team ensured that we delivered top-quality coverage to a global audience.”