MATSPORT Use ProChip Technology to Time the Amstel Gold Race 2024

In April French timing company, MATSPORT, utilized MYLAPS ProChip technology to accurately time the biggest cycling race in the Netherlands - The Amstel Gold Race 2024.

The Amstel Gold Race is a one-day classic road cycling race held annually since 1996 in the province of Limburg, Netherlands. It's part of the UCI World Tour, which is the highest level of professional road cycling events. The men's and women's races are held on the same day, both beginning in the center of Maastricht and finishing in Valkenburg.

The timing setup of the Amstel Gold Race

The ProChip system is an active timing system for high-speed sports with an accuracy of up to 0.003 seconds. It is suitable for professional events as it has the highest accuracy rates in the industry, helping to determine even the closest of finishes. Essential timing equipment such as decoders, transponders, detection loops, and timing software, is needed to time a professional cycling race. These components work together to capture and record the exact times of each cyclist as they cross the start and finish lines and intermediary timing points. 

The track setup of the Amstel Gold Race involved MATSPORT placing a decoder and loop at at start/finish line on the track. As the participants complete laps and cross over the loop, the ProChip transponders attached to the bike are detected and record their times accurately. 

A photo-finish camera was strategically positioned alongside the ProChip system setup. In a high-speed sport like cycling, when multiple bikes cross the finish line at the same time, it is useful to have a photo-finish camera in place as well as a detection loop and decoder. The close finish of the Amstel Gold Race meant it was almost impossible to see who won and the timers really needed to check the photo-finish and transponder times to see who won. It was a perfect example why accurate timing is required at the highest level of cycling. Following the race, MATSPORT timer Sebastien Crepin noted the alignment of results between the photo-finish and ProChip timing systems, stating, "The results of the photo-finish and ProChip transponders was exactly the same. We were delighted with the accuracy of the ProChip technology."

The 2024 winners of the Amstel Gold Race

After securing second and third place in previous editions, Tom Pidcock clinched victory at the prestigious Amstel Gold Race. The British rider had come close to the top spot in the past, but it wasn't until the 58th edition of this Dutch classic that he finally stood atop the podium. In an exciting sprint finish among a group of four, Pidcock came out on top.

In the women's competition, Marianne Vos showcased her expertise as she surged towards the finish line, overtaking Lorena Wiebes who celebrated too early in the closing meters. This victory marked Vos' second triumph in four years at this prestigious event, solidifying her status as a former Olympic and world champion in the cycling world.

MYLAPS partnership with MATSPORT

Earlier this year, MATSPORT and MYLAPS joined forces bringing the most accurate timing technology to the highest level in international cycling and to mass sports events across Europe.

Mike Terpstra, Team lead Active of Sports at MYLAPS EMEA spoke about the partnership: ‘At MYLAPS we strive to offer the ultimate sports experience to athletes, followers, and events. We have a passion for sports and cycling, and it’s great to see that MATSPORT has that same passion. We are excited that MATSPORT chooses our technology to offer the best timing experience to the world’s best athletes. We look forward to working together in the coming years.’

About MATSPORT

Specializing in timing, MATSPORT measures performance, develops TV display solutions and distributes technological timing and display equipment. The company is organized in 2 departments: MATSPORT Services, dedicated to the provision of services in sport, and MATSPORT Timing for timing and Photo-finish solutions. MATSPORT is located in the heart of the first French technopole “Inovallée” in Saint Ismier and works mainly on international sporting events and for world-renowned organizers, like A.S.O., ATOS, and FFA.