For this Explorer Tale we introduce you to a Stephan Geissler who put VeloViewer to good use during the pandemic to uncover tiles closer to home. Hear how Stephan’s tile hunting took off at Frankfurt airport. Continue reading
Author: Lucy Sibbald
Update on Strava API use and the implications for VeloViewer
Thank you once again for all the support you have shown recently, we know we are incredibly lucky to have such loyal users.
We have been working closely with the team at Strava and are appreciative of their partnership. At this time, we fully understand the implications and will be making a subtle adjustment to make sure that we continue to uphold the highest standards of data security and to ensure that we fully align with Strava’s API agreement.
The single change is that users who choose to share their data publicly within VeloViewer will now be asked to confirm consent regularly. Visibility will default back to ‘private’ if consent is not reconfirmed. Previously, it was a ‘one & done’ consent process, this change will help users to be fully aware of the data sharing that they have agreed to.
This change will be released in the next couple of weeks and all other functionality will remain unchanged. We hope that you will continue to enjoy exploring your data and planning your adventures with VeloViewer.
VeloViewer Update 3rd December 2024:
Your options for sharing data in VeloViewer have now been updated. This gives you more control over the privacy of your data.
Previously, when you synced your Strava data to VeloViewer, your data was visible only to you, across the whole site. You could then check a box to opt-in to make your Strava data public within VeloViewer (note this only relates to your public/non-private Strava data, VeloViewer has never allowed private Strava data to be shared). This option made your data visible until, either, your PRO subscription expired, or until you unchecked the box.
This has now been improved; when you opt-in to make your Strava data public in VeloViewer, it will only remain public for 7 days, after which it defaults back to private. On your Update page you can press a button each week, when you update your data, to keep it public, if that is your wish. We have tried to make this process as quick and easy as possible.
If you opt-in to show your information in the overall, and Zwift-Insider/100 Climbs leaderboards, as well as your public VeloViewer Explorer Tiles in the Explorer Global Heatmap, then those continue to be indefinite, no need to renew.
The place to initially share your data is in the Options section of your Update page:
If you check the box to make your data public, then the next time you visit your Update page you will see when your data is public until, along with buttons to reset the data visibility for 7-days from when you press the button, so in effect, you have the option to reset the clock. You will also see an alternate option to make your data private:
Why the change and why now?
Giving users choice and control of their data privacy is very important to us. We wanted to move to a system that makes data sharing as transparent as possible. The new system prompts users to consider whether their data sharing preferences have changed, rather than assuming that they haven’t.
This update was prompted by conversations with Strava and we believe it is a positive move for our users.
WayfloW x VeloViewer Collaboration
One of the highlights of the VeloViewer 2024 season is our new partnership with WayfloW which generates realistic videos of race segments via AI, and is now a feature in our WorldTour Package for pro teams. Continue reading
VeloViewer Stance on Safety
In this article VeloViewer Founder and Director Ben, highlights how tech solutions are used in professional cycling and how they can be applied to improve rider safety.
Explorer Tile Tales – Fuelled by Sausage Rolls
After tales of chocolate being exchanged for access to tiles, it seems VeloViewer adventures are fuelled by food – and this extends much further than a traditional cafe ride! In our latest tale British rider Peter Draper, a retired Professor of Nursing, shares how VeloViewer tile hunting has renewed his passion for cycling and increased his love of sausage rolls.
For our followers outside of the UK who haven’t had the pleasure of trying a sausage roll this is what you’re missing: a piece of sausage meat wrapped in pastry and baked.
Explorer Tile Tales – keep the faith
Discover how British explorer tile hunter and Vicar Graeme kept the faith to secure precious VeloViewer Explorer Tiles by using the currency of chocolate and the powers from above!
Over to Graeme…..
Tour of Britain – an inside view
When the Tour of Britain came to VeloViewer’s home town last week our Office Manager Rachel was on the scene in Sheffield to report on the event, and joined the Central Escort Group (CEG) for the race.
Here Rachel gives us the inside view on her experience….
Is it only a week since we welcomed the men’s Tour of Britain to South Yorkshire for Stage 3?
I had the absolute thrill of being invited to ride in the Central Escort Group (CEG) lead police car. It was an exciting opportunity to experience the race safety and security operations up close and personal, and in particular how the police use the VeloViewer WorldTour package to support their endeavours. West Yorkshire Police coordinates the CEG and is led by Sergeant Duncan Street. It is comprised of a lead and end of race car, CEG motorcyclists, plus is joined on race days by a group of National Escort Group (NEG) motorcyclists.
La Vuelta – All Eyes on Stage 20
Stage 20 looks like a stand-out stage in this year’s La Vuelta. It’s not only the penultimate day of racing but also the Queen stage of this Grand Tour featuring the toughest mountain riding.
From Villarcayo to Picon Blanco riders will face 172km with seven categorised climbs where the battle for GC and KoM points will make for an eventful day of riding, and captivating watching.
Explorer tile hunting
Our favourite emails to receive are from VeloViewer subscribers with tales of their explorer tile hunting. We’re always shocked at the lengths people go to, but also inspired by adventure seekers who find new ways to claim a tile, along with the buzz it gives them!
We were contacted recently by British Columbian Anna Bonga who shared details of her and her husband’s mountain biking adventure with the sole focus of collecting tiles. The journey involved riding, climbing and bushwhacking through prickly bushes and alongside downed trees, whilst also carrying ice axes just in case the soil gave way and they needed to pull themselves back up the slope! Continue reading
Lidl-Trek’s take on the Tour de France Femmes
With the third edition of the Tour de France (TDF) Femmes almost complete, at VeloViewer throughout the Tour we have been working with teams to ensure they have the data they need to maximise preparation, race tactics and safety.
For Lidl-Trek’s Assistant DS at the Tour, and Head Director of the women’s team, Ina-Yoko Teutenberg, the VeloViewer WorldTour App plays an integral role in the team and individual rider preparation, as well as on race day. Ina gave us an insight into the run up to this year’s Tour.
How does the platform assist you in your role as a DS?
This is my 3rd year using VeloViewer with Lidl-Trek and we use it for each of the WorldTour races. It helps to provide a good overview of the races and prep for them when they’re far from home, as we have the detail of each stage to help plan and visualise the route.