This is the most ambitious finish line of La Vuelta 22 that will change the future

In ‘La Vuelta 22’ there are 23 teams of eight members each: a total of 184 participants. Time trialists, leaders, domestiques, climbers and sprinters, among other profiles, which the viewer does not remove. But there was another group traveling with them. On four wheels, yes. And precisely for this reason in this edition remains especially connected. We are talking about the car fleet. His goal is another: to achieve a more sustainable Vuelta and reduce the carbon footprint of the machines that -also- participate in it.

The organization’s fleet of vehicles consists of more than 85 vehicles that track and accompany cyclists throughout the 3,280.5 kilometers it has added to its 77th edition. They are all hybrids (in addition to two 100% sustainable) but, due to the maelstrom of the race, their driving is not exempt from braking, acceleration and sudden movements, among other ‘gajes’ of the track, the cyclists and the route. to follow , and this may change the expected or desirable emissions and consumption.

100% hybrid fleet

To obtain and analyze relevant data on its location in real time, the behavior of its machines and the driving style involved in all types of routes, the company’s strategic digital business unit, Telefónica Tech, has the technology connected to more than one thirty vehicles from the organization of ‘La Vuelta 22’. In particular, it implemented the comprehensive Fleet Management solution, developed in collaboration with Geotab.

Combining the deployment of devices connected to the Internet of Things (IoT) and the presentation of data through the web on the analytical platform developed by Telefónica Tech, in ‘La Vuelta 22’ it is possible to know exactly not only where are the vehicles participating in the different stages, but also to understand how movement and driving style affect the fleet’s consumption and emissions throughout the journey.

To achieve this, the IoT device installed in the cars sends the data collected to the Geotab platform to pick up trends and detect patterns and anomalies that will be corrected in the cars where it continues to advance in its commitment to sustainable mobility. In this way, the application of IoT, Big Data and Artificial Intelligence technologies in the management of their vehicles provides them with useful and accurate information to make decisions aimed at promoting more efficient, safe and sustainable driving.

Up to 15% less fuel

In particular, the fleet management solution provides basic data such as mileage, positioning and visualization of vehicle routes, braking or sudden turns, detection of engine failures and fuel consumption to design statistics and visualize the possible causes of overconsumption. Important information to ensure that ‘La Vuelta 22’ is as sustainable as possible and that in the future many companies can make their transition to cleaner and more efficient fleets.

According to Gonzalo Martín-Villa, CEO of IoT and Big Data at Telefónica Tech, this solution allows, among other things, “fuel savings of up to 15%”. “I am very proud that the La Vuelta organization has decided to connect their vehicles to our Fleet Management solution”, added Martín-Villa. For his part, Iván Lequerica, Vice President of South and Western Europe at Geotab, said: “At Geotab we put sustainability at the center of our activity. We are pleased to be part of this initiative together with Telefónica and La Vuelta”.

Throughout its 21 days, ‘La Vuelta 22’ tackles seven mountain stages, four mid-mountain, six flats and two high-finish flats, thus becoming an important off-road testing ground for in vehicles that can provide maximum information. “Making a more sustainable and technological race are two pillars that should help us build our future. In this case, thanks to the Fleet Management solution of Telefónica Tech, we combine these two needs”, concludes Javier Guillén , General Manager of La Vuelta.