NBC Sports offers Tour de France fans a new channel to follow their favorite cyclists through a mobile application.

The app allows users to watch every stage of the race live on an iPad, iPhone, iPod touch and Android device. Users can also track riders? progress, get special clips and interviews and follow their favorite riders.

?In a world where nearly everyone carries a smartphone, even those traveling abroad, apps are a natural place for users to find updates and other information about a sporting event such as the Tour de France,? said Raj Aggarwal, CEO of Localytics, Boston.

?The Tour de France is inherently mobile and, therefore, people will want to access information and updates via their phone,? he said.

Mr. Aggarwal is not affiliated with NBC Sports. He commented based on his expertise on the subject.

NBC Sports did not respond to press inquiries.

Follow the race
The app was released on June 29 at the start of the Tour de France, and it will continue to be available until the end of the race on July 21. It is available at Apple?s App Store and Google Play for $14.99.

The paid app contains a number of different features.

Users can watch live video coverage of the race from every stage. The HD video also lets users pause, rewind or watch in slow motion.

Users can also track cyclists in real-time on an interactive map and access rider profiles by country and team.

Additionally, users can see stage results and overall standings.

The app also includes stage maps, elevation profiles, stage descriptions, top stories and interviews, official photos and access to the race?s Twitter stream.

Limited access?
Even though the app offers many features to keep fans plugged in, it may be a little difficult to access for some fans.

For one, the app is fairly pricey at $14.99.

According to Mr. Aggarwal, the price is not particularly surprising since the app is based on a short-term event, and opportunities to monetize are limited.

While one purchase through Apple's App Store allows users to access the app on any Apple product, it does not allow users to access the online version, which is a distinct product and requires a separate log-in.

Additionally, users can only access the videos in the United States, and the app requires 3G, 4G or Wi-Fi data to run.

Mobile sporting
Sports competitions, in general, have been flocking to mobile.

For example, Wimbledon created an app for users to follow the tennis championships (see story).

The New York Jets also uses an app year-round to engage its sports fans (see story).

For die-hard fans who want to know everything there is to know about their sport, mobile is clearly the way to go. It gives users exclusive access to games and championships and provides added information and resources.

?Mobile experiences are far stronger via an app ? faster, more efficient and more integrated with phone features such as location ? than on mobile Web, so it?s not surprising NBC Sports is investing in a strong app experience,? Mr. Aggarwal said. 

?Other services such as Hulu and Spotify follow a similar model, making their online services free, but charging to access via smartphone or tablet apps,? he said.

Final Take
Rebecca Borison is editorial assistant on Mobile Marketer, New York