The company is offering “All Access” subscription packages for the Web and an array of mobile devices, including iPhones, iPads and Android devices.

Although the company offered some rider-tracking features last year, the GPS tracking is greatly expanded. On the mobile side, Android and iPad support are new, while iPhone coverage is expanded from the $14.95 live video package offered last year.

“It is a world where you can definitely not say we want to do what we did last year,” said NBCSports.com coordinating producer Tom Seeley. “That’s not acceptable.”

Last year, the tour was under the auspices of then-separate cable channel Versus, which has since become part of NBC Sports, thanks to the Comcast acquisition. On the TV side, the networks are splitting coverage, with the first few stages on NBC and the remainder on Versus. While there was some tracking of each cyclist, this year there will be more detailed GPS tracking for every rider in the race.

Even those who don’t want to pay will still have access to some Web and mobile features that complement the broadcast coverage, such as overall standings, news articles and highlights. Before the tour starts on July 2, there is also free content on NBCSports.com, including breakdowns of each of the race’s 21 stages, details on the top contenders, a variety of historical Top 10 lists and a look back at last year’s event.

On the mobile side, all but the live video and GPS tracking will be free, including video highlights, rider profiles, detailed standings, course maps and more. For Android users, there will be a free and a paid app, while iPhone and iPad users will be able to download an app for free and then upgrade to premium content from within the app. The pricing for all of the mobile apps is the same: $14.99 for those subscribing from now through July 11. Those who subscribe while the event is already in its second week (July 12-16) can do so for $9.99, while those who only want the final week (July 17-25) can do so for $6.99.

The Web-based online package ranges from $4.95 for a daily pass to $29.95 for the full subscription.

The length of the race and the time difference between the U.S. and France mean even the most dedicated U.S. cycling enthusiasts can have a tough time watching all stages.

But on the iPhone, users can see video of the event on the official Tour de France application from the Versus channel, which is showing the Tour in the U.S. At $14.99, the program is pricier than many iPhone apps, but it offers something many applications don’t — live video. Highlights, weather and detailed tracking also are available, and the app alerts users during important parts of the race. As of Tuesday, it was the third highest-grossing app in the iTunes store. Versus also is showing live video on the Web, with a service that costs $29.99.

Free Tour de France options are more limited.

Read the rest of this post on the original site

BoomTown managed to sneak into the green room at the Web 2.0 Summit last night to get a little chit-chat in with Lance Armstrong, the seven-time winner of the Tour de France cycling race title.

Armstrong is now probably going for his eighth one, much to the chagrin of France (yes, the whole country, as Armstrong notes in one of the clips in the video below), part of his “comeback” from a three-year retirement.

Here’s a video of him talking to me about his health and fitness Web site, Livestrong.com, and some snippets from his onstage interview with Web 2.0′s John Battelle, along with some crazy bidding for a bicycle he signed: