Google Maps cyclist infrastructure layer flagged as search engine announces Tour de France tweaks to search

Google has announced a few “tune-ups” to help you keep tabs on the Tour de France. The search engine has also used the opportunity to flag up a few of the cycling-specific features of its Maps service.

A post on the Google blog says that Tour-related searches via the Google app for Android and iOS and the mobile web will return detailed information about the race and athletes as well as the latest news stories. You should also see the current standings, jersey holders and stage-by-stage results.

The post then goes on to highlight Google Maps’ cyclist-specific directions, which gives route suggestions influenced by the availability of dedicated bike trails in the area.

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There’s also a related cyclist infrastructure visual. From the normal map view, click to get the dropdown menu and then select “bicycling”. You should then see a colour-coded overlay highlighting trails, dedicated lanes, "bicycle friendly roads" and dirt/unpaved trails.