Where to watch the Tour de France 2011 online

The Tour de France may be one of the most underrated sporting events in the U.S., especially given the track record of team USA. Still, cycling fans can hardly wait for the famous multi-leg race to start this weekend. The tour will be shown live on Versus, the Comcast-owned sports network, with repeats and highlights being aired on NBC.

But if you don’t have cable or can’t watch TV at work, don’t worry; the entire event is also available online. NBC is selling a Tour de France all access pass for $ 29.95, which will get you live HD video of every stage of the race all the way through the final leg, when cyclists reach Paris on July 24.

The network is also promising paying subscribers access to highlight video clips, interviews and other exclusive online content. All access subscribers can even personalize the race by tracking their favorite riders both via live GPS on Google Maps, as well as through a stats dashboard. All of this will also be available through dedicated iPhone, iPad and Android apps, which will be available in time for the race, according to NBC.

Speaking of timing: Versus will begin airing some of the pre-race activities starting this Thursday, but All Access subscribers will get their first live video feed Saturday July 2 at 7 a.m. EDT.

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