Aero Tech #1

Image Source: Team Denmark wind tunnel testing in preparation for the 2020 Olympics.

The track cyclist’s biggest enemy isn’t always other riders while out on the boards. Aside from a necessary mental strength to power through, the greatest battle to overcome is air resistance. At a speed of 50 km/h (31mph), about 90% of the riders power output is used to overcome the force of air upon the rider.

Modern innovations in cycling aiming to maximise the energy output such as ceramic bearings, low friction tires made from graphite and Teflon coated chains can make measurable differences in efficiency, but still do not address the major elephant in the room - air.

Over a series of blog posts, I will break down track cycling aerodynamics and respond to my research with a series of innovative concepts and product designs.

These blog posts will outline:

• Explaining what aerodynamics is

• Why it is important

• The history of aerodynamics in cycling

• Modern innovations in track cycling aero technology

• What the UCI rules allow

• Identifying areas where aero tech could still be explored in relation to the rules

• Identify trends in aero tech to forecast where it may head into the future

• design my own aero tech in response to my research.

We are interested to hear your opinions about where aerodynamic design and technology may head into the future of track cycling. Let us know your thoughts below.