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The aerodynamic assessment of tandem cyclists in preparation for the 2021 Paralympic Games: A case study.

Dyer, B., Gumoski, K. and Starczewski, M., 2022. The aerodynamic assessment of tandem cyclists in preparation for the 2021 Paralympic Games: A case study. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part P: Journal of Sports Engineering and Technology. (In Press)

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Official URL: https://journals.sagepub.com/home/pip

DOI: 10.1177/17543371221100050

Abstract

Reducing the level of aerodynamic drag (CdA) via use of a wind tunnel will ultimately improve a competitive cyclists performance. Whilst this tool is widely considered a ‘gold standard’, previous studies have centered on single riders or scale models to evaluate aerodynamic drag. No study to date has assessed the precision of wind tunnel testing with the additional perceived complexity of a tandem bicycle with a pair of competitive paracyclists. The first part of this investigation evaluated the use of a wind tunnel in the assessment of tandem paracyclists. A male and female team of paracyclists riding tandem versions of either a time trial track bicycle or a road/time trial bicycle undertook a series of measurement intervals in a wind tunnel. Three different combinations of these riders and bicycles obtained a Coefficient of Variation of their mean CdA of 1.8-2.6%. The second part of this investigation acted as a case study by implementing a range of aerodynamic interventions to potentially reduce the male team’s CdA. For example, progressive efforts reduced a team’s CdA from the baseline of 0.338 m2 to ultimately 0.321 m2 predominately by lowering both tandem riders heads Whilst tandem cyclist performance enhancement has recieved scant attention in the past, this case study only highlights the value of doing so in the future.

Item Type:Article
ISSN:1754-3371
Uncontrolled Keywords:tandem bicycle; paracycling; aerodynamic drag; cycling; paralympic games; wind tunnel testing; disability
Group:Faculty of Science & Technology
ID Code:36849
Deposited By: Symplectic RT2
Deposited On:11 Apr 2022 12:43
Last Modified:24 May 2022 12:08

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