Photo by Jean Gerber on Unsplash
IS LOWER ALWAYS FASTER? In the second article in this two-part series, UK physiotherapist Bianca Broadbent and physiologist Barney Wainwright – who are both bike fitters – discuss the need to individualise aerodynamic interventions to make athletes faster. Read the first part in Issue 2.
I
t can be difficult to gain insight into the process
cockpit 40mm resulted in a considerably more
of aerodynamic optimisation thanks to the large
aerodynamic position for Cyclist A (37W lower
number of biomechanical and aerodynamic
power requirement to achieve the air speed),
factors at play — and their complex interaction.
which was more sustainable and was found to
These complexities mean that, sometimes, the optimal position involves making positional changes that may seem counterintuitive and may
offer an increased ability to produce power. It should be noted that while these are examples where a relative increase in the cockpit
be contrary to some athletes or practitioners' beliefs. However, these results and outcomes also demonstrate the importance of using an individualised evidence-based approach, where assumptions are minimised.
TRUNK ANGLE AND POWER The assumption that a lower torso position is a fast solution reflects current bike positioning culture. However, this is a very reductionist approach and fails to consider the individual rider and their unique body shape and functional abilities. As can be seen in figures 1 (right) and 2 (next page), raising the Figure 1. Front on views of baseline posi5on (le7) and final posi5on (right) for Cyclist A.
