Abstract
Objectives
The main goal of this study was to compare the aerodynamic optimization level in echelon-formation
strategy for riders fighting against a crosswind from the best (echelon or diagonal
paceline) to the worst riders' configuration (guttered riders).
Design
The case reported herein concerned a group of 5 cyclists riding at 30 km/h with a
30 km/h crosswind oriented at 40° to the direction of travel. The effects of the wind,
expressed in terms of aerodynamic resistance or pressure, were determined for each
cyclist in the different configurations.
Methods
The 3D numerical simulations were performed using a calculation code based on the
finite volume method and the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes turbulence model k–kl–ω.
Results
The results showed that the lateral force savings, averaged over the whole five-riders
group, ranged from 50% in the echelon-optimized configuration to 11% in the guttered
straight-line one, compared to a solo rider in the same velocity and windy conditions.
Individually, the rider with the best aerodynamic shelter is the 4th rider in the
“4 rider echelon + 1 guttered rider” formation (− 53.6% in drag force and − 69.8%
in lateral force), while the rider with the worst aerodynamic situation is the leader
of the straight paceline (− 0.1% in drag force and − 0.2% in lateral force).
Conclusions
The analysis showed how the spatial management of riders significantly influences
drag and lateral forces and supported the idea that avoiding being guttered is the
best way to save energy in windy races.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: December 10, 2022
Accepted:
December 6,
2022
Received in revised form:
November 15,
2022
Received:
July 20,
2022
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 Sports Medicine Australia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
