Prévention des blessures chez le cycliste : développement d’un système d’évaluation de la position

editorial reviewe

A new protocol for real-time position and drag feedback in cycling aerodynamics

Engineering of Sport 15 - Proceedings from the 15th International Conference on the Engineering of Sport (ISEA 2024) In cycling, optimizing aerodynamic efficiency is crucial for enhancing performance, and the intricate relationship between precise cyclist positioning and their aerodynamic profile significantly influences performance outcomes. For example, when evaluating even a slight 5° tilt of the head, noteworthy variations in aerodynamic drag are induced, emphasizing the critical role of rider positioning.  Moreover, substantial variations in position are anticipated during cyclist self-repositioning on the bike. After evaluating repositioning error for three non-professional cyclists participants over five repetitions of three positions, errors reached up to 10° for the lower arm, 8° for the upper arm, and 6° for the back. These findings impact the precision of assessing cyclist aerodynamics, underscoring the interconnectedness of rider equipment, positioning, aerodynamics, and overall performance metrics. To address the current gap in real-time position feedback during aerodynamic assessments, this work introduces a new protocol. The protocol assesses cyclist drag in a wind tunnel, offering immediate feedback on both position and drag. </p