Measuring and comparing descend in elite race cycling with a perspective on real-time feedback for improving individual performance

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Abstract

Descend technique and performance vary among elite racing cyclists and it is not clear what slower riders should do to improve their performance. An observation study was performed of the descending technique of members of a World Tour cycling team and the technique of each member was compared with the fastest descender amongst them. The obtained data gives us guidelines for rider specific feedback in order to improve his performance. The bicycles were equipped with a system that could measure: velocity, cadence, pedal power, position, steer angle, 3D orientation, rotational speeds and linear accelerations of the rear frame and brake force front and rear. From our observation study, the brake point and apex position turned out to be distinctive indicators of a fast cornering technique in a descent for a tight, hairpin corner. These two indicators can be used as feedback for a slower rider to improve his descend performance.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 12th Conference of the International Sports Engineering Association (ISEA 2018)
Subtitle of host publicationEngineering of Sport
EditorsHugo G. Espinosa, David R. Rowlands, Jonathan Shepherd, David V. Thiel
Place of PublicationBasel, Switzerland
PublisherMDPI
Number of pages6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018
EventISEA 2018: 12th Conference of the International Sports Engineering Association 'Engineering of Sport' - Brisbane, Australia
Duration: 26 Mar 201828 Mar 2018

Publication series

NameProceedings
Number6
Volume2
ISSN (Electronic)2504-3900

Conference

ConferenceISEA 2018: 12th Conference of the International Sports Engineering Association 'Engineering of Sport'
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CityBrisbane
Period26/03/1828/03/18

Keywords

  • cycling
  • descending
  • cornering
  • cyclist technique
  • bicycle control
  • training feedback

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