Fighting crosswinds in cycling: A matter of aerodynamics
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…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a case report, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.
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