Systems and engineering technology provider Frazer-Nash Consultancy has announced the completion of a prototype cycling ‘Ergometer’ for use by Great Britain’s elite cycling team in their pursuit of medal winning success.
The machine has been specially designed for elite sprint cyclists, to simulate the resistance experienced when accelerating maximally. Unlike standard exercise bikes which tend to feature small flywheels, the machine uses a heavy flywheel which is geared to give an inertial load that is matched to the individual rider's mass and standard track bike setup. The flywheel includes a fan, providing increased resistance as the rotational speed increases.
The initial concept was put forward by British Cycling and the English Institute of Sport (EIS) before its development by Frazer Nash using computer-aided design (CAD) technology. A Dorking-based company were then brought in by Frazer-Nash to fabricate a prototype which is now based in Manchester. This project is one of a number supported by UK Sport’s Research & Innovation programme.
Alasdair Wylie, Project Manager at Frazer-Nash, commented: “This machine has been specifically designed to simulate the dynamic speed resistance curve experienced by elite sprint athletes, who are amongst the most powerful humans on the planet. It’s also measures the power developed by the rider by using a standard set of cranks manufactured by SRM. The intention is for this to be used for coaching and lab-based testing in a controlled environment, removing the need to compensate for external factors.
“We’re pleased to be able to help the British team in their efforts to win medals in the future. This is exactly the sort of project that allows us to use our extensive engineering expertise to the benefit of British athletes. We are also working with UK Sport on a number of other projects, creating bespoke solutions for a wide variety of sports.”
Research and Innovation Consultant at UK Sport, Dr Scott Drawer added: “This development provides another glowing example of how we are able to harness leading innovators from British industry to support our leading sports and their support teams in the quest for success. This vision from British Cycling and the English Institute of Sport was matched by creative thinking and execution provided by Frazer-Nash staff. ”
UK Sport - the nation’s elite sports agency - announced last month that it had awarded Innovation Partner’ status to engineering consultancy Frazer-Nash ‘in recognition of its support of British athletes striving to win medals at the world’s biggest sporting events. The partnership will see Frazer-Nash providing tailored engineering solutions to sports in preparation for the most significant events in their sporting calendar. |